Christmas Eve Eve

We spent Christmas Eve eve in Hickory this year to have dinner with Grandeda, Grandaddy, and the Millers.  we had a great time catching up and eating a delicious dinner.  I didn't get too many pics, but I did snap a couple of Arlo opening his first Christmas gift, from the Millers.  

"Cool! A brand-new box!"

Don't we all have memories from childhood of these bead-maze things?  They are so awesome.  This one is extra cool and continues to be a huge hit!  We brought it to Linville for New Year's and our friend Luci, who is 3, also enjoyed playing with it, so I think it will be a favorite for a long time! 

Thanks, Aunt Harriet, Uncle Bob, and cousins Lindsay and Barrett!  We love it!

Love, Katie

Old St. Nick

Yes, I'm a little behind.  My mission for the next week or two is to catch up on December so I can really accept the fact that it is *2012* - holy cow.  

After our efforts to see Santa in Durham had been foiled (twice!), we decided we'd chase him down all the way to Hickory.  

We drove straight to the Hickory mall, met up with Grandeda and Grandaddy, and headed for Santaland.  Apparently Santa has seriously commercialized his visits with kids.  Gone are the days of a five dollar Polaroid...you have to buy a PACKAGE of photographs. They give you a login and password and you go home and order the package from the "photographer's" website.  For like 30 bucks.  Um, no.  So we had secret shooters everywhere (see Grandaddy in the background sneaking a picture?).  Charlie was also shooting with my camera, and Grandeda was also snapping pics with her phone.  So, no, we didn't get the best shots ever - but I think they turned out just fine! 

 Lucky for us, it was early in the day and we only had one or two kids ahead of us in line.  Arlo loved checking out the "set" - it was so colorful and bright. 

Then our turn came!

 I mean, is that the real Santa or what?  We were totally impressed.

 Arlo wasn't scared (duh.) but he did look at me like, "What the heck are you doing putting me on this hairy stranger's lap?"

 Santa was rather demure.  I think he was reserving his energy for the eight hours of 

screaming/laughing/crying/beard-pulling children that were to come.

He's thinking, "I wonder why Grandeda is hiding behind that potted plant taking pictures of me with this old guy."

See the doggie in the bottom right corner?  Would it surprise you to know Arlo was more interested in the dog than in Santa?

"Okay, mom, I'm done with this."

 Arlo did great!  (I knew he would.) I'd say the first visit with Santa was a success, and judging from the pile of gifts under our tree this year, I'd say he must've made the nice list.

With this angelic face, how could he not have? ;)

Love, Katie

Remembering...

December has been a whirlwind.  We've enjoyed the time we've been able to spend with family which was particularly important this year.  Today marks one year that we've been missing Liz.  I was thinking this morning about how New Year's has always been one of my most favorite holidays.  It is such a happy celebration, full of promise for a fun and happy year to come.  We always spend it in the mountains with close friends, a warm fire, full bellies, and lots of laughter.

Last year, New Year's eve was a little different. It was the day of Liz's funeral in Hickory.  But in many ways, it was very similar.  We still got to spend it celebrating - celebrating the time we spent with Liz and the amazing things she accomplished during her life.  We still were encouraged by the promise of a new year - to learn how to love and appreciate each other more, to give back to those who need help, and to make the best of what we've been given.  And we still got to spend it with the people we love - we looked out on a sea of friends and family dressed in Carolina blue (even the State fans!).  To our friends: I cannot express to those of you who were there how much it meant to me and Charlie that you came.  I know Liz was your friend, too.  Thank you. 

So, we've decided that, despite last year's heartache, New Year's will continue to be a favorite holiday in this household, as we remember Liz, celebrate with family and friends, and look to the promise and hope of a new year to come. 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all!

Love, Katie

Final football game

Saturday was the last regular season football game (v. Dook, we won 37-21 ending the season at 7-5, not bad considering the circumstances!). It was a beautiful fall day and our little tailgate crew enjoyed sitting outside, playing in the leaves, and throwing the frisbee around.

We put Arlo in charge of collecting gumballs.

 

And playing bartender.

 

Watch this video to see how determined our little guy can be (click DSC 163 in the top left corner to see it bigger if you want!).

 

Arlo and I stayed for the first half and then headed on home for bedtime.  He was such a great little football fan this whole season!  He went to all or part of every game but one.  We're looking forward to taking him to his first basketball game next!

-Katie

Duke Park

After an attempt to see Santa at the mall (he wasn't on duty yet and we didn't feel like waiting), we popped over to Duke Park (the playground of all playgrounds in Durham!) for the afternoon.  Seriously, this place is impressive.  Mostly for old kids, but still.  Check out these super high, steep slides!

We stuck to the little kid friendly equipment of course. 

 This boat wheel area was a big hit.

 

 I promise he was not caged.

 But I'll admit it was nice to not have to worry about him falling off!

We're going to give Santa another try this Saturday!

-Katie

Visit from the Stevens

We were so thankful for a visit from my aunt, uncle, and cousin from Florida over Thanksgiving!  We got to hang out at my mom's house on Thursday evening and then they came over to our house after I got off work on Friday.  I didn't take too many pictures (drat!) but here are a few great ones! 

Arlo was fascinated by Carey's phone.  I'm pretty sure he texted some of her friends back home.

 Lately he loves sitting/playing on the couches like a big boy!  He's learned how to get down feet-first (usually!) but isn't quite big enough to get up on his own. 

 Roscoe took a looong time warming up to our company (he apparently didn't remember them from last year!) but as you can see, he did eventually make friends with Nancy.  :)

We had a great visit and wish it had been longer!

-Katie

Gobble-gobble!

The Garth family Thanksgiving took place in Winston-Salem this year, so Charlie, Arlo and I headed that way on Thursday morning.  It was a gorgeous day with a house full of family, a plentiful feast, and lots of laughter! 

Here are the better of the attempts at a group picture with all the cousins!

Arlo loved crawling around in the grass (as usual). 

 

And practicing his walking.

Here is Isaiah checking out the camera - what a sweet close-up!

 Hallie and Melissa.

 

 Smooches!  I love this picture!  Hallie was very generous with kisses that day.  I wasn't able to get a photo of her kissing Arlo's head, but it was so sweet!

 This is Jason with his nephew, Isaiah.  They were part of the plaid shirt club with Arlo, too.

Arlo is sampling Deda's world-famous coconut cake.  He approves!

 I love these with Aunt Peggy!

I hope everyone's Thanksgiving was as wonderful as ours!  

-Katie