Calloway Gardens Retreat

Right before Christmas Mimi and Bibi took the kids and I to Calloway Gardens. I booked our reservations months ago and we were excited to go and spend the night in a hotel and see the lights. I learned a couple of things about booking a hotel-1) Don't always go with the cheaper option and 2) Pictures can be deceiving. We spent the night in a Hobbit house but we really had a good laugh about it. The hotel room was about the same size as my closet and my dad's feet hung off the bed. I am pretty sure the beds were full sized which made sleeping three wide with Andrew and Alora pretty tough but it was funny.

We had a great time just enjoying each other and getting some time away from the hustle and bustle. We had lunch on the way there at one of our favorite restaurants--Mellow Mushroom and then checked in to the hotel. Next, we were off to see the lights of Callaway Gardens. There were some great places to take some great pics.

There was lots to see like this giant nutcracker.

There was a great display sharing the Christmas story. It was my favorite. We rode a train through the gardens and viewed the lights as well as, sang Christmas carols.

I really do not know how to take pics outside at night and so they are pretty blurry but the lights were beautiful!

Finally, one that was in focus!
I love the reflection of the pond.

The next day we spent a little bit of time touring the gardens. The butterfly house was AMAZING! It was filled with tropical butterflies of all kinds. I loved chasing the little guys with my camera.

Beautiful!

Oooh!!!!

Ahhhhh!

After we left the butterfly house we headed to the wild bird show. It was AWESOME!!! We saw a hawk, and two different types of owls flying all around us. If you have never seen this show at Callaway, you really need to. I forgot my camera in the car and so I have no pics but trust me--it was great! So great that I logged some school time since we are studying zoology--flying animals. It was a great trip and we enjoyed the time with Mimi and Bibi! Thank you so much!