Holiday Sparkle

We woke up to snow on the ground this morning as a small winter storm moved through the area overnight.  While I had big plans to run lots of errands and get so many things done today, I decided that I would really rather avoid the slippery roads and crowds of people that will most likely be out finishing their last Christmas preparation rush this morning.  It is just one week until Christmas day, and the final weekend before the holiday, so I know there will be crowds.  I don't want to deal with the extra traffic and all of those people rushing around, so I decided to spend the morning at home instead.  Hopefully the weather clears up later this afternoon and we can still get out to check a few things off the to-do list and have a little fun.

The last week we have taken advantage of the mild temperatures to continue to enjoy some fun holiday traditions.  On Sunday, our local pet store had the opportunity for pictures with Santa.  They had a photo area with props and cookies and goat's milk as a snack for the dogs after the pictures.   With the temperatures near 50 degrees, I decided that rather than drive the 2 miles to the store, we'd walk there.  I was hoping that the walk would burn off some of the girls' energy.

We had a nice walk and the girls were very excited to explore a neighborhood that we don't normally walk through.  I was thankful that there was no line for Santa when we arrived because the girls were full of crazy excitement and energy.  They did great with the pictures and I am just waiting for the final prints to show up in the mail.  I can't wait to see them!  The girls enjoyed a nice walk around the store and their cookies and goat's milk before we had a nice walk home again.  Since it was a beautiful afternoon, we spent some time outside after we got home.  It had been a nice little adventure close to home and we all had a fun day.  

Monday was another sunny day so we took advantage of the weather to get out for a mid-day walk around the neighborhood.  I really enjoy these opportunities to get out with the girls on my lunch and spend time in the sunshine this time of year when the sunset is so early.  It improves all of our days and makes my work days so much better knowing that I can get out and enjoy this time with the girls.  

Temperatures dropped a bit on Tuesday and I had a full day at work, so we didn't get out for our walk until my work day had ended.  This walk just after dark gave us the opportunity to enjoy the holiday lights around the neighborhood during our walk.  I also like to spend some time walking around the church just down the street from me.  They have a huge parking lot and a wooded area behind the church and a speaker system playing Christmas carols outside.  It makes me happy to walk around the parking lot to the sounds of Christmas music.  Peaches begrudgingly allowed me to take her picture.  

 

Wednesday temperatures were near 65 degrees and I knew we needed to take full advantage it.  So after another busy day of work, we piled into the car and headed off for some holiday adventures.  

Our first stop was Bronson Park in Kalamazoo.  I first visited Bronson Park during the holidays last year and it was one of my favorite of all of the places I had visited.  The park is full of lights and the entire downtown Kalamazoo area is dressed up for the Holidays.  We had a nice walk around downtown, did a little geocaching, and spent longer there than I had planned, but it was totally worth it.  

Peaches and Ruby got to make lots of friends during our walk and I know that they were happy to be exploring somewhere different.  I had hoped to get a picture of both of the girls with the giant Santa, but Ruby is still working on her ability to sit in public when on a leash, so we settled for a picture of just Peaches.

After a wonderful time in Kalamazoo, we started our trip East toward home with a couple of additional stops planned.  Next stop...Battle Creek.

Our stop in Battle Creek took us downtown to Friendship Park.  This area is where the North Country Trail runs through the downtown area.  It is a short section of the trail, less than half a mile, but I was happy to be back on the trail again and it was Ruby's first time on the trail.

The trail is lit up with displays from the 12-days of Christmas.  It is a nice little walk and we enjoyed it.

Just about a block from the North Country Trail there is another small park in Battle Creek that has a light display set to music.  It is another favorite spot and, with the warmer temperatures, the park was full of families out enjoying the display.  It's such a nice little display to enjoy while in the area.

As a bonus, we also had the pleasure of meeting the Grinch while we were there.  Peaches was thrilled to make another new friend.  As you can tell from the picture, she LOVED him!

After our short stop in Battle Creek, we were off to our final stop of the night, Marshall.  Every week  during the holidays, you can enjoy the Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds in Marshall.  I think this is our fourth year visiting this lighted display and it has gotten better over the years.  

They have some fun holiday light displays and it is a nice little drive to see them all.

And no stop in Lowell during the holidays would be complete without a drive around downtown and a stop at the Holiday house.  The light display at this house is phenomenal.   It is well worth the drive to Marshall to enjoy the beauty of this small town during the holiday season.

We finished the busy week with a trip downtown on Friday evening.  Nothing can beat a walk around the Capitol grounds with the State Christmas tree sparkling and Christmas music playing in the streets.  It is probably my favorite thing to do during this time of year.   Some day I'd love to take some trips to some of the other State Capitols around the country to see how they decorate their downtown areas during this time of year.  I just love the magic of this season.

After enjoying our walk around downtown, I picked up some tacos from my favorite little taco truck for dinner and headed home to enjoy the rest of the evening quietly at home.  Sadly, my taco truck's season will be ending soon and they'll close for the Winter on Christmas Eve.  We just may have to go back one more time before the season ends.

I'm grateful that I'm ready for the holidays.  My Christmas shopping is done and there isn't much left for me to do except wrap some gifts, do a little holiday baking, and then cook on Christmas Eve.  I'm hoping to get out this afternoon to finish some of my errands, have a little adventure with the girls, and to explore some more holiday lights this evening.  It may just be time for our annual drive through the neighborhoods looking at lights and eating pizza.  

I know over the next week many Holiday festivities will be in full swing.  No matter how you choose to celebrate the holiday this season, I hope you enjoy!  Peaches, Ruby, and I wish you all a very  Happy Holidays!