lighted gardens

We went to the local garden's light festival.  People who live in cold areas have light displays in local parks or on lakes and they can drive through in their cars with the radio tuned to a specific station to hear holiday music while they enjoy the beauty of the season.

Well, here, it isn't that cold.  You don't have to hole up in your car to enjoy a light display. 

We walked through the gardens Monday from 5:00 to 7:00.  When we first arrived, someone told us Santa had no line and that he normally had a long line.  Their suggestion to go right there was a great one! 

Here is Santa (our fourth visit with Santa this season and not once have my delightfully naive children questioned why the big guy with the beard has looked different 4 times.  They just remind him that he already knows what they want.)   I remember meeting this Santa several years ago at Golden Corral.  He sticks out in my mind because he is the Santa who told us that he will find us at Grammie's, but he also likes to let children know that he truly knows where they live.  He will leave a present or two at our own house to find when we return from vacation. 

In this picture, he is explaining to the kids that he does not make the Naughty or Nice List.  He actually has no control over the categorization.  He simply has access to the list.  He told Carl & Gretchen that it is up to them and their behavior to keep themselves on the Nice list.  They are in control of their destiny! 

After wishing Santa a Merry Christmas, we headed back to the Lego display.  It is one guy's personal collection.  150, 000 Legos!  So cool!!!

Then, we headed outside to walk the grounds.  We were especially on a mission to find where the popcorn smell was coming from.  Carl was obviously hungry and extremely whiny (which for him, means loud and dramatic... not fun.)  The popcorn only took the edge off his behavior and loud announcements that Daddy was hurting him (by simply holding his hand) and other fun out in public outbursts.  Gretchen continued to be her usual combination of Big Ken and Aunt Lila... she talked to everyone she met!  People love her!  In her best Grampie style, at one point we overheard her telling someone how to find Santa's tent.  She had no clue.  But, she gave them directions.  Making crap up.  Grampie was famous for that. 

I forgot the part of the tripod that attaches the camera to the legs, so I didn't get a ton of cool shots, but I sure enjoyed just walking around in the beautiful weather and enjoying them all.

 The gazebo with grape vines was beautiful!

 Normally, the gardens close before dusk, so I have never gotten to see the bottle house at night. 

Nearby, they had bottles on the trees.

After, we headed over to Five Guys for dinner.  Perfect ending to a great evening!