Fantasy in Lights

This weather pattern known as El Nino has put a real damper on things this holiday season. Even now, as I type, there's a steady and constant rain outside my window.

Because of all the rain, I thought we weren't going to make it to Callaway Gardens to see the yearly display of Christmas lights. We took Jack when he was about three, and I wanted Mattie to be able to experience the Christmas magic. Luckily, the light show runs through Jan. 2, so last night, during a break in the rain, we headed toward Pine Mountain, Ga. to catch the show.

Most of my pictures of the actual show are somewhat blurry because I had to snap them on the moving "Jolly Trolley" ride.

There's plenty to do if you arrive before your scheduled departure time on the trolley. We ate hot dogs and loaded nachos, danced around in the pretend snow (bubbles coming out of an overhead machine) and took silly pictures.

The line to get to the trolley ride is quite lengthy. There are two stops along the way before boarding the trolley. The first checkpoint is where the ticket barcodes are scanned. The second is a large tent where everyone meanders through.

As we approached the second checkpoint, Jack asked if we were going to have to take off our shoes. Now that's the sign of a well-traveled child! He breathed a sigh of relief when I noted that only airports require you to do that.