Christmas II

We arrived in Morganton, NC at Eya and Poppy's for Christmas II on Saturday afternoon the 20th and stayed until Thursday, Christmas Day. On Tuesday, we ventured up to Jonas Ridge, about a thirty minute trip, so Alyssa could experience snow and tubing. Seeing the excitement on her face as we raced downhill in our tubes was one of my BEST Christmas presents ever! Alyssa was my little sleep magnet in Morganton. No matter where I slept, she was snuggled up right beside me. It was sweet but made for several nights of poor sleeping for me. We had lots of home cookin' and checked out a few restaurants. Our BEST meal was on Christmas Eve after the candlelight service when we had a special treat - LOBSTER! We had to wake Alyssa up at 8:30 Christmas morning to open presents. Alyssa had asked 2 Santas for "tethascopes" and she received 3 stethoscopes at Eya and Poppy's. We had chocolate cake for breakfast (thanks Kathy!) and had the sleigh loaded up again by 10:30 on our way back south for Christmas III. Definitely too much Christmas!

Eya, chief cook and finest hostess around, chatting with her prey - "Is it me, or is it HOT in here?!?"

A family photo session after church - Alyssa refused to pose with us, so here she is with the junior Ellisons, Brad, Holt, AA and Alyssa, kids?!?

Add Eya and Poppy and Alyssa making a face!

A pre-supper shot of my favorite Christmas Decoration of Eya's - glass Christmas trees, candles and snow - so sparkly!

Poppy after opening hedge trimmers - he actually looks pretty excited about this! Eya works him pretty hard in his retirement!

Alison reading "the book" the one we can't even talk about without crying. Let Me Hold You Longer by Karen Kingsbury, mother of 6, who dedicates it as "a treasure for anyone who has ever loved a child." My favorite lines: "Silly, scattered images will represent your past. I keep on taking pictures, never quite sure of your lasts . . ." Get it, a MUST read, you won't regret it!

Alyssa and Holt opening their Doctor dress up clothes. Alyssa later said to me, "Poppy wants everyone to be a doctor, we gotta keep our eye on him!" At this Christmas, even after receiving 3 stethoscopes, Alyssa does not want to be a doctor, she wants to be an astronaut. And we're OFF . . .