Interlochen 2014

12.17.2014

Every year we drive over to a neighborhood in our area called Interlochen to see the light display. Last year a lot of houses were for sale so there weren’t the usual elaborate displays. This year they changed the path and a lot of new displays were up which was really fun to see. Dani just kept squealing with excitement which was funny.

12.17.2014

12.17.2014
12.17.2014

Christmas Portraits 2014

Christmas Portraits 2014
2013

We attempted to re-create the Christmas photo from last year with Dani, but it didn’t quite work, but it’s totally adorable anyway.

Christmas Portraits 2014
2014
Christmas Portraits 2014
2014

After the group shots we tried for individuals and this is what Dani thought of that!

Christmas Portraits 2014

Christmas Portraits 2014

Christmas Portraits 2014

Christmas Portraits 2014

Gingerbread Houses 2014

Gingerbread Houses 2014

The first week of December my friend Laura invited us and some other friends over to make gingerbread houses. Nadia and Amelie knew exactly what to do so I let them have at it and helped Dani. She thought it was so much fun to eat the candy and decorate. Amelie said it was fun because, “Auntie Laura lets me use a lot of chocolate.” I was really happy that another mutual friend Mary was visiting also so we got to catch up a little bit in between all the candy consumption.

Gingerbread Houses 2014

Gingerbread Houses 2014Gingerbread Houses 2014

Gingerbread Houses 2014
Nadia's creation
Gingerbread Houses 2014
Amelie's creation

 

Gingerbread Houses 2014
Dani's creation

 

Prairie Lights 2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014
Click to see the entire album

One of our family traditions is to go to Prairie Lights each year at the beginning of December. We know how crowded it gets so we always make it one of our first Christmas time plans. We grab some food to eat on the way and try to get there right when it opens at 6 pm. They had changed up at least two big sections of the lights this year and left the two new ones from last year. Dani loved it and was screaming with excitement as we drove through the park. It was so fun to hear her joy and delight.

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

In the middle of the drive they have a Christmas village set up where you can get out and ride a carousel and spinning ride as many times as you want. We started there because the lines start to get really long as the evening goes on. The girls have so much fun with this each year. I let Nadia and Amelie spin the big bear so I could hold onto Dani and see if she liked it or not. She really liked it and how fast they were making it go.

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

We tried to take a photo with Santa, but it wasn’t the usual man who is really good with the kids and they were really abrasive when we were trying to see the samples so we didn’t buy any photos this year. After that we went through the walk through lighted part and it felt like we had the entire place to ourselves. It wasn’t nearly as cold as prior years and we just strolled along. Once that was finished we went into the main area again for the “show.” This year it was just music and laser lights instead of live action like last year.

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014

Prairie Lights 12.3.2014