I have a feeling this is only the first of many “Festival of Trees”. I was looking for lighting displays and when the list came up there were festivals of trees everywhere.

How did I end up at the Easton Garden Club’s “Festival of Trees”? A friend of mine asked me to take pictures of her two children for the annual Christmas Card.  It took some juggling because between the kids school schedule, my friend’s work schedule and my work schedule there didn’t seem to be anytime to get together. The challenge was complicated by needing a holiday background. They didn’t have their tree up yet. Finally we adults decided to take the kids to see the Festival of Trees. It was close to their home and we figured there must be something there to use as a background. A couple of shots in front of a tree and the kids could go back to being kids. Easy Peasey, right?

I volunteered to take the day off from work. It was an afternoon event and then we’d take the kids to see the “Lighting of the Rockery” in Easton Center in the evening. Sounded like a good idea at the time. The only problem was the kids didn’t get the memo.

I picked the little family up at 2:30 and we took a leisurely drive the couple of miles to the Festival. It was inside so we didn’t need to worry about the weather.

Young Dawn was all dressed up for the picture. So far so good. But that was as far as it went.

Inside the large building tree after tree was decorated. There was so many trees.

They had names like “A Black Tie Affair”,

It’s a Dog’s Life, Aqua Splendor and many more. There was even a tree that I think you’ll recognize.

There was  a Grinch set up for photos. Perfect (not). And Thing #1 and Thing #2 with the Cat in the Hat!

That was when I hit the first road block. Both children turned into the human versions of Thing 1 and Thing 2. They didn’t want to be in the same picture together and they didn’t want to be in a picture with the Grinch. Each had their own favorite tree but didn’t  want to share.

I’ll let Santa sort out the Naughty or Nice list. Sometimes it’s better to punt, so separate pictures it was.

The Center of Easton was bustling with Bouncy Houses, Fried Dough and Hot dog stands.

Santa arrived riding in a Fire truck and Elmo and Rudolph worked the crowd.

Then it was time for the big event.

A rock wall called the Rockery was lit with hundreds of holiday lights. The DJ cranked out lively Christmas tunes like Rockin’ Around the Christmas tree. It was a jolly old crowd that cheered the lighting.

By now it was quite dark and time to return,  Daughter Dawn , Son Alex and Mom Nancy back to their little home.

Mom Nancy and I will put our heads together to plot the next attempt to secure this year’s Christmas photo. We’ll only get one more try because Christmas is right around the corner.