This year, to celebrate Christmas and build some happy new memories, I’m taking each of the children out for an individual excursion.

Betsy and I visited Oatlands, to take the house tour and see the Christmas decorations. We’d enjoyed exploring the gardens in June, but no way were her siblings going to make it though an hour-long history and architecture tour. But for this history-loving, structures-studying girl, though, I thought it would be just the ticket. Plus I had happy memories of visiting at Christmas time with my mom when I was about her age.

With just a few minutes to spare before the tour, we popped into the gardens for a quick look.

We would have stayed longer, but soon it was time to meet our tourguide on the porch.

This year’s holiday decoration theme was “Books at Oatlands: Pages from the Past,” and each room’s theme was based around a different book. Also, there were many beautiful quilts on display, to my surprise and delight. Here are some images from downstairs.

That last room was my absolute favorite, and not just because of the book tree. My dream house has a room just like this, with bookcases lining the walls, and good seating by the fireplace.

And here’s a peek at the upstairs:

I love the little Christmas tree in the nursery, set on top of a doll quilt.

Betsy’s favorite room was this bathroom with the tub full of Christmas balls.

We had a lot of fun together, and I’m thankful that I got to share this special outing with my daughter.

And now I am inspired to make a red and white quilt.