Festival of the Trees and the Nativity

One of their favorites with Max and the Wild Things

Before the Stevenson fam headed back to St. Louis to catch their flight, we hit up the Festival of Trees.  Of course they were out of gingerbread cookies, which they clearly had posted at the entrance.  Evidently a lot of people must JUST come for the gingerbread because there was a buzz in the parking lot about it and I did see a couple turn around and LEAVE when seeing the sign.  That must be SOME gingerbread.

So there won't be any commentary about how good the gingerbread was...and if there will be next year, we're gonna have to make it there before the last day of the festival I guess.  See what all the fuss is about...;)

The boys are a perfect age to enjoy all the lights and trees, which is why we went in the first place...and they weren't disappointed.

The train held their attention for about 30 seconds...but I think it was mostly because we had just gotten there and there was a lot to see.

Oh, cousin love!

We got in line to see Santa but we were there very briefly...it was long and it was an additional six dollars to actually sit on his lap, so after posing for pictures with the big tree in the center, we opted to wait to see a Santa's helper later. Love this picture though...even though Grant's pants are too short and his shoes look ENORMOUS.  Wowzers.  

 

After making the loop around and stopping to watch the live music (which reminded us of the Ana Gasteyer and Will Ferrell skit with Wilson High....look it up on YouTube...it's worth your while), we decided to get in line for at train ride.  All Aboard!!

We ran into the Nelson family in line and the big boys rode in the engine...while Grant and Jack were supervised with Lindsey in the next car.

This is the tree/scene that won first prize.  Landon got a big kick out of it of course...don't know if you can tell that 'Mrs. Claus' is bending over behind the tree there...and Santa is watching a little bit of television.  There also was an empty highball glass on the tv stand...made me feel better about myself.  Apparently Santa needs a little something to help him get through the holidays, too.

Me and My Cuz

After we came home, we got out the nativity scenes....my favorite, my Willow Tree set, 

...and the boys' favorite....the play set that Elmer brought a couple of years ago.  They play with it ALL the time.  The donkey even got to go to school for 'd' week in kindergarten for show and tell.  Landon calls the set 'the first gift of Christmas' since Elmer brought it, which I always enjoy.  :)  (Thank you Grandma Ruth)