Luminaria

Is it too early for Christmas lights?! We didn't think so! This year, as everyone looked at their calendars, we could only find one weekend that we could make this annual tradition work - the weekend BEFORE Thanksgiving. It's crazy to think that we are already dipping our toes in Christmas traditions and still haven't eaten our turkey yet. However, I have discovered that the lights are just as magical and mesmerizing before a hearty turkey and mashed potato meal as they are after. Because of the time we had to go (earlier for the littles), our tradition of eating at the Harvest restaurant before we strolled through the lights had to be modified to eating at Strap Tank instead because the Harvest didn't open until 5:00...at the same time we had our tickets. Still, our food was just as delicious. We finished eating then headed over to the lights (with the candied pecans I had made earlier in tow). For the next (nearly) two hours, we strolled through a wonderland of holiday sights, sounds, and smells. Each year, they add something different. This year it was a fire and light display at the waterfall. However, they still had some of the old favorites, like the jumping lights from last year. I missed the carousel horses that Jonas and I had taken pictures in front of for the past few years, but the lanterns in the Light of the World garden were still as serene as ever. Carter was more aware of the lights this year. He just kept taking it all in. I think he might have been a little overwhelmed, but he seemed to enjoy it still. I love this tradition. I love seeing the lights. I loved getting in the holiday mood, even before Thanksgiving. Yes, it's usually crowded and a little crazy trying to keep everyone together, but it's worth it for those moments we share and the smiles we carry.