CATCH UP!!!

Sorry, I owe both kids two posts, and I will make them up...eventually...

We went up to the mountains for Thanksgiving and stayed for a couple of weeks.  Here are some pic high lights of our visit:

 

at the parade, Elijah was ready to fight for his candy..., he was quick beat out the stupid high school kids next to us...  good thing cause this mama was about to trip one of them if the deprived her kid....hehehehehe... Gracie had the best seat in the house! (don't worry she got candy too, but she didn't quite understand why she wasn't IN the parade...)

Sailing boats down various streams was a very huge past time.  Many boats were tried and I think the clear winner ended up being the wooden one.  Several rescues had to be made from lines breaking or being abandoned for things, that for the moment, were more exciting.  Gotta love the nature that abounds around us!

 

 

We got to got to a Christmas party thrown by Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministries. (SVCM) Two kids (and I mean KIDS) played some incredible music.  Elijah and Grace enjoyed dancing around after eating a delicious meal.  

 

Speaking of SVCM, Elijah went with mom and dad to help deliver Meals on Wheels.  He actually helped deliver them to the houses.  He also made the paper!!   http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20091216/BlackMountainNews01/312160016/1117/blackmountainnews  I'm so proud of my parents for working for this amazing organization, and also of my little guy for learning about giving back and helping others

 

We went to church with mom one night to make Christmas ornaments (which we promptly left at Oma's and Opa's...alas) and eat pizza. 

 

In between activities we sang carols, accompanied by musical instruments. 

 

 

 

Decorating the small, but cute Christmas tree was a fun intro to Christmas indeed.

Of course, what would be a visit to Oma and Opa's house without visiting their park.  Scariest motorcycle ever!  No handle bars to steer... alas, no one was harmed!

We also love Lake Tomahawk.  It's a great way to exhaust children while seeing ducks and geese.  Both kids made it all the way around once!

 

 

 

 

 

Some swing time on the BIG swings!

      It seemed to rain a lot while we were there, but that doesn't stop the fun!!!

Then back home for some stories with Opa!

Oma took the kiddos hiking in the woods.  I can't believe that I didn't really go into the woods the whole time I was there except to cut through to the back road.  Alas...

 

Yeah, thes pics are a bit out of order.  This is part of the Thanksgiving Day celebration gang.  My mom's sister came up as did my cousin and his family, but my parents felt this was not enough, so they invited some of their friends as well.  We celebrated Thanksgiving on the Saturday after the actual day.  It was a nice time.

  

Grace and Elijah went to Sunday School with Oma and then I met them at church later.  The thing hanging from Elijah's neck is his "phone" and Grace is wearing Oma's house shoes... but otherwise I think they look very respectable....hehehehehe... At church that day, students from Evergreen Community School (a local charter school) performed with their Marimba Band.  They were amazing and it made me want this kind of opportunity for our kids even more.  Sigh.  We are trying so hard to find a way to move back, alas... someday...

The kiddos got to help make cookies a couple times with Oma and Opa.  Both times Oma very nicely substituted a concoction for the eggs.  Meaning that Grace got to help too!! (and by help I mean lick the beater!

 

Finally, this is another one of our favorite parks to visit.  It is located by many streams and is perfect in all seasons.  The kids LOVE this swing.  There are also hiking trails and a lake to walk around nearby.  Also a 10000 Villages Store which is a BIG bonus!!!

I will break here and post more of what's been going on in another post... But I felt I needed to update!