St. Louis doesn't have white Christmases too often. 
I think the weatherman said we have about a 10% chance each year.
This year, was a particularly beautiful snow thanks to the "Pineapple Express" from California.
One of my favorite winter sights is a red cardinal against the white snow!
Although it started snowing Christmas Eve, we still had flurries when we woke this morning.
For most, traveling wasn't too bad---it did, however, slow down my cycling elf!
Our church St. Mark Presbyterian had its second annual Holiday House Tour last week. We get to visit member's homes, be inspired by the decorations and contribute to Beyond Housing a local organization committed to support and services to lower income helping them with housing among other service.
This year, most of the homes were in my neighborhood (I could ride my bike to them).
But, it was also an opportunity to see "old friends" (Carol above is from 3rd grade).
And, new friends Carol above worships with us on Saturday PM---she is shown with a Christmas tree collection of the home-owner's daughter in a sun room.
I knew Jerie's house would have trains because she and her husband have a toy store.
I loved their beach-themed Christmas tree, too.
Although Richard and Julie's house was lovely, we probably won't have an Airstream on the Holiday Tour again.
Since, Richard and Julie spend several months each year in their Airstream, I was delighted to see it open for tour!
Dave and I took Eli to the Gardenland Express one year to the day we took him last year (Click here). The Missouri Botanical Garden (AKA Shaw's Garden) in St. Louis mixes beautiful floral displays with model trains. It's very popular with grandparents and their grandchildren.
It really is a wonderful December activity.
They usually have some full-scale items like the Farmall tractor and a model of a visitor's center on the Appalachian Trail which was the theme this year.
I don't think I got any photos of Eli where there wasn't blurriness---it was so hard for him to contain his excitement.
Despite the warnings, it was hard for a 3 year old NOT to stand on the edging.
I should have known that with all of his excitement he would fall off the edging, face first into the floral arrangement. He wasn't hurt and I think I covered up the bruised and crushed plants pretty well. I kind of wish I'd gotten a photo of him, though.
I always love the little vignettes in model train displays like the one above.
It is a great time for all ages.
But, I do wish I had one unblurry photo of Eli.
Leah and her friend Julie had daughters two days apart last December---they'd hoped to room together but . . .one was in labor while one was on the maternity floor. Julie named her daughter Annie; Leah named hers Anna. 
So, Julie and Leah thought it would be fun to have a joint birthday party inviting their college friends (mostly sorority sisters). Leah's brain went into over-drive remembering two parties. . .
The first one was the party Rachel had for Libby last spring. Rachel had wanted Libby's 3rd birthday to be a tea party, but with boy cousins and brothers. . . .what to do? So, she had a Alice in Wonderland Tea Party (click here).
Then, Leah and her friends a few months ago had a tea party-themed "sprinkle" for their friend Bailey who is expecting her second child. Leah borrowed all of my old hats (bought 30 years ago at garage sales for my children) and had a lot of fun decorating with her friends Rachel and Rebecca (yes, she has sisters AND friends with those names).
So, she decided to put it all together---tea party for their college friends and young children. One of her college friends works for a local magazine, pitched the idea to her editor who liked the idea of fun parties at home with little cost. Leah's brain really went into over-over-drive.
Most of the decorations were things her friends or sisters already owned. But, she also started visiting re-sale shops and found a lot of great stuff.
For example her friend Rebecca made the banner, loaned the mirrors, clocks and her sister Rachel's Cheshire cat can be seen on the bookcase in the corner.
Then, that's my silver on my hat box with Goodwill cups glued together, with Leah's childhood tea set, her friend Rebecca's swan.
Leah's sister Rebecca created the "eat me" "drink me" tags.
(Anna in blue and white above had several costume changes) And, yes, the children had a great time---Eli poured "tea" (water), they used Anna's tea set from her great Aunt Jane (the Queen of Teas). These photos do not do justice to the decorating. Click here for more picturesClick here to view these pictures larger
And, I got my silver polished! Thanks Lindsey!
While some went to Kansas City's Union Station to see the train exhibit (click here for our 2008 visit), several of us stayed to get a Taco Bar ready at Twenter's Casa.
Kyle's parents came to join us for lunch. Pat apparently didn't get the memo that I take photos while people eat. My daughters, on the other hand. . . .
After lunch some of the kids played outside.
Some took naps and some played Wii.
Brett achieved Pro Bowling status bowling 296. His Uncle Jason said he can't touch him.
After some naps, we celebrated Anna's birthday a little early with cupcakes, pumpkin gooey butter, chocolate croissant bread pudding. . . .
Cherry pie and TCBY brought by the Elder Twenters.
Afterwards, the birthday girl took a bath while
Others went through toy catalogs. . .
Cutting and pasting what they want for Christmas.
Then, Anna opened up some birthday gifts. . . .
Watching Anna's excitement with her baby made us all giggle. . . but when she started saying "Baby" in her special baby voice. . . .priceless.
