Botanical Garden at Night--indoors

 Usually when I go to the Missouri Botanical Garden around Christmas, I visit the train exhibit (click here)  Here is another year at the Gardenland Express (click here), but this year they had a special outdoor exhibit in addition to the Gardenland Express.  Shaw's Garden was decorated for an outdoor, light-filled walk. Above were lanterns in trees near Shaw's mausoleum.  I was surprised that we also got a tour of Shaw's Home pictured below.  Bonfires along the walk helped warm us up and were available to fix s'mores, too.

Christmas Trees and Nativity Sets

 Our church, St. Mark Presbyterian, had a House Tour of members' homes recently.  This year, we started with a brunch at church.  Welcoming everyone in our narthex area was this beautiful tree.

 But, we have lots of trees around---this one is our Christmas Card tree---donations are for the Children's Home in Farmington.

We have also recently added this beautiful nativity set---baby Jesus will appear soon.

The first home had this beautiful tree with crocheted ornaments done by the owner's mother.

St. Mark's House Tour

 This was the third year for our St. Mark's House Tour.  This time all of the homes were west of Clarkson Rd.

 First, many of us stopped by church for a brunch.

St. Mark House Tour

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!