Monday, December 4, 2017

All Aboard the Wonderland Express

 The new tradition of visiting the Wonderland Express at the Chicago Botanic Gardens makes December especially magical.  When the temperature is in the 50's, it makes for a very fun day.
 Everything is decked out in winter splendor.
 We were greeted at the entrance by the Engineer,
 who punched Penny's ticket.  The children are also given a card with stickers to find certain elements of the exhibit.
 It even snows INSIDE!
 Our girl at the American Girl Store, in miniature form.  We'll get there sweetie!
 Waiting for one of the many trains.
 Right on time.
 This is the carillon,
 everything shrunk down.
 Beautifully recreated.
 The Baha'i House of Worship looks like gingerbread.
 There was a film about the making of the exhibit.  Penny couldn't resist an empty hall and an empty stage. (Locals might recognize Geoffrey Baer on the screen.   He's local treasure on our PBS station.)
 The gardens belong to this girl.  We are so happy to share our visits.  She notices everything, and appreciates beauty unlike any 5 year old I've ever known.
 Before we headed home we took a short ride to the Lake.  It was all we could do to keep her out of the water.
 As soon as we hit the beach, Penny sat on the sand and took her shoes off and was taking off her socks.  We had to remind her that it is in fact, December, and too cold for playing in the water.
 Love these two!
I have to say, I've never looked better.  That's me on the right;-)

Here's a photo of the two Pennies.  Penny is practicing her autograph. 
(Notice the fancy hearts on her name.)

"What is Christmas? It is the tenderness for the past,
courage for the present, hope for the future. 
 It is a feverish wish that every cup may overflow with blessings
rich and eternal and that every path may lead to peace."
Agnes M. Pharo

My December so far...
Keeping Christmas, making memories, enjoying every moment.


Thanks for stopping by.
Enjoy this beautiful day.
Love, Penny
  

2 comments:

Sarah said...

How fun! I would love to visit this!

Unknown said...

She is such a blessing, isn't she. You do such fun things together!