I know I keep starting every post with “can you believe it’s almost Christmas?!” but seriously, CAN YOU?! When Thanksgiving is late, it totally throws off my holiday! Now, granted, I’ve had my tree up since November 1st, so really, I have no excuse, but I’M NOT READY! Hahahaha! Sigh.
On Tuesday night, we headed to one of our favorite spots with some of our favorite people to do one of our favorite things…our FOURTH ANNUAL CARRIAGE RIDE IN DALLAS WITH THE SLAUGHTERS!!
We met down in Dallas on Tuesday night for some yummy Mexican food and then our annual ride to see the beautiful lights. In this pic, the girls are singing to Erika…and Nixon is being a typical brother 😉 .
We were all so excited to hop on!! The lights in Highland Park are INSANE! If you’re local, make sure you stop by the village first and then go see the lights. Everything about Highland Park is insane (it’s where Jerry Jones lives!). It’s beautiful and old and perfect for a chilly night of light lookin’.
Our ride began at 7:30, and we were all eager to hop on!
This sums us up.
We boarded the carriage and off we went!
Oh what fun it is to ride!
I caught Erika mid-selfie with the kids too!
She and I look forward to this tradition all year long!
Want to hear a cool story? He loves those ear things to keep him warm…but he really loves them extra because he bought them in Beijing when we went to get our Ashby 🙂 .
My favorite house of the night!!
Holy inflatables! Hahahaha!
Everything is always so beautiful!!
This decked out car pulled up right behind us at one point…and SANTA WAS DRIVING! What are the odds?! The kids thought that was so cool!
We don’t hate the cuddling to stay warm 😉 .
Erika, we should just do a group Christmas card this year…with this pic 😉 .
We only have 5 more days until Christmas!!!!!!!!
Erika Slaughter says
EEEEEKKKKKKK!!!! SO MUCH FUN! How is that time drags on and on during a 45-minute work out class but an hour carriage ride flies by? And yes to the Christmas card. I’ll order them. You address them! ha!
Sheaffer Sims says
Such a great tradition! It’s all so beautiful!
Aparna says
So fun!! And what amazing light decor!! Always good to see how things are done in other parts of the world ?
Sara says
Just outside of our neighborhood, there is an older man that decorates with tons of inflatables and wood cutouts. He does for every holiday for his wife! So sweet. My children, ages 5 and 2, say “i think he is the real Santa” every time we pass his house. I’m almost tempted to stop in and tell him one day. I’m sure he’d get a kick out of it, and he’d know the kiddies love all of his hardwork! He has the giant frosty, just like in your picture, as well as many other things!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that so much!!!
Mary Louis says
So dang fun!!! It looks FREEZING down there by the way ya’ll are dressed. Wasn’t a high of 60?
Mix and Match Mama says
It was 36!
Sarah M says
I was going to say, how cold is it really?! You’re in Texas after all, but I did the conversion to Celsius (I’m from Canada) and you’re right, it was cold, even for me!!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Aww, so cute! Looks like everyone really enjoyed the tradition! 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Narci says
What a fun time! I love this tradition of yours!
Andrea says
If my kids had their wish our yard would be full of inflatables but right now we only have one since our Santa’s motor died two weeks ago. My kids were crushed. We buy them after Christmas to get the best deal…haha
Julie says
You are in perfect heart formation for your group photo-ahhh-I love it! Looks like a great night and glad you are feeling better.
Tracy says
What a fun tradition! Love the framily picture – how in the world did you get EVERYONE looking at the camera, smiling, and no one with their eyes closed?!
Mix and Match Mama says
A true Christmas miracle 🙂 .
ashley gonzalez says
I love this idea. How far in advance do you book your carriage ride?
Mix and Match Mama says
Like two months?!
Brooke says
My family is going to be in the area at Christmas time. Is there more than one company that books the carriage rides? The only option to book the company I found is at 10:45 PM right now. Are people allowed to drive through the area on their own or is it gated? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes to all of this!! You most certainly can drive and look at the lights on your own and yes there are several companies who do it!
Debbra Weber says
It looks like a great time!!! I have family in Texas. I may have to venture that way after my kiddos are down with sports to do this with them. Have a great weekend!!
Amy says
What carriage company do you use for Highland Park?
Mix and Match Mama says
Three Jay’s!!
LisaD says
Serious fun! Your Christmas events look so amazing, merry Christmas!
Kim Graves says
LOVE! My husband I rode our 2nd annual with Three Jays on Monday night! The Highland Park lights are so beautiful, aren’t they!? Chilly was an understatement- but the cuddling… um, yes! That I loved! So cozy & fun! Merry ”almost” Christmas!!!!!
P.S. My husband helped your sweet family at the Galleria Ice Skating Center yesterday. He practically runs the place! Tall, like your hubs! I showed him your pic- and he remembered y’all and said he noticed you adopted. We’ve talked about doing the same someday. 🙂 I told him you’re the ones I’m always talking about, you and your adorable littles! Seeing their smiles on your posts brings me such joy!!!
Mix and Match Mama says
Awe! Really?! I wish would have known to say hi!!
J says
I think it was so sweet that Maddie shared her scarf with her friend! It looks like that sleigh ride was great, even though it was cold out! That was so perfect with Santa driving the decorated car in back of the sleigh and waving to everyone!
It’s going to be in the teens tonight here and going down to 5 below! Brrrrr!
The last pic of all of you smiling is the perfect pic of what friendship is all about Shay! ❤
Have a Merry Christmas Shay with your family and friends! ?
Liz Thorson says
What a fun night for your two families! I hope you are making yourself rest, Shay, and allowing people to care for you while you heal and regain your strength and energy! XO
Susan says
Last week I visited my family in Dallas and we drove through Highland Park to see the lights – so beautiful! We ate Mexican food afterwards! Also went to the Dallas Arboretum to see the Twelve Days of Christmas exhibit. So worth the trip. I grew up in Dallas and hadn’t been to McKinney in years (bought my wedding veil there 32 years ago) so I also drove up to see the square. It’s a delightful town square and the shop owners were lovely.
Sarah Benson says
Next year, the kids will be taller than you in the group picture!! It is perfect. It’s like everyone knows where to stand in order of height!