Join me in welcoming mom and writer Jenna Scott to Grand Rapids Kids!  Jenna is a local mom of 4 who will be sharing her exploits with us as she navigates Grand Rapids with her large gang in tow.  Welcome Jenna!
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Magical Meijer Gardens
by Jenna Scott

After a hasty dinner of beanies and weenies, we told our kids to “grab your cameras and get into the car - we’re headed for a surprise destination”. The suspense as we drove was overwhelming and there was a lot of squealing and guessing from the back of the van as my husband and I smugly sipped peppermint mochas and flipped the radio to one of the two stations already playing Christmas music.

As we drove up to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, we were not disappointed. The fact that it is pitch black before 6pm was actually a good thing on this night because the lighted trees and sculptures seemed even brighter against the inky backdrop. Santa greeted us at the door and made us promise to get a picture with him on our way out, which we did. We made our way in and were immediately ensconced in a gala of garland.




We found, lining the hallways, trees and displays representing different countries and decorated accordingly. Plaques explain how each culture uniquely celebrates the holidays. We felt like we gave our kids a dollop of culture as we looked at, read about, and discussed how different countries decorate and celebrate for the holidays.



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Our family’s favorite nook was the Victorian garden—which has been transformed into a choo choo Utopia . There are train tracks up high, down low, bodies of water, bridges, replicas of buildings in Grand Rapids, and plenty of cars tooting around the tracks. Every child and parent in the area was mesmerized by the trains.


Because it was tree-lighting night, we were treated to strolling carolers and hand bell choirs around every corner. We ended our evening making crafts together as a family, snapping a picture of each child in front of their “favorite” tree, and snagging one last photo with Santa in his sleigh on our way out the door.
We could have easily spent another hour wandering, discovering, and taking in the culture and allure of the festive decorations.  But, alas, it was a school night.  We will definitely go back to take in a little more tinsel. I think the 108 photos my son took with his kiddie digital camera aren’t quite enough to do the displays justice.



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A little about Jenna Scott-

former HS English teacher and Human Resources Generalist who is married to a man of ministry and now gets to have adventures with their four children, cook fabulous meals, and sometimes put her professional writing degree to use.

Read more from Jenna at her blog quite e-musing.
 


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