Saturday my mom and I woke early to four inches of snow. Lucky us. We quickly shoveled - it only took the two of us 30 minutes to shovel the driveway and sidewalk, brush off my car and head out of town. This is what our house looked like at 9:00 a.m.
After a quick stop for gas we were off! Well, not off to quickly due to the snowy roads, but off none the less. We were headed about two hours northeast to a town called Greenbush, Wisconsin to visit the Wade House. It's one of the Wisconsin Historical Society properties and an old hotel which served stagecoach passengers. I'd like to go back in the summer and learn more about the property, but it was fun to experience the Christmas event.
Upon arrival we hopped on the horse drawn wagon. I couldn't get over how big the horses were!
My mom does not have a winter hat so she borrowed my Smart Wool hat. I think it looks goofy on everyone.
After the wagon ride we went right into the Wade House where it was decorated for Christmas. We enjoyed some hot apple cider, played Pass the Button (the silliest, kind of dull, parlor game) and my favorite, made Christmas crafts!!
This craft was making flowers on a piece of wire. You cut crepe paper into the shape of a flower petal (they cut the paper for us, even better) and then just glue the bottom and place on the wire and then onto the petals you placed before. You can make your flower as large as you like or as many as you like. Mom made a multi colored flower while I made there flowers, pink, yellow and red. A little more spring like than Christmas, but looks nice on the tree. They even had some on the tree at the Wade House!
Once we'd wandered around, tried out the boring parlor game and enjoyed some cider, the Ethiopian gymnast craft table was empty enough that I could find a spot. How exciting! You color your guy's pieces and then sew his parts together with string, put a pencil through his hands and he does tricks. I impressed the volunteer with my stellar knot tying ability (I suppose that embroidery has helped), and my mom said I'm a bit older than her average crafter. I am 28, not 8 like the others at the table. Oh well. They said crafts are for the adults, too!
While waiting for the carriage to come pick us up we played a quick game of checkers. I sucked the big one. Mom enjoyed her victory!
After checkers we ate a quick lunch of hot dogs (while sitting on the floor of their little diner because there are only two tables. I guess in the summer people eat outside. Oh well - we are not that old, yet!) and cookies. The cookies were good. My favorite part may have been the pickles, however. I love dill pickles.
After a look through the carriage house (didn't take any pictures in there - I feel like old carriages and sleighs are not all that exciting) we hopped back in the car and headed home. On the way we stopped in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin to visit Nancy's Notions. Mom was so excited for her first trip there.
While inside Mom even asked if I would take her picture by Nancy. It was a proud moment for me. I am teaching her well. Always have your photo taken by any cardboard cut out or other fun place.
If this road trip to the Wade House and sewing store was not enough, that evening I went to a performance of a 1940s radio performance of Miracle on 34th Street. It's not as confusing as it sounds. It was a play where the actors pretended they were on the radio and you could watch the big band play and even the sound effect people. I think the girl who had to open and close the door all the time had the biggest job!
I went with wonderful friends Amanda and Mandi and we even ran into friend Wendy while we were there. Lifegroup 2006-2007 reunion!
Wendy, me, Amanda, Mandi
Amanda, Mandi, me
The play was a fundraiser for Middleton Outreach Ministry, or MOM. Our lifegroup helped make some food deliveries to people with no way to make it to the food pantry on their own. It was fun to go to something that supports an organization we believe in. Before the play there was a silent auction with sweets. I loved trying the baked goods and even bid on an item (I think a first!). It was a polo (with horses) lesson for four people. I didn't win, but it's a good thing I bid because this morning I got a phone call from the winner inviting me to attend the lesson with her in April. I am so very excited!!
Overall December 4 was a very fun day. I love experiencing Christmas things and it's even more fun to do it with family and friends.
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