Glow at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

So on Saturday I took the kids to the Glow festival at the Cleveland Botanical Garden for some holiday fun:

 We had a ball.

Matt had to work so I went with a friend of mine whose husband was also working and our collective crew:

that's alot of kids.

Everyone had a good time.  The place is simply stunning.  Decorations everywhere!

This picture is actually from 2012 but the similar garlands are up this year.

And a giant Christmas tree that makes the perfect backdrop for the elusive Christmas card photo:

The different gingerbread houses were a big hit with the kids:

dragon!

From that movie!

As were the many trains:

We actually didn't ride the Garden Express b/c wrangling 5 kids under 4 into coats/hats/mittens/etc again sounded like alot of work.  Perhaps next year.

The biggest hit of all, though was the camping room.  I'm not even sure what it's called.  But there was a play camp set up complete with a fire, play marshmallows to roast, lanterns, and a tent.  The kids LOVED it:

I think they would have played there for hours.  As it was I let them play long enough for me to feed the little guy before dragging them away.  Up next was the gingerbread area which is beautiful.  And has a live band!  Of course the little ones were most fascinated by the slide:

From there we headed into the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse.  I was still on my Quest for a Decent Christmas Card Photo and the lighting in there is amazing:

Unfortunately the kids are .... less so:

Heh.  I did take a few great shots, though - maybe not card worthy but decent:

Yeah.  I can take pretty good pics when my subject isn't running around like a crazy person OMG STOP IT GAAAAAH.

And one that is perhaps my favorite picture ever.  One that I will treasure because sums up this time in my son's life perfectly:

OH TWO.  YOU ARE SO VERY, VERY TWO.

Overall we had a great time.  I definitely recommend checking it out if you are looking for something fun to do this holiday season.  Or for somewhere stunning to use as a backdrop for a holiday photoshoot.

Glow runs now through January 5.  They are open Tues, Thurs, & Sat 10-5.  Then are open until 9 on Wed. and Fri (I'd love to go in the evening sometime!  I bet the place is SPECTACULAR in the dark).  Sunday they are open noon - 5.  Tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for children and are FREE for garden members.  You can purchase them online here.

Yay holidays!

Disclaimer:  I received admission to Glow.  All opinions are, as always, my own.  I can't claim all of the cute kids this time, though.