We had a serious bit of snow the first Friday in January, I happened to be out running errands when it started.
Snowy parking lot
Our front porch even more decorated
Little did I know the next week would bring an even bigger snow storm with two days off from school for the kids.
9 a.m. photo
We took that time to put away the Christmas tree and indoor decorations. The outdoor lights were already partially buried in snow so I decided to leave them up.
Vacuuming up fake needles that fell off our fake tree!
We had a family video game night for which the kids were especially enthusiastic...
Are we having fun yet?
The next day we played in the snow, or at least the youngest did...
Sledmaster!
I forgot to post this video with last month's post (or even the Christmas post), so here is the rocket launch from our cul de sac. What an awesome Christmas present!
Our youngest was the top speller in his classroom in December, which meant he moved on to the school-wide spelling bee in January. The school sent two tickets home for parents or other adults to come watch on a Friday afternoon. He was eliminated in the fifth round when he stumbled on "committee." Too many double letters! He confided in me afterwards that he did not want to go on to the county-wide spelling bee and would have deliberately misspelled a word if it was down to three students.
Some chairs emptied by round three
On the spot
We went to a concert for our eldest held at his school. It was a fun time!
High school band
We did our first rollerskating of the year at the nearby rink. I swear my youngest has other t-shirts!
Wearing a chess shirt to a roller rink?!?
I was amazed to see a certain chocolate bar in a local convenience store. Our family is convinced that Mr. Goodbar only comes in the Halloween multi-packs, but there it was.
No more need to go looking for Mr. Goodbar
We went ice skating at Color Burst Park, which was a lot harder than the roller rink.
We started our Christmas activities early in December by making Christmas cookies to deliver to the neighbors. In addition to the aggressive home decorating in our area, seasonal baking is also another tradition/rivalry. We had some outside help this year.
Putting Grandpa to work
Decorating party
I seem to be sampling something in the background
Finished product
Our dance studio had an ugly Christmas sweater party which we enjoyed very much, even if we didn't win musical chairs.
By the tree
Closer up
By the sign
Musical chairs
During Christmas Eve, we visited the Highlandtown Train Display, which got its own post, and the Christmas Market. The Market was fun even if we only bought beverages.
Ice skating near the market
Market stalls and rides
Tower serving hot beverages
Bacon-selling stall! Why did we not shop there?!?
One booth would chocolate-coat anything...not too appetizing
Cooking sausages
Grinch reduced to busking
Christmas Eve my children made dinner for us. They went all out with a menu and even an outrageous bill at the end. Sorry, we were too busy eating to take pictures of the actual food!
Don't read the fine print!
Restaurant workers
The final bill and the drinks menu
We had a lovely day of celebrating on Christmas itself, though I only took one picture.
Present unwrapping!
One present was a rocket powered by vinegar and baking soda. We had fun launching it in our cul-de-sac.
Getting ready to launch
We played a bunch of the games that we got for Christmas, so much fun!
Board game haul
In keeping with the plane theme, we gave our eldest son a discovery flight to see if he enjoyed riding in and perhaps flying a small plane. We went to an airport on the north side of Baltimore and dropped him off for the experience.
Not sure if this was his plane
We finally got some snow a few days after New Years, making our house more Christmas-like.
We discovered a new seasonal Christmas train display, the Highlandtown Train Garden in Baltimore, Maryland. Like some other train gardens we have seen, it is hosted at a firehouse, Engine House #41, in the city. The layout is amazing, featuring an amusement park, some landmark buildings, and a recreation of the blizzard of 2016!
First view of the trains
The amusement park does not represent an actual place in Baltimore but has some nods to Baltimore's history.
Ferris wheel and taco truck
Edgar Allan Poe-themed ride
Classic rides
Some decorations are more impressive than others. Even so, a lot of loving detail has gone into recreating the neighborhood, including models of the Natty Boh brewery and the local library. We passed the real brewery on the drive to the station!
Cheap row housing with nice gardens
National Bohemian Brewery with famous icon on top
We have not seen this in Baltimore, but would go if it existed
The blizzard section shows a lot of snow-bound cars. The one track in town has a hearse traveling around on it!
The blizzard strikes!
Snow-encased vehicles
See-thru bowling alley
Santa isn't bothered by the snow
The hearse is coming!
The far end of the display has Patterson Park in all its summer glory. It has a drive-in style movie, the famous pagoda, and other summer past times.
Polar Express on the big screen!
Swimming pool with the Creature from the Black Lagoon about to dive in!
A separate display shows an older time for the neighborhood.
Vintage neighborhood
Back by the amusement park are some amusing displays, including a local candy company and the park's bathroom.
If only the candy came that size!
Typical!
Ice cream shop
The Banner Neighborhoods Community Picnic is an interesting display. It looks like every patron has a mug and/or pitcher of beer. I don't see any food or other drinks around. Sign me up!
They definitely need to take the train home
The train display was a lot of fun to visit. It is sponsored by a lot of local businesses. Some of the billboards along the roads and tracks feature business logos or cards, a little free advertising. It is very delightful and worth the visit. They closed on January 1, so put it on your calendar for later this year.
Posts
