Gardenland Train Express

Today we went to the Ozark Botanical Gardens to see a display of several garden scale trains! The set was lovely and the trains even had steam coming out of their funnels. So neat! Also, Santa was there and Daniel sat on his lap so he could get a free train whistle. :) Outside they had a barrel "train" giving rides around the lawn. It was very cold, but Daniel had a blast!

Look what I found...

Hiding behind the Christmas tree!

Christmas Wonderland Village

Tonight we went to see a miniature winter village at First Assembly of God. A local family partnered with the church to set up their collection of houses, etc. We found out they have collected the miniatures for about 20 years! It was SO cool! I had no expectations about it all, but as soon as we walked in and saw the train going, we were all instantly enthralled. The kids (Cat went too with Grandma and PaPa) LOVED it!! Especially the train! Daniel didn't want to leave. It was very special. I think I may have found a new thing to collect! :) They also had a pretty Christmas tree and a nativity set displayed, and they had cookies and hot cider...all for free! They were taking donations for a food pantry that the church is involved in, so we gave a little bit. Anyway, I'd definitely recommend it. We will probably go again before the season is over. Oh and I think they said it took about 2 months to set everything up!

Today's special delight!

I bought snow-globes for me and Daniel today. The boys love looking at them. Mine plays music. :)

Gingerbread house

I got this kit at Aldi for $6.99 a week ago. Daniel has REALLY been wanting to open it ever since, but I've been saving it for a quiet day. Since the boys seem a little better today, I decided to do it. Daniel was so excited! It was a bit messy, but I confess I was having a lot of fun with it! I'd never done one before, and it will definitely become a Christmas tradition!

More snowman pics

Sick day

Daniel started throwing up last night, and continued throwing up off and on all night. He's been very puny today, so I decided to give him a little present I was saving for just such an occasion. He got a little stuffed Christmas snowman (he's holding it in the photo). Gideon got one too. He's had a cold and I'm afraid will catch Daniel's stomach bug. :( Daniel said something funny today. He really wanted to play at the park, but I told him no since it was cold and he is sick. He then proceeded to tell me he would be a grumpy old troll, the grinch, AND Captain Hook if I didn't take him to the park! I thought that was very persuasive. ;)