Christmas Vacation Re-Cap!

Christmas feels like forever ago, but I thought I would do a quick little re-cap. 

As usual (because it's me) getting to NC was an adventure. Of course the weather was terrible in both NY and NC the day I was traveling.  Of course, my flight was delayed and I missed 2 connections.  Of course, I had to run the entire length of a terminal in ATL to finally make my flight that was taking off at the exact same time I was landing (which happened to be the last flight of the night I could catch).  But of all the hassles of the day the worst part was landing in Asheville.  Think bumpiest flight EVER + plus having to do 2 landings b/c a huge wind gust.  There was lots of clapping and "praise Jesus" from everyone on the plane when we finally landed.  But I made it and that's all that matters!  

In the past I have taken the Christmas holidays to travel and see many of my friends.  I've had years where I've visited 5 different states, slept in multiple different beds, and crammed in way too much.  Not this year!  

By the time Christmas holidays came around this year I was worn out and peopled out! I decided the best thing I could do for myself was stay tucked away in the mountains for the entire 10 days. 

And that's exactly what I did! 

I enjoyed many days of this view (picture gorgeous mountain view through those windows)

On Christmas Day  Cat, G, and MB drove up for a few days.

We took the traditional stocking pic (I think we might have a picture of us holding our stockings like this from every year of our lives)

Mary Blake was all about some present opening

I mean could she be anymore excited?

I got MB a FAO Swartz Jack bear-in-a-box.  You can see in the following pictures the play by play of me teaching her how to do it.

Looking at me like a crazy person for getting her this toy:-)

The Blakester got lots of fun gifts, but I really think the paper was her favorite of all....

OK so please excuse my "just rolled out of bed" appearance in the next few photos, but they were too cute to not post.  Baby cuteness wins over adult vanity I guess!:-)

Cat has taught MB the itsy bitsy spider.  she does her little hands together and it is soooo cute!

I LOVE Mb's expression in this photo.  I was telling her the story of Noah's Ark using the picture book I gave her for Christmas.  It's my favorite book of Noah's Ark but there are no words, just beautiful pictures.  Doesn't she look like she's on the edge of her seat waiting for me to tell her what's about to happen?  She's just so stinkin cute!

The child loves books.  She would sit curled up in my lap reading book after book.  

Other than playing with the niece we ate lots of home cooked meals.

Christmas dinner is the best!

Enjoyed lots of fires in the fireplace

We went bowling twice.  Went one day had so much fun we decided to go back.  Let me just say I am a TERRIBLE bowler.  Like really bad, rarely knocks down a pin, needs gutter guards kind of bowler.  I tried, but I think if we had laced up some bowling shows for Mary Blake and given her a ball she might have gotten a better score than me.  I'll be glad when MB is actually old enough to bowl, so that she can be my excuse for needing gutter guards. The kid and I will have our own lane....and she'll probably beat me:-)

The future gutter guard users taking a photo together

C and G left me in charge one day so they could get ready to go somewhere.  I happened to be making a frozen salad with cool whip at the time and decided to use the occasion for a teachable moment in "spoon licking".  MB caught on very quickly! 

We ate lunch at our favorite soda shop in downtown Brevard, Rockys!

I enjoyed lots of beautiful sunsets from my bedroom window.

Other than hanging out with the family, I enjoyed lots of down time! I watched more movies than I've probably watched in the last year.  I did lots of reading, lots of sleeping, and lots of nothingness.  I did travel to Greenville on New Years Eve and spent time with my friends Courtney, Colette, and Mara Diana.  It was so fun to see some old friends and have brief catch ups with them!  Thankfully I will get more extended time with all 3 this spring! 

Before I knew it my extended holiday vacation came to an end and it was time to jet plane it back to the big apple.  

Everytime I fly in to LGA and see this view I have this fleeting moment of "I can't believe I live here".  Everytime! 

It was a restful and wonderful holiday and gave me energy to come back and jump into my life in the city!