Yesterday, we went to the WinterShow for the 4th time.  It was probably our last visit.  We’ve really enjoyed seeing it with different groups of friends, but it was PACKED yesterday.  Apparently, everyone is out of school now.  There were too many people for it to be as fun as our other visits.  I’ll have to keep this in mind for next year.  Our first couple of visits earlier in December we had the place to ourselves.

I do think that the houses move due to different events that take place at the gardens.  I keep seeing new houses.

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I really liked this “summer” themed house complete with a beach.  Sally still thought it was hilarious to sit until the table.

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The train is always a hit!

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The trees were particularly nice with the light yesterday.  I also think the poinsettias are getting prettier as time goes on.

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Time in the Spice Shop was enjoyed, but it was too crowded for photos.  We also went through the glasshouse and saw the butterflies.

We were back to our car just before noon and then met up with Stephen for lunch.  We had the slowest service ever, but they restaurant (bar) had some arcade games, so the kids were happy (without quarters).

We made it home without any meltdowns and that made for a successful outing.

 

Today, we headed back to the gardens for another look at the WinterShow.  We met up with some friends and enjoyed out morning.

First, we headed to the glasshouse and looked at the creatures.  I enjoyed watching this turtle eat breakfast which consisted of a veggie and fruit salad.  It looked delicious.

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We saw butterflies and birds.  The kids enjoyed the telescopes.  They even got to practice taking turns.  Sharing is rough when you are 4.

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Sally really enjoyed the shop again.  Nick even helped her scan.  I like that she thinks the microphone is an ear piece.

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One of our friends really enjoyed these cupcakes today.  Sally liked them so much on our last visit, that we bought a set for a Christmas gift.

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At some point the kids decided that it was fun to sit under the tables.  They got a bit crazy and it was definitely time for lunch.  I really liked the use of M&Ms on this house.  I feel like I see new houses every visit.

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We had a planned lunch at their café.  They have a simple menu plus some deli premade things.  We enjoyed some chili and grilled cheese.  It was a nice way to end our visit.

Nick had a temper tantrum as we were leaving.  He’s been a handful lately.  Today, as we left to walk to our car he decided to walk past the ice rink instead of the birds.  I always let them pick the direction we travel around Wade Oval.  When we got to the crosswalk, he had a fit about not seeing the birds.  He’s not happy with being told no.  It’s hard teach a 4 year old about choices and consequences, but we’ll keep trying.  I was happy that both kids stayed awake on the way home and then took 2+ hour naps.  They both needed one and I needed a break.

 

Today, we went to the Cleveland Botanical Gardens.  From now until the end of the year, they are featuring their annual WinterShow.  WinterShow to me means gingerbread houses and Christmas trees including a huge one in the lobby.

We met up with some friends.  It was our first outing with the twins.

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Sally was so excited for the trees.  The twins looked adorable.  I can’t believe how big they are getting.

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The gingerbread houses were great.  I hope to make one with Nick this year.  We collected lots of ideas.

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This barn was really detailed.  I liked the one the garden.

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The kids section was full of holiday oriented things.  There were jars of spices to smell and guess the item, a Claus Café complete with all of the makings of coffee and tea, and there was also a store for buying holiday spice items.  Ornaments for coloring and decorating the tree were also available.

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At my friend’s request, I took some photos of her with the kids.  In my opinion, this one is the best.  Since she’s always the one taking photos, she doesn’t have many with her and the kids.  I was happy to oblige.

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Around 11:30AM, my kids started getting really hungry.  It was time to go.  Sally couldn’t understand why she couldn’t eat the pretzels.

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These two left me wondering where I could buy sugar cubes in bulk.  I think Nick would have a great time building with cubes and icing.

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We were on our way out when this photo was taken.  The kids were hungry and tired.

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We didn’t get to look at one section of houses and we breezed by the tree display.  It’s a good thing we have another outing planned for Thursday.