The advent and The elf--day 9

Advent day 9 (16 days til Christmas)
Our house elf, Gus, made more mischief than ever last night....this was the scene on our steps that the kids awoke to.......

The steps had been strewn with lime green crepe paper!  Tristan took one look at it, sat down and slid all the way down the steps, under the crepe paper, on his bottom....Addie and Kaelan quickly followed suit!  Of course, the mischief of one little elf was no match for Autumn and the paper was quickly shredded and tossed through the banisters of the steps!  Gus did stake out the perfect spot to guage the kids reactions on the top of the greenery on the bannister.

For our advent activity of the day I incorporated a special field trip already planned......

Going to the Botanical Gardens is such a treat for our family...especially in the winter time, and with friends!  There is nothing quite like being chilled on the outside and stepping into the moist, earthy heat of the climatron!  I was so impressed to watch Kaelan pick out every lily he could find (they have become quite an interest after studying Monet's Water Lilies.)  Addie loved all of the colorful flowers, Tristan liked running ahead with his friends and Autumn just took in the sights : )

After we explored the Gardens we went inside for the special Christmas train show.  Three were motorized model trains everywhere in an elaborate display of flowers and Christmas trees--including a "tree" made entirely of poinsettas!