Biltmore

Since we moved to NC, Travis and I have wanted to go to Biltmore.  We have been a lot better about making trips recently (I think it is directly related to the kids and their behavior), and we found a good weekend in January to head over.  Audrey and I did a unit study on the Vanderbilt family and Biltmore in school, and it really gave both of us so much more appreciation for it.  We parked the car in a parking lot and then walked over to the house.  It was all woods until they cleared and you saw this gorgeous picture!  I couldn't help but imagine what life was like 100 years ago.

The architectural detail is breathtaking, I have never seen anything like this!

We were not allowed to take pictures inside the house (shocker), but I took as many outside as I could.  They have audio devices that you can listen to throughout the tour, they had kid versions, and the kids LOVED it!  I was shocked with how well Phoenix did (he is always good now, but he was really into the tour).  It was straight out of history, and it was absolutely incredible.  

They have a huge greenhouse with flowers growing year round.

There was a petting farm, and a blacksmith.  It was really cool to see him do his thang, he said that Biltmore sought him out and recruited him to come work there. He and a few cousins are among the last traditionally trained blacksmiths.  He comes from a long line of blacksmiths on both sides of his family.  

We ate at the Bistro on the grounds, and I was unfortunately disappointed.  The service was excellent, but the food was OK.  I found out that you can do a horse riding tour around the land, for a pretty reasonable price.  Note to self:  do that next time I go.  

Biltmore was like stepping into one of my beloved historical romance books, or onto the set of Downton Abbey.  It was out of this world.  I am a history geek, so I am not sure if everyone would fall in love with Biltmore as much as I did.  After going to Biltmore, Travis said that going to Europe would be "pretty cool", which is huge. Up until this point he has only ever wanted to do tropical beach vacations, and I have been dying to go to England for years.  On the way home Phoenix said "I miss Biltmore.  I hate our house, our house is so ugly!  I wish it would get old and die!"  I guess it is hard to compete with a huge house that has an indoor swimming pool.  Audrey was not really looking forward to going to Biltmore, she liked learning about it, but she couldn't imagine that walking around a big house would be fun.  She loved every minute of it though.  She actually scolded Travis for moving on to a room before she was finished with the room she was in.  We all had an awesome time there, and we will definitely visit again!

Christmas Sum Up

It had been a few years since we went to NY for Christmas, and this year it just seemed like it was especially fun.  My Dad was in the kitchen almost all day every day.  He made more batches of fudge than I can count (and we all eagerly pounced on it), he made at least 2 meals every day, and tons of Christmas treats.  It was such a generous way to show his love, and it was greatly appreciated.  We went out for ice cream at Friendly's (and we had the same server that I had frequently when I was in high school...I don't think he has aged at all), we played a game at the church gym with pipes and nerf darts, we went bowling, and we hit up Skate Estate twice, and most of us adults went to see a late night showing of the newest Hobbit movie.  I felt like it was nonstop fun, and when we pulled out of the driveway to head back to NC...lets just say that I was really sad.  I feel whole when I am around family, like we should always be together.  Having your family spread out all across the country is rough, but maybe it helps your appreciate the time that you do have together more.  

Arnold Park

We brought an entire full-size suitcase of winter clothes with us.  We were going to go skiing on Christmas Eve (just like when I was younger), and we were going to have tons of opportunities to go sledding.  And then we got to NY and probably hit the driest pocket of snow that it has had all winter.  Tons of snow before, tons of snow after.  We made the most of the nice(ish) weather and turned our would-be sledding trip to a hike.  

I love these pictures with the little pond in the background.  I wish I had thought to get Alexis into the picture with my Dad.  The kids had an awesome time playing with everyone.  It was fun to get out and do something outdoors, even if it wasn't in the snow.

Christmas 2014

It was so fun being together with a lot of my family for Christmas.  We missed those who couldn't make it.  

Alexis hugged her baby doll from Grandma as soon as she opened it...and about 2 seconds later she chucked it across the room.  I was shocked that I was fast enough to capture the picture!

The kids got too many presents (as always).  Between all of the family and Ol' Saint Nick, they got hooked up.  Audrey got a Calico Critter set, which she loved.  And Phoenix got a remote control helicopter, which by some miracle is still working.  As always, we had cinnamon rolls (Grandma's recipe) for breakfast on Christmas morning.  It just isn't Christmas without them.  

We got to skype with Joanna.  It was so fun to see her, she looked beautiful!!  She is coming home in June, I can't believe it!

New York

Less than a week after we came back from our trip, we (myself and the kids) went up to NY.  

The kids made the most out of the snow that was left from the last snow storm.  

Alexis got to NY the day after we did.  It was so cute to see her playing with Audrey and Phoenix.  She loved chasing them around the house, and she would giggle the whole time.  It was adorable!  Twinkle, our Christmas elf, brought the kids these elf pajamas.  I think Audrey was the most excited.  She loves to play "elves" during the Christmas season, and now she has a perfect outfit!

Michelle and Kevin spearheaded the gingerbread house making.  The kids were so glad that they got to make their own.  

We visited a victorian mansion that is open for tours.  I found out that they have a masquerade ball every New Year Eve.  I was devastated disappointed that I didn't know about it ahead of time.  

They have a train set with a mini set up of all of the downtowns close by.  Elk's bakery was the best, but they sadly are no longer in business.  

A vintage elf on the shelf!  Who knew??  I love visiting old, grand houses.  Sometimes I wonder if I was born in the wrong era...and then I think about things like modern medicine, the internet, and hair dryers.  

Children's Choir

Our stake does a Christmas Nativity event every year, last year our kids were part of the children's choir, and Audrey wanted to do it again this year (I had to bribe Phoenix with a Lego set).  I snapped a few photos at the temple before we went in to the stake center.

The dress code was white and black.  Audrey chose her outfit herself, including the belt.  I was really impressed!!

Christmas Parade

I was only in town for 6 days in the month of December, luckily we were there for the Christmas parade.  This is Audrey's third year that she could walk in it, it is fun tradition.