When I was growing up, my family always celebrated Christmas with a trip to the Christmas tree farm. It was one of my favorite traditions, but now that there are grandbabies and multiple work schedules and so many more people in our family, it's too complicated to make the Christmas tree farm happen. Instead, the new tradition seems to be the Garden Glow at the Botanical Garden. Thanks to my parents, we have all been able to go as an extended family the past few years, and it is one of our favorite parts of the season now.
Tonight was the family trip, and everyone except Billy was able to be there. Mom is still recovering after her knee replacement surgery, so Chris and Dad took turns pushing her in a wheelchair.
She might have had the best seat in the house!
I just love Lily's excitement in this picture. Also, you can practically see Mom radiating joy from being at the Garden with all of her grandbabies.
Lily was thrilled with the whole thing.
She also loved decorating the snowmen.
The field of colored luminaries were a new feature this year, and they were gorgeous!
The light tunnel is always a favorite.
All the kids got in the big snow globe, but Max didn't want to go out on the stage.
Playing chase inside a tree of lights.
These two are best friends, and I love it.
Peek-a-boo!
(It was not warm enough for long sleeves and no coat. I have no idea why my child eschewed the coat, hat, and mittens I brought for him.
There was a field of blue lights, and Lily immediately began singing "Let it Go". You know, from Frozen? She was pretending to be Elsa.
She stood up on a "stage" in front of the blue lights and sang her heart out. It was adorable.
Does this look familiar?
You know I can't resist a good series, so we had to stop by here (the kids call it the "cheese slice") to recreate this picture:
Pretty fabulous, right? I wonder what next year will look like! (Hint: no more babies. Maybe Eli holding my hand, instead of being worn?)
Best friends.
Cutie pies!
All of their grandbabies are in this picture, they're just not all visible. (Max and Jace are hiding in the trees somewhere.)
Emily and Ryan! Can you believe he will be 19 soon???
We did this visit with out the BOB, which was liberating. Chris brought our Lillebaby, though, and Lily hopped up for snuggles whenever she was tired or cold.
Lovely.
Taking a break.
I'm pretty sure this was my Mom's favorite part.
Do you blame her?
Like I said - best seat in the house!
Then we took a s'mores break.
By the end of the evening, Jace was worn out. Emily borrowed our Ergo, and up he went. What a happy little guy!
Chris and I ended our night under the mistletoe, with Eli under my coat, Lily on his back, and Daisy hiding somewhere outside of the frame.
They were too cold and tired to cooperate for this picture, but look at how happy they are!
Except for Eli. He was just done.
What a fun evening!
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