Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I will be taking a two week blog break and will see you back on January 7, 2025. In the meantime, I thought you'd enjoy this video of our home decorated for Christmas. I actually simplified the decor this year because there was only three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I went with more unadorned greens with simple bows. I really like the way it turned out, I think the trend this year for Christmas decor was more natural and simple, so it all worked out in the end.
Odds and ends of our holiday celebrations
I did put our tree up at Thanksgiving so we could take Christmas photos and have them ready for Christmas cards (although I did move the tree since then because it wasn't working out where it was). I went with a simple all gold tree this year to coordinate with the more simple Christmas decor. The kids all wore blue and green.
Holiday Photos
Kriskindlmarket
Hubby and I spent the following weekend in La Crosse Wisconsin and enjoyed the Kriskindlmarket in Sparta and the La Crosse Rotary Lights.
We were so fortunate to have a rare warm weekend in December in Wisconsin. It was almost 50 degrees during the day and in the 40s after dark. It was so nice! I didn't even need a winter coat! It was buzzing everywhere we went that weekend because of the warm weather. Everyone was out and about enjoying the holiday events without the freezing cold.
The Grinch was hysterical! He did such a great job staying in character!
The last time we went to the Kriskindlmarket it was during the day. It was so nice going at night and seeing it all lit up! It was so pretty!
La Crosse Rotary Lights
We roasted marshmallows at the La Crosse Rotary Lights
I don't know why, but the lights seemed brighter than ever this year!
And finally, a photo of Jackson. I think he is annoyed that Christmas decorations are in the way of his usual perch. 😁
For more information on the Sparta Kriskindlmarket and the La Crosse Rotary Lights see these posts:
Ageless Style is a monthly style challenge and link up for women of all ages. Each month we pick a different theme and style an outfit based on that theme. This month's theme is "Casual Holiday" and was picked by Bo!
For the last Ageless Style challenge of 2024 we are showing our "Casual Holiday" outfits. I was pleased with this challenge because all of my holidays are pretty casual. When I see other bloggers post all their fancy holiday outfits I always wonder "Where are they wearing those sequined gowns too? What world do they live in, and how do I get to be a part of that word?" 😀
Our holidays are pretty laid back and chill. If the weather and timing works out, we go to church for Christmas Eve. Last year we couldn't go to church because it was so bitter cold, and this year it doesn't look like it will be a possibility because the service is at 4:00 p.m. and the boys won't even be off of work by that time. Other than church we just hang out at the house all week, so fancy attire is not needed.
Because photos are usually taken at Christmas, I do like to look a little nicer than I usually do and I normally wear something festive whether it is a holiday color, or a sparkly sweater. This year, I will be wearing this pretty green sweater and black leggings. It is so comfy, I can lounge around the house in it, plus cook, clean, and serve! The material is thin, so I won't get hot in the kitchen. And the long length is perfect to wear with comfy leggings.
I picked up this pretty green sweater this year at TJMaxx, it is by Michael Kors. I love that brand! His clothes are designed for an older woman's body type. I know when I see a Michael Kors label that it will not only fit me, but look great on me as well. And I can't say enough about this GORGEOUS green color, isn't it flattering?
Jackson decided to pop in the photo shoot to say "Hello".
So what about you? Is your family a casual holiday or a fancy one? I'd love to hear from you!
Next month's theme is "Winter Blues" and was picked by Joanne! If you want to join us, just email me a photo before January 15 and I will include you in the post (email address located on my "contacts/follow" page in the side bar) .
Today wraps up my fall midwest travel series, and just in time for my Christmas blog break! If you missed any previous travel posts of our fall vacation, just click on any of the links in the first paragraph.
In this post, I am covering just a few more fun activities we did while visiting the kids, along with our Thanksgiving break.
Conner Prairie Kiln
Flowing Well Park
One of the activities we did with the grandkids was to go to "Flowing Well Park".
"Flowing Well Park" is a sweet little park in Carmel Indiana that has an artesian well which visitors are free to bring their empty water jugs and "fill up". My kids do this on a weekly basis because they believe the water is so much better to drink than city water. But in addition to the free artesian water, the park also has a mile long nature trail through the woods and along "Cool Creek". The creek is a great spot for fishing and wading.
The grandchildren love wading in the creek and finding seashells and rocks.
The nature trail through the woods is pretty cool too! It's the perfect size trail for little feet!
Conner Prairie
I already did a very extensive post on Conner Prairie HERE, so I will not elaborate much more except to say that this is a place that constantly has new programs and activities every weekend and throughout the different seasons. We went back in the fall because they had a lot of fall activities, plus they have a huge fall festival. One of the events on the day we were there was was their "Kiln Burn" which they only do ONE day out of the whole year, and we were lucky enough to be there on that day!
But first, we took some time to grab more family fall photos.
And now, onto the kiln burn. This was fascinating, and scary to watch. We couldn't believe the heat, and the fire and smoke that came out the top. Be sure to watch the video below to really get the full picture,
After the potter forms the pottery, it is placed in the fire. Yes, right inside that very hot fire! We could see the pottery live but it's hard to find in the photo and video. The staff, dressed in period costumes, explain the process and fuel the fire...and they were hot and sweaty, let me tell you! It's not a job for the faint of heart.
They also sell the finished pieces on site. They are pricey, but the proceeds help support the Museum. I purchased a small mixing bowl for $30 and a soup mug for $22. I use them a lot too! They are so strong!
This is the building where the kiln is located.
Of course Atticus' favorite part is always the carpentry shop. Here he was learning how to make a rake.
Elisha enjoyed exploring the old town wagons and stores.
Thanksgiving
The kids came up to us for Thanksgiving. Baby Lazarus isn't crawling yet, but somehow he manages to move around and found himself under my curtains, of which we proceeded to play a game of peek-a-boo.
The grandkids were up early and played hard everyday. They often fell asleep wherever they were at.
I make the same "3 Cheese Ball" every holiday because it is a family favorite, but this was the first time I turned it into a turkey. The grandkids and I had a lot of fun making this turkey.
The kids have been dying to see "Moana 2" so we decided to treat them to their very first movie theater experience. Their reaction was priceless:
They really enjoyed having their own reclining seat, especially Elisha, he would not stop playing with those buttons! 😆
We had the tradition meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, beans, corn, and stuffing, plus our special occasion beverage: Sparkling Juice! Everything tasted great. The grandkids especially loved my "Make Ahead Potatoes" which are loaded with cream cheese, sour cream, and butter...what's not to love? 😆
All in all it was a great Thanksgiving week and a great fall! So much to be grateful for.
See you in 2025 with my newest travel series: "Yellowstone and More!"
