Christmas Lights

So Brandon and I finally put up our Christmas lights.

What do you think?

 

Kidding.

{Did you believe me?}

Last night Brandon and I drove around some local neighborhoods

to take pictures of Christmas lights.

Carmel Mountain Ranch has a great neighborhood filled with lights

but this one stood out especially. 

An elderly couple put so much time and love into this.

{And although you can't see it, there is a dedication to their grandchildren on the garage}

 See the window above -- to the right of the garage?

When you walk up to it

they have a set of stairs so you can peek inside.

It was filled with an entire Christmas scene

complete with a gondola/ski lift,

Santa and his sleigh taking off into the clouds,

a carousel, 

and little shops.

 Their front porch

 This house below had a little window with a Santa movie playing

plus, I loved their tree.

 carousel

 Then we made our way out to Olivenhein which is closer to home.

"Lone Jack Road."

These people went nuts with the trees.

Gorgeous.

 Tell me this tree doesn't look like a giant dandelion.

{I want it}

I want to live here.

Fun with camera settings on the drive.

Christmas is only 9 days away. 

I remember as a kid being ecstatic when it got to the single digits.
It's just out of our reach now.