Minivan Express

First, a little peek at our budding photographer's skills... there were only about 20 more of these I had to erase.

 Every year here they have a big neighborhood lined with luminarios. You can drive or walk through it and at the end there is a live nativity and choir by members of our Church. The whole neighborhood gets into it. There are stations where people set up hot chocolate, cookies and candy canes. There are people dressed as Santa. On this one night in December, there is a live community band that always plays out of someone's garage, and a lot of the neighbors set up fire pits in their front yards and roast marshmallows. It is really Christmas-y, and we love it.

This year we decided to make it a type of Polar Express ride for our family. We got the kids ready for bed, and as they were climbing in they noticed a ticket on their pillow, inviting them to ride the Minivan Express (idea from here). They were so thrilled and convinced that secret elves had come in and left them the tickets.  We had hot chocolate (in sippies) and candy canes in the car.

 Scott punched each of their tickets...

 All buckled up and ready to see some lights!

 We are so festive.

We are definitely making this a tradition. It was a blast!