Ahhh... indoor garden sooths the wintry soul

We had two weeks break from the school routine this Christmas, and Scott was able to take ten days of that off as well. We really enjoyed sleeping in (the kids actually started playing when they got up before us, instead of waking us up!), eating meals together, and having pretty much zero schedule to follow.

One day, we went to a local conservatory -- the organic kind, not the musical kind. Stepping inside is always a welcome reprieve from winter. I forget how much I miss green until I walk in!

What surprises me most is how much the kids enjoy prowling through the various rooms. They actually ask if we can go to the garden quite frequently. Another perk -- it's free. They take donations but do not charge admission. We basked in the warm moist air, enjoyed the holiday display, looked for fish in the fish ponds, and listened to the music of the waterfall for almost two hours.

Big Boy and Little Girl loved the holiday trains.

I love watching Elli and Little Girl interact. They've got a bond
I'll never fully understand, but I am so delighted that it exists.

Hey look! It's a photo of both Scott and I!
A kind passerby volunteered to take our picture by the waterfall.
(Little Boy was exhausted and in no mood to smile, so I didn't even try.)