Meadowlark Gardens' Winter Walk of Lights

Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Virginia, is a wonderful place.  With or without kids, it is beautiful and I love visiting.  I have a season pass and love to walk around in the spring, summer, and fall, and take our friends along for playdates.  We were so excited this year when we heard about their winter light show (you can still it see on the link I posted as of 2/2/13 as I'm typing this.  It has a video and pictures, and you can read their info about it). 

We knew we just had to go.  It was on from Nov. 16- Jan. 6, and we went after the holidays to avoid big crowds.  It was cold, but Nick could have cared less, and frankly, I bundled up, so I was ready.  (And a note for those of you who have been there: the lights went down to the water and not further (it is a huge place).  We spent 45 minutes there with Nick (meaning: walking/dawdling along), but depending on how cold and/or interested you and your company are, you could spend more or less time there.

Much to my surprise, my camera took pretty good shots in the dark (thanks, mom!)  Enjoy!  And next year, check it out with your little ones, or seriously, it'd be great for a date, too :-)

Nutcrackers

There were garden themed light displays

Adorned trees everywhere

A light ice rink with skaters

Carolers naturally

Swans in front of the lake and the gazebo all lit up

Nick watching the light show that was timed to music

Nick in the back of the sleigh

And lots of nature themed light displays

Leaping fish that Nick "chased"

"Stream" and frogs

Seriously, they thought of everything. 
They even had mushrooms, fairies, butterflies,
gingerbread houses, candycanes, lollipop, etc. etc.
It was awesome.

This was neat, a garden with pumpkins (?),  maybe. 
Nick loved it and really wanted to pick one up.
But, stood there and stared longingly instead.

Nicky and Nonni warming up by the bonfire at the end.