We had a jam packed December this year. We did a lot of family activities thanks to our Advent Calendar (thanks again to Lee for making us our beautiful Advent Calendar!), we visited Meijer Gardens twice, plus we had many different Christmas celebrations with family. We are so lucky!
Some of the Advent Activities that we enjoyed were:
- Board Game nights
- Christmas movie watching - the favorites this year were: Polar Express, Prep and Landing, and The Grinch (the original cartoon version).
- Driving around to look at Christmas lights
- Baking Christmas cookies
- Hot chocolate
- Writing letters to Santa
- And a carriage ride downtown
Meijer Gardens Visit #1
We went to the Christmas Trees Around the World exhibit at night. They had lots of activities for kids, tram rides outside in the sculpture garden, and Santa and Mrs. Clause.
The kids had fun chasing the gigantic train that runs through several rooms. (You can see the train on the elevated track above their heads).
Here the kids are cozying up to Santa (neither would get on his lap).
Carter let Santa know he wanted Star Wars Legos and Mia barely squeaked out her request of "princesses" for Christmas. He must have heard her though, based on all the barbies and dolls he brought her.
They did warm up to Mrs. Clause and her candy dish after the forced meeting with Santa.
One of our very favorite activities of December was the carriage ride! Grandpa and Grandma Jernstadt invited us to go on a beautiful tour of downtown Grand Rapids via horse and carriage. It was a chilly evening but we saw a lot of spectacular lights and great views of downtown.
Here we are meeting our horse, Sadie.
On the ride.
Meijer Gardens Visit #2
The second holiday Gardens trip was for my work party. Santa made his rounds at this party as well and Carter actually felt comfortable enough to sit on his lap!
Deep in thought regarding his wish list.
Mia wouldn't even go near Santa this time.
Hanging out in the beautiful greenhouse.
We loved all the Advent activities, the kids are bummed it is over and are already looking forward to it next year!
2 comments:
Loved all these new postings and the joy of seeing my grands and great-grands enjoying the holidays.
Also, thinking what a gift old Fred gave to his home town, with those beautiful gardens. May he rest in peace!
Hugs to all-
GiGi
How lucky we were to have Sadie show us the beautiful Christmas lights downtown in her warm,cozy carriage!
Love the sound of her jingle bells, and the clomping horse hooves.....Merry Christmas!
XXOO Grandpa and Grandma Jernstadt
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