Surprise "Personal" Day

If you have tweens, you know how hard it can be to surprise them. They typically have a "been there, done that" attitude toward most things. Thankfully, Miss Bailey isn't a typical tween and we are still able to surprise her from time to time . . . like this past Monday!! I got up early and got dressed (unusual for me!) and got Bailey ready for school. When it was time to leave, we all piled into the car and headed on our usual route to school. Bailey exclaimed when I didn't make that first left-hand turn, but I laughed it off and told her we'd turn around once we got to the main drag. Nope! We turned in the complete opposite direction and then told her she was taking a "personal" day from school and we were going to Asheville to see the AMAZING gingerbread houses at the Grove Park Inn. She was so excited!! So, we made a quick stop at the gas station for a fill-up and a traveler, and off we headed for one of our favorite towns. It was a beautiful day! We started our adventure with breakfast at The Corner Kitchen, my favorite breakfast place in Asheville! Then it was off to the Inn. Here are some of our favorite gingerbread houses.

Pictures of the kids to follow . . .

Christmas Memories

I can't believe it's only a few days till Christmas. The tree is decorated, the gifts are wrapped, the treats are baked, and I am working very hard to put my mind and heart where it should be this time of year. Every year, I face the same struggle. I rush around like a crazy woman buying gifts, baking goodies, wrapping, decorating, preparing, and preparing, and PREPARING! Preparing so much, I fear my head will explode, my arms will fall off, my legs will stop working. But this year, I made a conscious effort to focus more on the spirit of giving and focus on the birth of Jesus, and I've done pretty well . . . until this week, when I feel the weight of last-minute gift procurement and I pray that I have instilled in my family some of the joy and peace of Christmas.

Morgan with her leaping frog (hilarious!) and Bailey with the reindeer cookies we make every year!

Bailey letting Morgan smell the fresh herbs at Walk Through Bethlehem and Bailey with this year's (epic fail!) gingerbread pile!

Party Frocks

Last night, we went to a family Christmas party so I took that opportunity to dress my girls up in their finest. Little did I know how completely stunned I would be when Bailey walked out of the bathroom! She looked so grown-up and glamorous . . . I was completely overwhelmed! Little Bit wore her new snowman smocked bubble that I just completely fell in love with. The best part? Her sparkly blue shoes that are just too cute for words! It took Morgan a while to warm up to the party, but once she did, she had a great time. We all ate way too much delicious food and even more delicious desserts . . . the caramel cake and gingerbread cookies were my fave. Merry Christmas, babies!!

See you soon!