During the holiday season, we like to try to do at least a few memorable things as a family, before heading up to Michigan to celebrate the holidays. This year, we found out that there was a "Festival of Trees" charity event at a local hotel, where you could vote for your favorite decorated Christmas tree. By voting for that tree with money in an envelope, you would be giving money toward that particular charity. The hotel offered free hot cocoa, cookies and apple cider.
When we walked into the Embassy Suites, Ava immediately saw a pink Christmas tree and was in love. :) There were so many trees! (30!) And each of them had a different theme / decorations.
We got some hot cocoa, but I think the kids both burned their mouths on it...it was scalding hot! While the cocoa cooled off, they rode the glass elevator with Doug.
Then came the voting. Ava originally wanted to vote for the tree that had ballerinas on it. The charity was The Atlanta Ballet. Considering the numerous other organizations that dealt with more immediate needs, I was hoping she might change her mind. ;) She decided on a charity (the name escapes me right now) that helped kids become leaders. If you pushed certain buttons near the tree, there was a narrative with kids' voices that mentioned how they were learning to become leaders. Great choice! Liam decided on a tree that had little wood houses on it. I think it might've been Habitat for Humanity or a very similar organization. They both put their envelopes in the box and we headed out the door.
On the way home, we decided to cruise by Life University's "Lights of Life." Each year they put on an impressive Christmas light display through which you can drive. The kids LOVED it. These are pictures, a few snapped in the car, with my phone. Although a few are blurry, it captures the essence of how magical the lights are.
Liam has officially trademarked the term "awesome lights," and will say "Look at the awesome lights!" If you say "awesome lights," though, he will say "No! Don't say that!" I think he thinks he owns the phrase. :) This year the kids, Liam especially, have gotten excited over the most meager of Christmas light displays. I love it. I hope they always do!
Peace, love and a silent and light-filled night,
Shelly, Doug, Ava and Liam
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