A Candlelight Christmas

Grandma Kathy had a great idea.  It was to do a fun Christmas Activity each week as a family.  The activity for the first week was a visit to This is the Place Heritage Park.  It is called a candle light Christmas.  I definitely suggest going.  It was so fun.  My boys had such a great time.  There is a train ride, live reindeer, crafts, hot chocolate, dancing, an Elf Village,  a Live Nativity (my favorite), carolers,  lights, and so many more fun little things to do as a family and experience a more simple Christmas.

  

The boys are still smiling, even after being there a couple of hours.  That is a great thing!

 The boys and Jen checking out the reindeer.

 This man was showing us how they use to make greeting cards - 2 at a time.  The boys got to help him work the press.

 There are a bunch of carolers that wander around and sing.  We had just finished learning some dances when they came into the building and did a private little show for us.  The boys thought that this was so cool.
 

 This is inside the John W. Gardiner cabin (one of my great Grandpa's cabin). This man told the story of Nicholas and the stockings.  The boys were able to choose a stocking to bring home.

The boys playing in lots and lots of leaves!  

 Kaige found his name on the Naughty list while we were in the elves' village.  He was given some edible coal.  (he actually added his name to it, himself!)

 This was a fun little puppet show about how Santa chose the reindeer to help pull his sled.  

Max visiting with Father Christmas.

Kaige didn't know what he wanted so Father Christmas told him that he would bring him a bag of reindeer poop.  He was thrilled with this idea.  After he got done, he said, " That wasn't as scary as I thought!"  Hopefully he won't be so shy anymore.

Boo loved this guy.  He was in no hurry to move on to the next kid... This was perfect for Boo because he loved to talk to him about everything!  He loves to visit with people.

There really were a lot of fun things to do and see.  The boys made a bird feeder from a pine cone and and icicle ornament.  After the rest of the family left, the boys and Grandma and Grandpa went and had hot chocolate and soup at the old hotel.  It was fun and yummy!  There were a few things we didn't have time to go and do so we will have to go back next year.  

On the way home, we were talking about what part was everyone's favorite.  Kaige  said it was the Jesus part because it made him feel so happy and good.  This was the first live nativity that my boys have seen.  Max thought that Jesus was a robot baby.  He asked if it was real, how come he never cried and just smiled. It  was great family discussion on the calming effect the spirit has on us.  I am grateful that my boys had the opportunity to experience the Spirit.  I love when those experiences happen for them.