My Favorite Ornaments

Christmas Ornaments

My friend Nancy and I went to nearby Bracken Village last week and again last night to photograph Christmas lights there. These are a couple of photos of some ornaments on one of the trees outside one of the shops there.

O Christmas Tree

I still have much decorating to do, but the Christmas tree is finally up.

Santa's Ranch

Last night after an evening with family at San Marcos' "Sounds and Lights of Christmas" we went to dinner then drove through "Santa's Ranch" to see the awesome light displays there. We've gone every year for the past several years and they add a few new displays each year. The price has almost doubled since we first began, but still we enjoy taking a carload through and seeing the lights. Most trips find me sitting half in and half out of the car snapping pictures because you aren't allowed to get out of your cars.

Here are some of the many displays seen there:

The entrance












I love the "tunnels" of lights we drive through!














I'm pretty partial to the Noah's Ark scene.






These crosses are set up on a slight hill about midway through the displays, on one end. They are impressive.







The 2nd tunnel, in all blue lights.














None of us can remember seeing the Eskimo and sled dogs on previous visits so I'm pretty sure this is a new display this year.





Of course my favorite is still the carousel.

New Braunfels Square in Lights

Last night after the Holiday Stroll in Seguin, we went to New Braunfels for dinner and to see the lights I'd heard so much about adorning the square and courthouse there. It was so cold, but we enjoyed seeing all the lights anyway. Heather was worn out after performing dances in Seguin, so she opted to sleep in the car under blankets while Marty and his parents joined me in wondering around downtown New Braunfels.

The New Braunfels Square












The gazebo (also pictured above) was stunning!












Looking straight up into the lights of the center of the gazebo






Freddie, Billie (my inlaws), and me and Marty












The court house is beautiful in only white lights covering it. Notice the star near the top.







Even the waterpark Schlitterbahn is all decked out for Christmas!

Skywatch Friday

It seems from now through Christmas everyone's eyes will be turned toward the tops of trees for sights such as these:

These were all taken last night at the lighting ceremony in Central Park in Seguin. Each year after the Holiday Stroll Parade the mayor counts down and the lights are all lit and the high school and middle school bands play Christmas carols. I love watching the lights come on for the first time each season every year.

Check out more skywatchers here.

The Many Faces of Renaissance

Friday Marty, Heather and I (along with my inlaws), attended the Texas Renaissance Festival near Plantersville, TX. I found myself snapping away photos left and right all day long! These are just a few of the faces we encountered at the festival. To see more of our day go here and here.

Riverwalk Lit up for Christmas

After photographing a wedding in San Antonio on the Riverwalk Saturday night, Marty, Heather and I walked around enjoying the many light displays. I've often said "there's nothing like the Riverwalk at Christmas." See for yourself:

I think the highlight of Heather's evening was when upon pulling up to the booth to pay our parking garage fee Marty looked up and saw 3 teenagers walking into the parking garage. He said, "hey Heather, isn't that your friend Daniel?" Sure enough, it was Daniel and he was accompanied by her friend Samantha as well. Both were band buddies of Heather's who graduated last year. She was so excited to see them but only had time for a brief hug for each because there were cars lining up behind us to pay their fees as well.