Christmas in Ridgecrest (Part 1)

Every summer at Camp Crestridge we would celebrate Christmas in July. Well, this year I actually celebrated Christmas Day at our house in Ridgecrest. Just minutes away from Crestridge. Sometimes it is still bizarre to think that I am living in this house, in Ridgecrest, at this point in my life.

Life is funny sometimes.

What better way to break in a new (big) house than to host my entire family for the holidays? We had 17 people and four dogs in our house for Christmas. It was fun and stressful and exhausting and chaotic.

I loved it.

First up was the Christmas Eve service at church.

 The obligatory Christmas Eve pajama pictures... (Carson was on his game! The others...less so).

The littlest one was DONE.

 I love it when the whole house is quiet on Christmas Eve and everything is all set for the next morning.

Lyle' family arrived a bit later in the day...so we celebrated with them on the morning after Christmas. 

Carver's Sixth Birthday (12/21/15)

As always, Carver's sixth birthday started with a room full of balloons first thing in the morning. The boys sharing a room these last couple of years has meant that the non-birthday child gets in on the fun too :) 

Carson's face. I cannot stop laughing,

Birthday breakfast.

A little trampoline jumping at the mall.

Time for presents.

Carver so kindly and generously let Carson help him open his presents. I thought my heart was going to burst.

The favorite present of the day was the one from Carson-- and Carver thanked him and hugged him so tight.

He's six years old. How can that be?

Visiting Santa at Chimney Rock

There are so many things to do in this area of western North Carolina-- it is one of the things I love most about moving back. One fun event in December was seeing Santa at Chimney Rock!

Waiting for Santa to start his descent.

Santa rappelling down Chimney Rock.

Groundhog!

Then we took a quick hike to see some waterfalls.

I love that Carson is peeking at Carver in this one.

Lunch overlooking Lake Lure. Carson chose a headlamp in the gift shop. And wore it all afternoon in the bright, bright sunshine.

Days like these are my favorites. A planned activity, time spent just the four of us, gorgeous weather.... it was perfect.