Sleigh Bell Stroll

One of our beloved traditions, which we missed last year due to a car accident, is participating in the Sleigh Bell Stroll at Saluda Shoals Park.  Thankfully this year we were healthy and able to go see the lights! Santa greeted us with smiles and hugs...

Beach had a meeting but my Parents joined me in the fun.

This year they had hot chocolate at the beginning to warm belles and give a sugar rush through the walk.

They also provided "fun" glasses for the lights, which usually means that the kids are enamored with them for a couple of minutes and then want momma to carry them.

While I attempted to keep my kids out of the display (no small task), I did take several hard to see pictures of them near the lights.

They got to chose some of their favorites to reenact along the way.

While you can ride through (for a price) throughout the holiday season, this is the only time your able to walk through to see the lights...which is my favorite to really get to take it all in!

Bathroom brake even had some fun thrown in!

The kindness of a stranger taking a picture of our crew.

We also ran into Danielle (and her family) briefly while walking. 

Ezra's favorite area, by far, the one with all the cars!

The littles did start to get "tired" after awhile and the cheer leading campaign from the adults in full force began that they could finish the walk (and did not need to be carried)!

The one thing I would say that needs improvement, is the way to get back to your car!  The kids were thrilled with the thought of the shuttle bus taking us back, however, the line for the bus ended up being quite long.  There was not really an alternative, as the littles certainly weren't able to walk all the way back.  We counted our thanks while we waited and especially appreciated that it was not to cold of a night.  After 45 minutes (feeling even later on a school night), we finally made it. 

Thankful for being able to make it out this year and kicking off the Christmas spirit with love and lights!