Trail of Lights

One of Jenna’s favorite Christmas things when she lived in Austin was the Trail of Lights.  I told Jay about it and since it is located about a mile from his office he had heard all about it as well.  We decided that we would meet Jay at his office around 4 and then grab an early dinner before going to see the lights and getting the boys home by bedtime. 

We were NOT prepared for the massive amount of traffic that the trail creates.  We left our house at 3:30 to meet Jay and endured horrific traffic before trying to eat at several places (who had 3 hour waits) and finally grabbing a pizza at Whole Foods and getting in the line to see the lights.  They are open from 6-midnight and with the OUT OF THIS WORLD traffic we waited a few hours and finally parked and got out of the car around 10 p.m.  The whole week the weather had been perfect but this particular night it was about 30 degrees. 

Jay and I decided (when we finally arrived home around midnight) that we would not go back until Lincoln was 5.  Yet now, looking at the pictures and remembering how much fun the boys had, I’m pretty sure we’ll go next year.  After all of the traffic and freezing cold weather-we had a pretty great time. The boys loved it and it really was super cool. 
It’s amazing how much a parent will go through to make magic moments and memories for their kids.  It’s a pretty huge blessing to see them amazed and in awe of their surroundings and I’m sure the Trail will be an annual event for us from now on!

Here are a few shots of the 1.2 million dollar Christmas lights display:

Luckily I had brought the double stroller along just in case.  Lincoln slept in his stroller and the freezing boys were able to stay bundled up in the double to see the lights.  Jay and I were both wearing extra hats of the boys that were in the back of the van.  Our hands were numb, next year we’ll plan to go on a nicer night!

There were TONS of cool displays but this was the only one I got a picture of. . .it was too cold to bust out the camera for anything else.

And there you have it, another fun new Austin Christmas tradition!