Christmas Sleigh Rides

Since riding the sleigh in Dakota City last year, Lacey and I have been looking forward all year to doing it again.  This year niece, Ryanne, happened to come for a weekend after Christmas so she and I and Peggy went one night.

The ride is about 30-40 min. long.  The driver told me that he has the horses trot a little faster on the nights that are colder!  You go through different streets in town and the highlight is going past this house that has a huge display of lights.  

Front of the house (blurry).

This was the 28th year that Merlin has done this at his house on the hill.  He invites everyone to get out of your car and walk around to see the lights up close too so after the sleigh ride we went back in the car.  We've never gotten out, but Ryanne wanted to so we did.  We even got to meet Merline who invited us to go up on his top deck in the back that overlooks the hill behind his house where he also has lots of lights - what a view!  It was fun to get to meet and talk to him.  He is 83 and says he still puts up 90% of the lights himself.

The decks in the back of the house.

Merlin, the guy that does it all!

The view down the back hill - from the top deck.

 

Ryanne near the merry go round

Lacey ready for the ride.

The next night, Lacey & I got to go on our much anticipated ride.  We started out at 5:00 and got to the house with the lights just as it got dark and as he was plugging in all the lights.  It was neat to see them all come on.  All 15 of us on the sleigh said together "thank you Merlin" when the last big bunch came on!   He waved.  We were all bundled up and had blankets both nights.  The first night our faces, fingers and toes got a little cold is all and the second night was warmer.  They have hot chocolate or coffee for you at the end of the ride.  Ryanne wants to bring her brother and sister next year, and I hope I get invited too!