Christmas 2012

      Winter 2012 was a very busy time for our family. In addition to juggling work, school, family visits, Lola's 4th birthday, we decided to start some family traditions. We decided we would do the annual 'drive up the mountain' for the Christmas Tree. Well, since we have two kids ages 4 and under we only made it half way up the mountain. We went to a very pleasant little Tree farm called Helms, right outside of Lincolnton. They have a beautiful property with an impressive giant sized inflatable Santa, acres of trees, wreaths, etc. There was only one minor setback, Frasier Furs only grow at the higher elevations in North Carolina i.e. Boone & Blowing Rock areas. Why had we not thought of this? I tried to convince Mr. Barone to opt for the shed less white pine or the more affordable Cedars or Cypresses, but he was not about to settle. I have been married to him eight years and I had no idea about the Frazier Fur snobbery. Thankfully, the owner had some pre-cut Frasier Furs on the property that had been brought down from a mountain lot. So we chose a pre-cut one instead and it all worked out in the wash. Next year we be sure to make the full trek up the mountain so that we can have the pleasure of watching dad do the work of cutting and dragging the tree, kids and I trailing behind cheering him on, "Go Dad Go!" Other things that kept us busy this Holiday season; Lola's 4th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese, and Mima and Grandma Esthers' annual visit.

      Lola was obsessed with Mima's three cats while they were here and it was precious. She would check on them as soon as we arrived home from our daily outings. We did the annual McAdenville lights again this year and took Grandma Esther out to eat many times during her visit here. She was afraid we were going to get thrown out of the Village Restaurant in McAdenville on account of the kid's behavior. I thought they did surprisingly well that evening, however, we are used to being around them constantly so one has to take it into perspective I guess:) Uncle JD and Lola made a very impressive gingerbread house over the Holidays, the production was an all day affair. Yay, we made it through the Holidays with no broken limbs!!