Christmas Christmas Time is Near

It has been another Weekend Extravaganza at the Wilson house.  Actually, it has been a week-long extravaganza, with more to come.  But, it is time to start getting some of this down before time gets away from me and I forget to memorialize all these wonderful moments.

Three years ago, we lived in Norfolk. We were there for 2 years and by far our favorite things were the zoo and the botanical gardens. We especially loved the Botanical Gardens at Christmas time, when you can drive through and view the most amazing light display ever. In one part, it is like you are under the ocean, then in the sky, another area is choreographed to music, there are giant spiders, and light arches. It is simply amazing and we loved it. So this year we decided to take a trip back there. The last time we went through, Jack and Anna slept the whole time (in their defense, they were just barely past their first birthday) and Kara was still nestled in my stomach. We were hoping they would appreciate it. I am not sure if they did, but we still loved it.

We left for Norfolk on Thursday after breakfast. Our first stop was the Yankee Candle Williamsbug store, which is a minor destination in and of itself, followed by lunch at Olive Garden. We then headed to Virginia Beach and our hotel. After a free hotel dinner we went to the botanical gardens and then showed the kids the ships at Norfolk, many of which had put up lights. It was a very busy day. On Friday we went to a playground near the zoo and waited for the zoo to open. We were among the first (well, only) people at the zoo on that Friday morning. The animals were very active and it was fun. We saw them giving the elephants a bath, which we all thought was pretty cool. It also brought back some good memories. We went there many, many times after the twins were born. We can remember them taking some of their first steps on those sidewalks (literally) and it was fun to reminisce with them.

We grabbed lunch on the road and took the scenic route home (next time, we'll stick to the highways).  Saturday was a relaxing day at home.  Sunday, we made treats for our neighbors and delivered them.  Of the 6 on our street 3 weren't home.  1 invited us in.  2 seemed pleased with the treats.  So, hopefully, we have garnered some neighborhood good will.  It was nice to have the kids give things away without receiving anything.  Although, the neighbor who invited us in gave them beanie babies, thus partially negating that aspect.  We also did some housecleaning over the weekend, partially in preparation for our company--my sister and her family! Which, I think will have to be another entry.