My mom, sister, daughter, and I went to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. They host a special holiday event each year called Las Noches de las Luminarias” which is simply incredible.

I am loving the springlike weather here right now! Plus I also am enjoying the varied scenery - animals, birds, plants, and flowers… Gorgeous!

Since we were going to be in town on Christmas this year, I decided to surprise my family and reserve a decorated igloo at the zoo for the evening (6-9 pm) of December 26.

With two dogs! 🐾. Never a dull moment! 🤣

Runs through December 31. Werner Park in Papillon, Nebraska (near Omaha).

Merry Christmas to All My Readers!

While the weather may look just a little frightful for the next day or two, there’s a bunch of fun stuff for folks to do in the Omaha area between Christmas and New Years. I’d highly recommend taking advantage of it!

Everybody has a favorite hotel in Kansas City and different criteria for determining their favorite. For some, upscale amenities are critical. Others require a certain “vibe” or decor.

At this time of year, many folks like to get in the car and take a short holiday road trip if the weather cooperates, especially if the destination brings out the magic of the holidays. Kansas City is one of those places for me!

It’s no secret that Kansas City offers folks many fun things to do and see. What I didn’t realize is how many fun things the KC metro area offers during the holidays. I’ll tell you about one attraction I went to and then give you additional information on the more than 100 special things to do this time of year. If you are like me, you will be amazed!

KC is a great holiday destination with more holiday events to offer than you could possibly do in a month. Here are a few holiday attractions I enjoyed and highly recommend.

I was running a bit short on time so I decided to have lunch at the Kemper Museum cafe, called Cafe’ Sebastienne, and am so glad I did!

Last weekend, two friends and I explored Le Mars, Iowa and visited/viewed two fabulous, larger-than-life holiday light displays. At both places you can park your car and walk through the displays.

Le Mars, Iowa has become a fun holiday destination! (See my previous post). The Brown family provides fantastic entertainment and the town has many older and beautiful homes. Many town organizations come together and provide holiday activities and events.

I just came home tonight from the most FUN weekend with childhood friends in Le Mars, Iowa! It was awesome!

Zoolightful is fabulous and, if you possibly can, go!!! The decorations are fabulous, the atmosphere magical, and there are lots of opportunities to get family photos.

As many of you know, I like to spend time at the Iowa Great Lakes (Okoboji). It is one of my growing list of happy places. 😁 I love to sit and enjoy the water lap against the shore and take photos of the lakes and the natural beauty of the area.

I recently started taking classes at the Hot Shops in Omaha, Nebraska, and I have absolutely adored it! The Hot Shops is an artistic haven just north of downtown Omaha in and up and coming refurbished warehouse district

I have so many fond memories of loading up the family in the car when my kids were young and heading out to spot Christmas lights.

Last Wednesday evening my family and I attended one of the Bright Nights events at Lauritzen Gardens. If you love any of the things on this list - lights, poinsettias, flowers, good food, outdoor games, plants, or the holidays this event is for you!

Today I am thankful for my family, friends, and my readers!