Festival of the Trees

After having a great time at the Festival of the Trees last year, we quickly decided that it should become a yearly tradition.  It sneaks up early in the holiday season so I put it on my calendar quite awhile ago to make sure we didn't miss it.  We missed having my mom with us this year, but the kids were especially excited that Brycen was able to go.

When you first walk into the exhibit hall, it is a little overwhelming because there is so much to see - quilts, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and of course, the decorated trees.  We decided to focus on the trees and then head to the kids area to make crafts.  As a non creative type, I am always amazed at what people create.  We saw so many amazing trees - some beautiful, some emotional, and a lot that were just fun.  Of course, everyone had a favorite and we had to get pictures of a few to remember.

Luke absolutely loved the Pokemon tree

And Ruby picked a Supergirl tree as one of her favorites

I was torn between the whimsical...and the beach

Luke and Brycen ran into one of Santa's best elves.

We spent quite a bit of time dressing and creating bear friends to donate back to Primary Children's Hospital.  This has been one of our favorite parts of the festival.  Luke and Ruby worked so hard on their bears and had such specific ideas of how they wanted the bear to look.  Once they were finished, it was a little sad to say goodbye to the bears.  But, they were happy to hear that a sick little boy or girl at the hospital would receive their bear and note....they are sure that will make the child feel better.  After a few pictures to make sure we remembered their new bear friends, Luke and Ruby gave their bears a kiss and a hug and took them to join the other decorated bears.  I love having a chance to help them understand how it feels to give to others....especially when it is something that you love.

After the bears, they had enough tickets for a few small crafts

By the time we were done with the trees, the bears, and the crafts, everyone was pretty tired and wanted to sit for a bit so Ruby and I decided went for a quick peek at the gingerbread houses.  I have a friend who makes one every year and I was excited to see it in person - as I walked by I heard several people talking about how cute her Reindeer Ranch was.  She's definitely a creative type!

Luke and Ruby were excited to see that Santa was at the festival and they of course wanted to visit.  I think Ruby asked for Piggy Paints (kids fingernail polish) and Luke asked for a Wishing Box (the top item on his list).  They were both thrilled with their candy cane and a chance to visit with Santa.  I was just happy that we had been able to make it to the festival and have such a good time together.  It really is the best way to kick off December and get me excited about the Christmas season.