Here’s the deal, sometimes I giggle to myself when I head to our town square because it feels like you’re stepping into a cute little novel…or that movie Funny Farm (with Chevy Chase). Our town has done an amazing job making our square spectacular while keeping its historical integrity at the same time. Almost all of the shops down there are individually owned and there is an amazing cast of characters…from the candy shop to the home decor stores to the coffee house, cafes, diners, winery, pie shop, bike shop, magic shop, bath shop, French antique shop, ski shop…the square is full of quirky, lively, fantastic stores and people…and no time does it shine more than Christmas. So, here is yet one more post about how my family is celebrating Christmas on the square. (And PS: someone told me last week in a comment that I should run for mayor! Hahaha! That made me laugh. I do love our town! ).
On Monday night, we had our 7th annual carriage ride around town. This has become such a tradition that we joke that the sweet lady who owns the carriage company is basically family. We see her around town with her horses and carriage all year long but one night each December, we get to ride ourselves. This was Madeley’s first ride and it was so much fun. (I mean…she squirmed the whole time and threw gummy bears but she looked like she was having fun…)
Andrew was unloading the other kids from the car and Kensington asked me to take a picture of just her (she was specific) in front of the town Christmas tree.
We ate dinner before our ride at our favorite local diner, Spoons.
Madeley has the best facial expressions. She was pumped because she knew she was getting eggs, sausage and a pancake for dinner.
This year, we went to the candy shop before the ride so that everyone could get a little treat to take with them. I had cinnamon bears 🙂 .
And then it was time to go see Ms. Shannon and her horses. Shannon is a staple around town. She is the only carriage company on the square and her love for these horses and the people in town is evident. She is such a sweet person and we love her so much!
Madeley and me 🙂
One side of our carriage…
…and the other.
All six Shulls in the carriage. And don’t worry…I fixed her hat 😉 .
After the carriage ride, on our way back to the car, we stopped for one more picture. I love this town so much.
Happy Thursday! I’m off to see a preschool Christmas musical and then a first grade reading of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas. xo
Erika Slaughter says
MAYOR?! That sounds like a fabulous idea! Weren’t we just talking about me being your campaign manager? I better get to work. 😉
Holly Hopkins says
So sweet and such a great tradition! I need to know what shade lipstick???? You are wearing it looks great on you!
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s Chanel’s Roman :).
Megan says
Your love for your town is infectious. You should be mayor! Ha! We have a carriage ride tradition as well complete with terrible caroling and hot chocolate afterwards. Merry Christmas!
http://www.lettinginthelightblog.com
Sheaffer Sims says
That group picture of y’all in the carriage is fantastic!
Narci says
Your carriage rides always look like so much fun!!! That picture of y’all is just perfection!
Kelly says
What a great town. And that Christmas tree looks gigantic! Fantastic family pic in carriage! It could be a Christmas card picture – it’s so good
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Such a great tradition! Every time you write about your town, I want to move, LOL
Nicole Ghea says
You make me want to me to McKinney, Tx!! Look s like such a perfect place to raise a family. Just curious, how cold does it get there? Y’all look so cute bundled up!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It was like 38 or 39 that night. It never gets super cold here.
Vanessa says
We are new in town (hehe, that sounds funny) and trying to start new Christmas traditions here and a carriage ride is a PERFECT one! I think I know what to add to our agenda for the weekend:)
Kimberly Moon says
I NEVER comment— but I saw that UAB Blazers bucket in one of your pics from the candy shop above and about died. My husband played football for UAB and we are huge fans– and I MUST HAVE THAT BUCKET. Does that candy shop have a website where I can order it??? *sayyesplease*
Mix and Match Mama says
I think it does! It’s Called Mom and Popcorn in McKinney, TX!
Kara says
Love that last picture!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
Your family is the cutest ever, and I want to eat that Madeley up!! Also, you should wear that lip color every day of your life! xo
Angela Ellingson says
So magical!!! My dream is to do a winter carriage ride. And your town tree!!!! I want to move to McKinney! 😉
Megan Butler says
Such a magical night!!!!! Mckinney is extra special at Christmas!!!!!
Amie says
What a beautiful family and tradition!! That tree is stunning!!
Whitney Pegram says
So much fun!!
Rachel says
Want to visit McKinney so bad! It’s not that far from here, my parents love it, but I’ve never been! Love that last picture of your kids in front of the tree!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
The photos of your kiddies touching the horses are SO adorable. Horses are my favourite animals, hands down. Your pics reminded me of when I went horseriding regularly when I was young.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Annelise says
I love that lip color, I went and bought it yesterday!! Are you wearing a gloss on top? Xoxo
Mix and Match Mama says
Nope!
Natalie Clark says
We have a little candy shop on our town square too, and I recently took our two year old to it for the first time. I was so happy to find cinnamon bears!! I loved them growing up and they’re really the only “candy” I like these days!
Gwen H. says
Oh my goodness! I want to just scoop little Madeley up and kiss those cheeks, snuggle her and tickle her to hear what I’m certain is an infectious little laugh!
The expression on that little face as she (seemed to be) patiently waiting for her dinner was just beyond adorable! I do think my favorite picture was the one of her standing to the left of her baba in front of the candy display. In that one, you can see just what a tiny little munchkin she is! She would make the perfect Christmas present (for me) under my tree, complete with her little orange hair bow! Thank you so much for sharing your precious family. I love reading your blog. I agree with the other readers — that lipstick is perfect for you!
Callie says
What a fun Christmas tradition! Also, now I want some cinnamon bears. 🙂