Wrapping Up 2013 In 2014 Pt. 2; Christmas Lights Everywhere!

Instead of blogging about our December chronologically, I am going to do it somewhat thematically instead. As a family, we seemed to have a lot of similar activities throughout the month. Like look at lots of lights!

I am a sucker for Christmas lights; they bring a sense of optimism, cheerfulness, and peace into any neighborhood. So it should come as no surprise that if there is a large light display anywhere in town, I'll make an effort to seek it out. We committed one evening to driving around our home neighborhood and seeing all the displays there (some of which were very lovely, although I'm sorry to say I didn't photograph any of them). But we also visited two of our favorite locations for Christmas lights: the Reid Park Zoo and Winterhaven, a neighborhood in Tucson that's known for its elaborate displays.

Zoo Lights

I don't know how much longer our family will remain members of the Reid Park Zoo, but it's been a wonderful place for our young kids to visit. One of its perks is the yearly Christmas lights display. In past years, we have always gotten to see the lights for free, due to our membership. However, this year, we actually had to pay admission! Wah! (discounted admission, but still...) We were initially disappointed by this, but we actually enjoyed ourselves more than in years past. The crowds were a lot smaller, and we felt less claustrophobic and hurried as we strolled around looking at the lights.

It was still pretty cold, though! Luckily, the girls warmed up as we walked.

We listened to an accordion ensemble play some Christmas carols. Weird, yet cool.

Fake snow! The part of Arizona Christmases that makes our kids happy, and makes me sad because I miss the real thing.

Aurora jamming on the xylophone outside the elephant exhibit

Celeste showing off her musical skills

We'll head to the Zoo light for one more year for sure. Then, in 2015 when our membership has lapsed...who can say? But it has given us many happy memories.

Winterhaven

 Just a couple of days before Christmas, we decided to get in the holiday spirit a little more by strolling through Winterhaven for its annual Festival of Lights. By now, we were out of school, and only a half-day of work remained for Nathan before his vacation began. We were feeling mellow and relaxed, and ready to see some beautiful sights. And, as usual, Winterhaven did not disappoint.

Some of the homes in Winterhaven change their decorations every year. Other keep the same motif for years on end. Either way, many of the displays are obvious labors of love and have great ingenuity. They are great for kids and adults alike. Here are a few of our favorites:

 

We had fun posing as the characters from my favorite Christmas movie (yes, Nathan was the mother and I was off to the side; apparently, I was a background extra in the film)

THIS was in their front window. A MAJOR AWARD.

Looks like somebody got triple dog-dared.

This was a silhouetted shot of a desert skyline posted atop someone's house...I thought it was very pretty. The picture doesn't do it justice.

Christmas TARDIS!

Someone got a vintage fire truck on their front yard; the fireman off to the left is rescuing Santa from out of their tree!

Santa & Mrs. Claus working on their golf swings in the off-season

There were more than one Minion-themed yards this Christmas (from the Despicable Me movies)

I always love this house; when it decorates the door, it looks like a gingerbread house.

This house had cows in the yard, so of course it was Lorelai's favorite.

This house was inspired by Elf, my other favorite Christmas movie

We managed to walk all the way through the neighborhood (we pushed the stroller, so the kids could take periodic breathers)...that may have been a first for the whole family to do it together in one trip! Afterwards, we ducked into a Wendy's and had a quick snack to warm ourselves up and rest. Then, we headed home, tired but full of Christmas spirit.

Our own house lights aren't too exciting (white icicle lights strung along the lower story of our home, plus a lighted reindeer & Christmas tree in the yard), but it always makes me happy to plug in the lights every evening. They are great to come home to! I'm not sure my house will ever look as glamorous as some of the homes in Winterhaven, but I will probably always have some kind of lights up every holiday season. It helps me enjoy the holidays even more than I already do (and that's saying something, if you know me!).