Hello everyone! And phew, how is that for a blog post title?
We had a family emergency with Wyatt last week that we are all still processing, and we took it easy the rest of the week afterwards. Lots of staying in our pajamas and vegging out. Look at that crazy hair!
We did however, get dressed Sunday evening because I had bought tickets to Holiday Lights on the Farm at Wolcott Mills Metropark, and I knew Wyatt would love it. There was going to be lights, farm animals, a wheelchair accessible wagon ride, and best of all, Santa! It was also an hour away from home, but my kid needed something happy. And he never stopped smiling.
The drive wasn’t bad, and we got there about 15 minutes early which I was glad we did, because there were already cars lined up to get in! You needed to buy tickets beforehand, but it was a sold out program. I knew we were probably only going to stay a short time instead of the whole time so I wanted to get in at the start. And first stop, Santa! We were the second people in line so I was happy to have that part checked off my list right at the beginning. (Yes, I am a total nerd and had an order of efficiency in mind – Santa, wagon, then see the lights and then when Wyatt was ready to go, we had to the “big” things already done) I hadn’t told Wyatt about Santa being there so that was a fun surprise for him!
Santa and Mrs. Claus, and the elves were all so kind and helpful!
When I had been looking around for an event for us this year, one of the reasons I picked this one was because it mentioned right on the page that it was all accessible by wheelchair – and they were right! But I was most excited about the wheelchair accessible wagon ride, because I knew my boy would love that. He loves transportation, tractors, trucks, trains, etc and I knew he would dig that. And he absolutely did. The smile never left his face the whole ride!
The employees were fantastic. They had a wheelchair lift to get him up and down which Wyatt of course loved, and then they also strapped his chair down so that we didn’t need to worry about hitting bumps and him rolling around (even though his brakes were on). Again, everyone was so kind and accomodating.
The ride itself was fifteen minutes, and it was so pretty and peaceful to see all the lights of the farm fading away into the distance from the wagon. We went in a loop, looking at different trees made of lights before heading back to the farm area, where the lights welcomed us back. It was a really good time.
Once those two big things were checked off my list, we were free to just explore the animals and the lights!
I loved all the ducks and geese and especially the chicken coop.
Wyatt was not a fan of this fellow..
Billy and I were so excited to see Lil’ Sebastian (not really the name but iykyk) but Wyatt was super weirded out and afraid of him/her. So Wyatt and Billy skipped this next stop, where I met the Percheron Fern.
Then got this moody dramatic cow photo.
Billy said it needs a UFO in the background. I think he is right.
Wyatt cracked up in the dairy barn where he could not get over how “stinky” it was. He wasn’t wrong, but we did get to see little calves!
We stayed about an hour, and it was the perfect length of time for us. We all had a blast, and it was nice to try something new. And for me and Billy, to see Wyatt so happy!
We definitely have it on our list to do again next year!
What a terrific event — and when they say accessible, they mean accessible. That had to bring such joy to you and to Wyatt. I love every photo!
They meant it! They were all so kind too. 🙂
Wyatt had a blast, which meant that I did too. 🙂 Thanks Jeanie!
Glad that you, Billy, and especially Wyatt loved spending time there! My daughter, son in law and 2 of my grandkids went to a place like that a few years ago right before Christmas and we had so much fun. I’m happy they were so wheelchair accessible. My husband was a quadriplegic so I know how happy you are when you find somewhere Wyatt can go and enjoy with you.
I always feel like we have scored when we find somewhere wheelchair accessible! There are so many places that just aren’t and it kills me.
They were so kind and accommodating here, and aside from that, it just a good time. Simple and easy. 🙂
Oh, this just makes me smile, Erin! I think you were smart to have it all planned out ahead because most people were saving Santa for last! I’m so glad Wyatt was able to go on a hayride. They are so much fun! It sounds like this place has wonderful people working there. It was just what you needed after your week! And, the cow does need a UFO photoshopped in! My mom was raised on a farm, and they had Percherons. I have no idea what they used them for, though.
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Thanks Marsha!! Wyatt had so much fun!!
And it really does, doesn’t it? LOL.
That horse was so big! I was a little freaked out by it honestly. Lol.
How wonderful that the people who created this spot took the time to make it open to those who use wheelchairs! I have a new friend who goes with us to author events. She uses a wheelchair, and I’ve been shocked to see how many places in Houston, one of the biggest cities in the country, are not wheelchair accessible.
That wonderful smile on Wyatt’s face!
His smile made my night. I was so nervous about going but it was 100% worth it. I plan on emailing the metropark thanking them for making this event so special and accessible. And it is crazy, isn’t it, once you start to notice, how many places are not wheelchair accessible? That just should not be.
How wonderful and how fantastic that everything was so accessible! It looks fun though I think I would agree with Wyatt about the slinkiness of the dairy barn. I’m not a fan of livestock though the calves look adorable. And that was smart to get Santa out of the way before the lines got long. Santa is a must but I hate having to wait in line.
It was so funny how he could not get over the smell. But he was also so right, it was very stinky! Much nicer to see them outdoors where the smell is not as overpowering…
Oh my gosh me too. I practically ran us there so we didn’t have to wait. LOL
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I so enjoyed seeing the photos of the lights and animals. Gotta love the horse in the Santa hat.
Visiting today from Weekend Traffic Jam Reboot.
Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Thanks Paula! That horse was so cute in that hat! Lol. It was a fun little outing. 🙂