A couple of weeks ago, we attended the Christmas tree lighting at the governor's mansion here in Atlanta. This event usually takes place the first Sunday evening in December. It's a really nice celebration--I highly recommend going. This year, it was a little more crowded than I remember it being before. Plus, we got there a little late, so we missed most of the ceremony. But we still had fun. Kristi and Amelia came with us, and we met Chip, Luann and Trey there. (Baby Shelby was born the very next day!)
Leading up to the lighting, various musical groups perform outside. Then, Gov. Perdue and his family come out with a greeting and proclamation, etc. The tree is lit during a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night." It really is gorgeous.
Here we are with Mrs. Mary Perdue
Afterward, guests are invited to tour the main level of the governor's mansion, which is decorated for Christmas. Then everyone makes their way into the basement area, where there are more decorations--including trees adorned with ornaments made by children--refreshments and more entertainment. The governor and his wife are usually there to greet everyone as well. Gov. Perdue was there this year--but he had to leave early, so we missed him. (We were among the last of the crowd to make it downstairs.) We did see Mrs. Perdue, and she was kind enough to pose for a photo.
Kristi and Amelia
Chip, Luann and Trey (and Shelby, too!) ;o)
These big red balls were adorned with a sash reading, "Celebrating 40 Years." Forty years of what, I don't know. But they were festive!
Family of four ... almost!
Love Kristi's red shoes!
Moms and Babes
Some of the fun decor in the basement. I don' think I got any photos of the fancy stuff upstairs--everything looked really nice, though. I took some photos a few years ago. I have no idea if they change the decorations each year; I guess I don't pay enough attention. But I remember that it is really pretty!
We saw Jimmy Carter, too!
Oh yeah--we were on television! I was sure Trey was going to be on the news because he was waving right to the camera, and the cameraman filmed him for a little bit. They didn't show that, though. We did catch a glimpse of our group walking into the mansion. Tanna told me to take a picture--LOL!
Some of the fun decor in the basement. I don' think I got any photos of the fancy stuff upstairs--everything looked really nice, though. I took some photos a few years ago. I have no idea if they change the decorations each year; I guess I don't pay enough attention. But I remember that it is really pretty!
We saw Jimmy Carter, too!
Oh yeah--we were on television! I was sure Trey was going to be on the news because he was waving right to the camera, and the cameraman filmed him for a little bit. They didn't show that, though. We did catch a glimpse of our group walking into the mansion. Tanna told me to take a picture--LOL!
YOu guys get around.....back when Jimmy was gov, we went to a reception at the mansion I believe to honor my sister Mary Beth's teacher....MB had turners and had an incredible teacher named Dorothy Miller who started the Elaine Clark center for special needs kids....MB was one of Dorothy's first students...Anyhoo we get inside and who is walking down the stairs, but the governor himself. Without knowing us, he looked at MB and asked if she would escort him in....my sister was THRILLED, what an honor! It was kind of cool.
ReplyDeletehow fun! Maybe next year we can make it.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Love Kate's festive sweater! :) I think it is great y'all were on TV and that you took a pic of it! lol!
ReplyDeletebly!
um, i'm guessing they're celebrating 40 years of tree lighting at the governor's mansion, since we were there for the tree lighting ... at the governor's mansion. i could be wrong.
ReplyDelete