Small Town Holidays

Our week started off on a really positive note with the adoption of our foster, Riff.  I knew he wouldn't be here long since he was such a good boy and the shelter is participating in the Bissell Empty the Shelter event.  

After work I took the girls to the dog park.  I knew that they'd need a little extra excercise  after the quiet Sunday we had had.

It was pretty quiet because of the snow and colder temperatures, but that did not slow down these two.  They had a great time zooming around and we were the last to leave. 

On the drive home we made a stop at Tractor Supply.  I love this Gingerbread chicken coop.

Tuesday was another cold snowy day.  While I was busy working, Peaches decided to take a nap in Mina's crate.  

Mina turned 19 months old on Tuesday and , while we didn't do anything exciting, we did make sure to spend some time snuggling. 

On Wednesday,  I went to the shelter after work to walk a shelter dog.  There was only one dog, Pinwheel, who hadn't recently had surgery and could join me for a walk. She and I had a nice walk together 

The girls had ridden to Mason with me, so after I finished my walk with Pinwheel, I got them out for a walk too. We took a short walk by the shelter before I drove to downtown Mason for a walk around the Courthouse Square. 

Downtown was glowing with Christmas window displays and holiday decorations. We had a nice walk and the girls even sat nicely for a picture in front of the giant Santa.

Before leaving Mason, I stopped to get us all ice cream at the Daily Scoop.  It had been a nice little week night adventure. 

Thursday was a beautiful sunny day.  When the girls weren't outside, Mina made the most of napping in the sun much of the afternoon.  

Because the weather was so nice, I knew we had to make a trip to the dog park for it's final day before closing for the year.  Many of Peaches' and Mina's friends were there and they had a wonderful time.

After leaving the dog park, we drove to downtown Dewitt to take a walk.  I found this cute gazebo in a little park in town.  The town was pretty festive with most store fronts decorated for the holidays. 

After our walk, I did a little holiday shopping at a cute little shop before heading home.

Friday was another rainy day.  It feels like most of the week it has either been snowing or raining, but that doesn't stop us from getting out still.

With a drizzly rain falling, we made the drive to downtown Lansing after work on Friday to check out the Kringle Market at Reutter Park.  There were a small group.of people using the ice skating rink, but it was pretty quiet.  

The girls enjoyed our walk around the park and got some love from some of the people we met along the way.

After making the drive home, we walked down to the Holiday in the Square event being held near home.  This was a new community event in the area.  

There was Santa, a S'mores station, hot chocolate, and the kids from a local dance schools performed.  Peaches and Mina loved the event and got to meet some of our first responders.  It was a nice little event. 

Saturday morning I went to the shelter to walk Besito.  He is such a sweet boy and we had a great walk.

Just look at this adorable face!

We had a busy Saturday full of fun.  Our first stop was the Holt Farmer's Market.   I did a little shopping and then the girls got to visit with their friend from Fur Real Dog Snacks.

Then I made a stop at the Winter Artisan Farmer's Market.  It was great to see some of my favorite vendors from the South Lansing Farmer's Market and to pick up some goodies. 

The girls and I got out for a nice walk near Benjamin Davis Park before heading home.

Later in the day, we ran a few errands, including a stop in REO Town for the Holiday Book Hop.  We went to pick up a couple of children's books to donate to the book drive being held at Saturday's Kringle Market and found some great deals.

The final event of the day was a trip to the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo.  

It was their annual Toys for Tots night and I attend every year.  I always donate a toy to Toys for Tots, so getting free admission to the Zoo event is just a bonus.

I got there early before the crowds. 

This has been a favorite event of mine for years and I enjoyed the peaceful walk through the Zoo.

I ended my walk with a stop for S'mores over a campfire. 

Before heading home for the night, I got the girls out for one last walk along the River Trail through the park.

Sunday was another rainy day.  I had hoped to be able to get the girls out for a walk before leaving home for a family Christmas party, but they had no interest in spending any time outside.

We did make a quick stop at Soldan's for our annual Santa photo.  We love the Santa at Soldan's because he bred and raised GSPs for years and understands my crazy girls.  I can't wait to see this year's picture.

We then made the rainy drive to Brady Township for the party.  It was nice seeing some extended family members and catching up with them.

After the party we made a slow drive home in the rain, picking up a few geocaches along the way.  We made a quick stop in St. John's since the rain had slowed to a drizzle and I wanted to get the girls out for a walk.

We enjoyed the festive downtown area with Christmas music playing in the streets and we were able to get in just under a mile walk before the rain began to pick up again. 

With rain falling, we made the rest of the drive home and where we've had a peaceful night at home enjoying our own Christmas tree.