Christmas memories...

Christmas Eve Service last year...

Jolie had just started walking about a month prior... she teetered around with her buddy Smyth. I can't belive how much she has changed in a year!

Smoky Mtns

We went to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains...Let's just say I want to go back! We had such a good time. Our cabin was located just outside of Bryson City. If you notice in the picture below...our cabin was on top of the mountain! The view was amazing! God's work is amazing!

check out the cabin rental we used....definitely recommend!

www.watershedcabins.com

We spent one day in Asheville, visiting the Biltmore. (see previous post) We also spent an afternoon in Bryson City. The local news: momma bear and her cub up in a tree. Yes...we're those smart people who just had to go take a peak. but we kept our distance! :)

Bryson City has so many great little shops. Also the home of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, which hosts a Polar Express train ride. We were hoping to go on the Polar Express, but just missed it by one day. Another reason to go back!

Biltmore Mansion

America's largest home, located in Asheville, NC.
Completed in 1895
Vanderbilt Family
I believe it has 42 bathrooms!
and countless bedrooms!

Here are a few photos of the dinning room. Which was amazing! The ceilings reach 7 stories high. The room also has it's own pipe organ. We weren't able to get any other photos....we didn't know picture taking wasn't allowed. So, that's all folks!

good till the last...drop

It is chilly and rainy here today....
I have our little electric wood burning stove on....it's keeping me nice and toasty.

Jolie and I had to run a few errand this morning....
I walked outside to the smell of Maxwell House...Good till the last drop!
The Maxwell House factory is downtown, about 10 miles north of our house. I could smell the roasting coffee beans. It kinda made it feel winter-y. :)
and....it was cold enough to see me breath, that's the first this year!
I'm so happy cool weather is here!