Magic at the Mill



Zoo Lights



This Christmas, Al and I did a few things we've never done before. We had never visited Magic at the Mill here in Salem and had never gone to see the Zoo Lights in Portland. So a week ago Friday, we bundled up and headed out to Mission Mill. It was really "small town" but fun none the less. Lots of lights, crafts for the kids, special entertainment, a fun model railroad layout, victorian carolers and a very interesting demo on how the mill actually worked (both before and after automation). And their Santa was fabulous looking. I think he was the real Santa. The cost for admisiion was $5 and it was worth every penny. It will be fun to take the grandboys next year.
A few days later, we joined Maryanne, AJ & Porter, Jana, JJ & Finn and JJ's sister Kristy and her 2 boys at the Portland Zoo for their annual ZOO Lights Festival. If you want to see lots and lots of lights, don't miss a Christmas trip to the zoo. It's really incredible to see every tree & bush, every fence, every walk-way, every building completely covered with multi colored lights. It's gorgeous! And all the little boys LOVED riding the train. We will definitely do Zoo Lights again.

Random Pre-Christmas Pictures

Porter showing Grammie the handful of grass he's about to feed Big Brown
My Hearts at Home girls after our dinner and party.
After the Gospel Christmas Concert, we had a nightcap at the gorgeous Heathman Hotel
Fun to ride the carousel with the special Christmas horses

Porter & Santa in front of the playroom tree

It's All Good

We left Hawaii at noon and it was 89 degrees. We arrived home at 9:00 p.m. and it was 39 degrees. The minute we stepped off the plane into the airport, it felt like Christmas. PDX was decorated beautifully and Christmas music filled the air. All the harried travelers were smiling and nice to each other. Even the TSA folks were in the holiday spirit. Now I'm not saying that being in Hawaii wasn't sheer joy, but there is something about dark and cold and rain that makes it feel more like Christmas. I'm so glad to be home!
We hit the ground running as we needed to get the tree up and all the decorating done that 1st weekend home. Al's family was coming for lunch on Dec 3rd and we wanted to have the house looking festive. And, although the decorating is all done, the Christmas cards and shopping are way behind schedule. This morning Porter and I hit Macy's for a few Early Bird Specials and I've ordered a couple of things on-line. But other than that, zilch! O well. A good attitude and a good plan are all I need to get everything done. Hope the grandboys like the mall :-)