Happenings: The Christmas house

Today officially marks the start of the Andrade Family holiday season. Yes, the tree got up and decorated today and the house is all decked out, but that's not what makes the season truly start for us. For us, it's the visit to what we call the "Christmas" house that really kicks the beauty of the season into high gear.

So tonight we braved the cold (it's only 39 degrees - you'd think it was a blizzard here....ridiculous, I know).

What is the "Christmas" house? Well, so hard to put it into words, but there is a family in Murrieta that every year starts decorating the outside of their house with millions (yes, millions) of lights in October. They cover every square inch of their house (and now the neighbors on each side) in strands of carefully custom-designed strings of lights. Then Mr. Garmin programs them into a 20-minute light show that is fully orchestrated and broadcast on a local radio station. It covers everything from popular Christmas music, a tribute to the troops, and each year selects special songs to bring out the inspiration for the season. Throw in the interior of their home that they now let us "tour" with amazing trains and nativity sets,and now even the backyard is a display. Oh, and they have the "snow" machines set up in the driveway and let the kids play a bit also. They really bring out the spirit of the season, and it's a tradition that we just don't miss. And they do all this out of the kindness of their hearts...the time, the work, and the huge electric bill (it's about $2k for the month).

Here's a little (very short) sample:

Meghan was pretty awed by the whole thing but LOVED it and kept signing "more" when the music would stop and the lights would dim.