Oops! I almost forgot! Today I’m sharing 15 Life Skills Essential to My Children at the Homeschool Classroom. My kids are approaching adulthood at an incredible pace and I find myself trying to teach them everything I can think of. I hope you’ll stop by and share what you are or have worked on with your own children.
If we still lived in Huntsville, we would have jumped in the car, zipped across town and enjoyed viewing the Galaxy of Lights, as we have the past two years. Now that we’re back in Ohio, I thought it would be a great time to begin a new light viewing tradition. Originally, my thoughts were that it would be really fun to seek out the best light displays in Ohio and visit one each weekend until Christmas.
It sounded great in my head anyway. I quickly changed my mind once I voiced my idea.
My daughter and I. No, it’s not just the Santa hat. She really is taller than me.
Some of the family was up for it, but not everyone was on board with the idea. So with much grumbling, we jumped in the car, picked up my mother-in-law and drove nearly two hours to view the Legendary Lights at Clifton Mill.
I was wagering that once we arrived and my kids saw the lights, they’d forget about the drive and enjoy the display. Or so I hoped.
Our visit would coincide with the opening weekend and take place on a Saturday, so I was prepared for crowds. We arrived early, easily found the free parking lot and followed the already gathering bystanders towards the gate.
Personally, I enjoyed walking around and viewing the mill without the lights. Arriving early allowed us time see some of the displays before it got really busy.
We saw the nativity- every Christmas display should have one.
The amazing animated miniature village features dozens of tiny scenes, including a miniature Clifton mill and village, a moving train, and an OSU stadium- after all, this is the Buckeye State!
The Toy Shop displays dozens of vintage games, toys and sleds from the 1940’s, 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s. I saw many items that I recognized from my own childhood.
They also had this light from the Christmas Story on display.
Santa’s Workshop adjoins the Toy Shop where you can peek inside the windows and see Santa hard at work.
We also made our way through the Santa display which includes over 3,000 Santa Clauses and claims to be the largest Santa display in the US!
At exactly 6 p.m. the mill goes from hushed darkness to a brilliant display of color.
The best place to view the amazing transformation is on the deck outside the seating area of the mill’s restaurant or somewhere along the fence between the covered bridge and the water wheel.
Across the bank you can see the beautiful rippling waterfall of lights. It takes over 3.6 million lights to put on a display of this magnitude.
Every hour on the hour guests gather around the covered bridge to watch an unbelievable mind-blowing light show synchronized to dramatic Christmas music that I haven’t been able to get out of my head since that night. Da da da da….
Just as the show ended at the covered bridge, we saw Santa pop out of the chimney of his workshop. If you miss him, don’t worry. He reappears every 20 minutes and between his appearances, you can peek through the windows of his workshop and spy on him as he tinkers around.
Don’t forget to take another peek at the miniature display once the lights are turned on. I loved the miniature Clifton Mill.
Before you head home make sure you stop in the Country Store gift shop for some of the Mill’s special pancake mix. Doesn’t Apple Cinnamon or Blueberry pancakes sound especially yummy?
Details for visiting:
Clifton Mill is located in the charming town of Clifton, about 30 miles east of Dayton or 40 miles south west of Columbus, just outside Springfield. You’ll find the mill at 75 Water St. Clifton, OH 45316.
Hours of operation are 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. every night. I highly suggest that you arrive before the lights come on at 6 p.m. for the most memorable experience. The gates close an hour early on Christmas Eve, Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
In the event of severe weather or rain, Clifton Mill will not be open. If you are in doubt or you’ll be driving quite a distance, call ahead to confirm their hours at 937-767-5501.
Admission is $10 per person for everyone age 7 and older, younger children are free.
You can find out about the history of the mill and additional information on the Clifton Mill website.
Don’t let the price (or a bit of a drive) scare you, I think it was worth every penny and if you’re curious, my wager paid off. My teenagers did enjoy the outing.
If you missed it you can read my post 5 Christmas Light Displays worth the Drive. What Christmas light displays have you enjoyed?
Thanks for stopping by and joining me for the 5 Days of Christmas series this week! It’s been fun to share some of my ideas and tips and to read all of the wonderful posts from the other bloggers that also participated in the series.
