Catch-up time!

My computer is still not back. The Geek Squad said the parts are in but it is still waiting at the factory to get fixed. :( But, the good news is that I figured out how to load our pictures onto Marc's computer. So, I have a lot of catch-up to do this week on posts before I start back to work next week! I have so many pictures to share and I want them to stay in order for my own keepsake and memory. So, I plan on starting these posts back a few weeks ago when we began celebrating the Christmas season.

We decided to take the kids to the Botanical Gardens for their illumination event. The garden pathways are lined with more than 4,000 luminaries and the trees and bushes are strung with lights. We knew Eli would love it! Unfortunately, the only night that Marc was free to go was the coldest night that we have had so far this December. So, I went out and bought hats, gloves, and long underwear for everyone to wear and we bundled up and headed out. We were able to meet up with our friend Kiran who is an international student here. It was great to get to see him (although I didn't get any pictures with him on our camera!). We grabbed some hot chocolate before we started walking the gardens which helped keep us warm!

My favorite area of the gardens was where they had blue lights bunched together and hung up to look like grapes on a vine.

I think Hailey and Eli stayed pretty warm. Hailey actually slept the entire time. :)

Afterwards we went inside to warm up a bit before we headed home. We munched on some popcorn while listening to a string quartet play some Christmas music. It was a fun night and a great activity for families (especially if you don't go when it is freezing!)

Look for regular updates this week as I sort through our Christmas pictures!