A Plant and Rock Christmas

We still had plenty of things on our "Christmas Bucket-list" that we wanted to get done, so two days before Christmas we were rushing to fit it all in! 

One of those items was the National Botanical Gardens. It is already a family favorite place to go, but especially during the Christmas season. They have made replicas of all the big buildings and monuments around Washington, DC out of natural materials. They are all so amazing and detailed. We loved exploring the Gardens and finding all the places the buildings were nestled. 

Just outside the Botanical Garden and on the West Lawn of the Capitol Building is the Capitol Christmas tree. This year the tree was provided by Alaska and decorated by school age students from Alaska. We always have seen the National Tree outside the White House, but this is the first time that we have seen the Capitol tree. Apparently, they have had one in this location  since 1964! 

The decorations were made out of natural materials and we loved the insects and animals they had throughout the area. 

Outside in the gardens they have train sets up. We loved watching them make their way through the scenery. 

They had huge natural statues made out of natural materials. We loved the I'iwi made out of bark leaves, and flowers.

 

It was time for the annual cookie making event! These two had so much fun trying out all the cookie cutters. I am glad we use them. We haul them around the world with us to be used one time! HAHA. 

Lady Hiva happened to buy some wood kits and these two had fun creating. Koala Bear made houses. Lucky Dragon made a container and then a Rube Golburg track. Lady Hiva helped him perfect it. He was so excited to see it work (as you can see from his reaction). 

Frau Jill and Branch are still making trouble every day. 

Lady Hiva has been missing her parents and we have had a few times we lucked out. When we went to the Temple to see the lights we met a Tongan missionary who said that she knew a guy who could find Lu (taro) leaves. Lady messaged the guy and come to find out I was friends with his wife during my undergrad. Then when we did service at the Bishop's Storehouse another Polynesian woman was working with us. Both of them gave hints of where to find amazing products. 

We went to the Caribbean Store in Maryland just north of Washington, DC. It was so much fun to be in there. It was crowded, a bit small, chaotic, but had everything! She was so happy to find lu leaves, kapa-pulu, and ufi for her Traditional Tongan Christmas meal! Thankfully we found all of those Polynesians to guide us.   

We then went to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra Concert. It was so much fun. Lots of fire, lights, and guitars. It was a different way to celebrate Christmas from the other concerts we went to this season--Rockettes, Navy Band, etc. But it was so much fun. 

Part of the fun was a guy next to us that was SO into it! He was cheering so loud and happy that it was infectious. We had fun laughing and cheering along with him. 

Such an amazing day. Music, food, miracles, and some plants to enjoy! Couldn't have been any better!