Now it’s your turn to share. You can link up your best Christmas post with a tip, craft idea or recipe for the 5 Days of Christmas. You can write a post specifically for the 5 Days of Christmas series, or you can link up a post that you’ve written in the past. It’s up to you. I can’t wait to read your posts!
A Slob Comes Clean – Getting Your Home Company Ready
Feels Like Home – Christmas Traditions
Somewhat Crunchy – Christmas with Dairy Allergies
Spell Outloud – Children’s Books
Mama’s Learning Corner – Children’s Crafts
Many Little Blessings – Edible Gifts
Sunflower Schoolhouse – Decorations
An Oregon Cottage – Christmas Cookies
Catholic Icing – Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday Mama's Laundry Talk - Laundry Gifts The Homeschool Classroom – Gifts Kids Can Make
This week for the 5 Days of Christmas Traveling, I’ve shared:
You can also read one of my posts at The Homeschool Classroom:
For my final post in the series, I had planned to share some of the unique places that we’ve shopped for Christmas gifts or Home Tours around the Country that you shouldn’t miss. Instead, I decided to share a few gift ideas for some of the other special members of your family, your faithful, four legged traveling canines.
In three years, we’ve barely gone anywhere without ours. Let me tell you, our dog has really logged some miles! And he’s a great traveler.
1. Our dog may love to travel with us, but he also likes to see where we’re going. When he was smaller, he often sat on someone’s lap. Now that he is bigger he demands a seat of his own, but he’s not quite big enough to see out the window. Which is why a booster/car seat is #1 on my list of gift ideas for the traveling canine.
2. I don’t like giving up my comfy bed when we’re traveling and either does Vincent. This travel bed is perfect for the dog on the go! 
3. Vincent knows it’s time for a trip when I begin to pack necessities in his travel bag. Every dog should have one and this one is great because it comes with portable food and water containers that match the bag. I’m a sucker for matching pieces!
4. You do realize that responsible dog owners clean up after their pets, right? I love these handy waste disposal bags that can clip right on Vincent’s travel bag so I know just where they are when I need them.
5. I’m a fan of practical ideas, but your four-legged- fur- baby wants something fun for Christmas, too. Every year, I pick up one of these ducks to go along with other stocking stuffers. Not only does Vincent love to open them, these toys keep him occupied for hours on the road!
A Slob Comes Clean - Getting Your Home Company Ready
Feels Like Home - Christmas Traditions
Somewhat Crunchy - Christmas with Dairy Allergies
Spell Outloud - Children's Books
Mama's Learning Corner - Children's Crafts
Many Little Blessings - Edible Gifts
Sunflower Schoolhouse – Decorations
An Oregon Cottage - Christmas Cookies
Catholic Icing - Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday
The Homeschool Classroom - Gifts Kids Can Make
Mama's Laundry Talk - Laundry Gifts
Successful Homeschooling – Serving
*This post contains affiliate links.
Yesterday I shared 5 Gift Ideas for Traveling Teens, but what about the adult traveler in your life? Today I’ll offer 5 Gift Ideas for the Traveler in Your Life, all of which are items that I own or would love to have!
1. These luggage tags are too cute and at only $10 for the set, won’t break the bank.
2. It wasn’t until our last cruise that I decided I really needed a jewelry organizer. I don’t often wear or travel with expensive jewelry, but I do love costume jewelry and packing my pieces on our last vacation to Alaska was a mess. I just tossed it all into my suitcase and had to untangle each piece before I could wear it. I’ll certainly buy a jewelry organizer before I travel again!
5. When all else fails, remember that gift cards are always appreciated, especially for the traveler who can use them to pay for meals, gas, lodging and entertainment while on the road.
What ideas would you add to the list?
Don’t forget to stop by and visit the other bloggers participating in the 5 Days of Christmas series!
A Slob Comes Clean - Getting Your Home Company Ready
Feels Like Home - Christmas Traditions
Somewhat Crunchy - Christmas with Dairy Allergies
Spell Outloud - Children's Books
Mama's Learning Corner - Children's Crafts
Many Little Blessings - Edible Gifts
Sunflower Schoolhouse – Decorations
An Oregon Cottage - Christmas Cookies
Catholic Icing - Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday
The Homeschool Classroom - Gifts Kids Can Make
Mama's Laundry Talk - Laundry Gifts
Successful Homeschooling – Serving
*This post does include affiliate links.
