Callaway Gardens

Last year we visited Callaway Gardens' "Fantasy in Lights" for the first time, and I have been looking forward to going back ever since.  Last year, it was so cold outside, and we had to bundle up really well.  This year though, it was very pleasant so we were all pretty comfortable as we drove around with the windows down.  What a great tradition we've started!

We arrived about 1.5 hours before the shows start.  This gives us plenty of time to enjoy the other activities.  We couldn't pass up face painting; the girls love it!

 They have lots of cute little shopping boutiques inside, and Santa is there too.  However, the girls didn't want to go see him.  Since I knew we were having breakfast with Santa at The Georgian Club the next morning, I didn't press them about that.  We then went outside and the girls played on the playground for a little bit, and then we had dinner outside on the picnic tables.  They have improved their menu from last year, and we couldn't resist trying a fried Snickers bar.  It wasn't bad, but you can't beat a good 'ole regular Snickers bars!  I finished everything off with a cup of hot chocolate; I love their hot chocolate!

After all that, it was time for the two outdoor shows to start.  We all gathered around ready to watch.

 First up was "The Night Before Christmas."  It was really neat to see different scenes light up as the narrator read the story.  The girls said they liked this a lot because of all the toys displayed.

 After that they read the Christmas story from Luke 2.  All these white lights displaying the nativity were beautiful.

 After both of those shows, we climbed back into our car and headed up for the drive through the forest.  We have driven in our car instead of riding on the trolley both years.  This is mainly because I want the girls in their car seats, but also we can go a little more slowly.  I let a couple of cars pass me so we could be at the end.  It didn't take very long before they had all driven away, and we were able to drive through the woods by ourselves.  It was great.  Ryan took lots of great pictures, but I narrowed them down to some our favorites.

The fairies and their flowers were a big hit.  Both girls thought this was Tinkerbell.

 Ready to enter the North Pole!

 We were welcomed into Santa's house by Mrs. Claus and her band of elves.

 Both girls loved the 12 Days of Christmas area best.  Here are 12 drummers drumming.

 All three adults loved the Winter Wonderland part the best.  It's amazing to drive through here and see all these twinkling white lights; they are everywhere!

I'm already looking forward to next year's visit!