An Evening of Twinkling Lights

Last Saturday evening my mom called and asked if we wanted to go watch the parade of lights on the river.  At the last minute we all scrambled into the car and made it happen.  We didn't care that it was raining and cold we wanted to get out of the house and have some fun. 

When we arrived downtown we found a crowd gathered around some buildings.  People were singing Christmas carols in the crowd and it immediately brought tears to my eyes.  A few moments later, The Night Before Christmas was read by "Samuel Clemens" as it was performed from two of the old buildings.  It was wonderful watching the show, hearing the laughter and excited shouts from the adults and kids alike as Santa appeared on stage. 

Behind us an old steam engine blew it's haunting whistle as it slowly chugged into the station. As each car passed passengers wearing red santa's hats could be seen gathering their belongings. Christmas was in the air.     

The giant tree near the train station and square.

At 6:30 sharp we walked to the dock along the river's edge and waited for the parade of lights to begin.  The lights from the boats grew brighter as they slowly drifted towards us and passed under the bridge.  Each one had a different theme and I loved how even in the rain their twinkling lights could be seen reflecting in the water.  If you listened closely you could here the passengers on board singing carols or shouting "Merry Christmas!" We joyfully yelled "Merry Christmas!" in return.  Yaya and my mom were so sweet as they shouted compliments to the people on each boat.  "Your lights are beautiful!  Great JOB!  OOOOH LALA!"  All the celebrating made Bird hungry and he decided to make a quick escape to order some yummy Hush Puppies for us all.  They were hot and steamy and they hit the spot. 

Did you notice the raindrops falling against the night sky in this picture?

Two things could have made the evening better falling snow instead of rain and a thermos full of hot cocoa to sip while the boats drifted by. 

Note to self:  Next year make and bring hot chocolate!