Christmas in July

We’ve been enjoying our vacation in Toledo, OH.  I know, I ought to be careful in announcing our plans lest any of you covet.  Honestly it’s been great.  Just to be with family is loads of fun plus grandma’s cooking can’t be beat.  Grandpa’s home has a huge yard with a deck for BBQing and a swing set so the kids are having a blast whether it’s wading in their $7.99 vinyl pool or bottling up as many fireflies as possible at night.  Ping pong table in the basement, NOGGIN on Cable TV, life just doesn’t get better than this.  My father is celebrating his 70th birthday so the whole clan is here.

Besides trips to Niagara/Toronto and Chicago the other day at my father’s suggestion we took a trip out out to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland.  (O.k., there’s a really good Outlet nearby – even has a North Face store – plus Chicken Dinner at Zehnder’s).  We got to Bronner’s with just 30 min before closing.  Bronner’s prides itself in its Silent Night Chapel, a replica of the original in Austria.  The kids got a kick out of the place of course with its megastore of Christmas paraphernalia and Christmas light displays.

Sarah and I wanted to hurl at every turn.  I guess if someone wants to sell Christmas junk 361 days a year that’s their business.  But please, don’t try to profit off of Jesus.  I said to Sarah this place has everything for Christmas but it has nothing to do with Jesus.  Plus, Jesus is really expensive at Bronner’s – no bargains found here.

Next summer – Precious Moment’s Chapel!