The Breuers: Christmas

This year we spent Christmas in Spruce Pine with the Breuers. We drove up late on the evening of the 23rd so that Lola would sleep the whole drive, and she did, so in that sense it was a good decision to drive at night. I was tasked with driving the last 2.5 hours, though, and I had quite the time trying to stay awake. Luckily we started listening to the Serial podcast, and that kept me entertained. We got to the Breuers' house around 12:30.

We greeted Joe and Diane on the morning of Christmas Eve, also Joe's birthday. Diane made us a delicious spaghetti dinner, plus cake, and we enjoyed spending the day around the house. We only left the house for a quick trip to Walmart to buy some snacks.

Christmas morning Philip and Tatiana arrived from Los Angeles. We all went to church, and Lola did surprisingly well. It was great that there were a lot of songs at the service, as I think that kept her entertained. We had another delicious meal of beef tenderloin and vegetables, prepared by Joe. Then we let Lola open her presents, but she wasn't really interested in it. She did seem to enjoy the presents once we opened them for her, though. She wanted to try on every piece of clothing she got, so we got a cute fashion show. It was cold there in the mountains, but not unbearably cold, so we took a short walk to get some exercise. Lola loves to walk on her own now, but it's hard to guide her - she just runs in random directions.

On December 26, we had plans to go to the Biltmore in Asheville. Joe and Diane bought us all tickets to the candlelight tour, which included daytime access, so we headed out after lunch to spend the day on the property before our tour. Julie, Jake, and their girls drove up from Atlanta and met us there (they were coming to stay in Spruce Pine for a few days too). We went to the farm and saw some animals, and then we just walked around and explored. We had an early dinner at the pub, and then we went to the house for our tour. The tour started at 6:15, and Lola usually goes to bed at 7, so I knew there was a chance she would melt down. And melt down she did, rather quickly. Joseph put her on his back in the carrier, and she seemed fine at first, but then she kept moving back and forth trying to see everything. I took her and wore her on my front, and that seemed to be better for a little while, but then she was just done. She wanted down and to walk around, but there were a) too many people and b) too many expensive things she could damage. Joseph and I rushed through the tour and went to our car, leaving about 7:30. Lola passed out immediately in the car (after we changed her into her pajamas). We got to see most of the house, but I'd like to go back when Lola's older so I can read about things and enjoy it. Plus I've heard the gardens are beautiful, and we didn't get to see those since it was dark.

We left for home on the 27th. We spent the morning with everyone, and Lola got to play with Rebecca, Rachel, and Reagan. They also exchanged presents. We ate lunch, and then we got on the road. Lola slept an unprecedented three hours on the drive home, which was great. Her cousins must have worn her out!

We all had a wonderful time, and it was so nice to see some of Joseph's family. Lucy even enjoyed meeting her new uncle dog, Zeke. She was also tuckered out on the drive home :)

Now we are looking forward to celebrating a belated Christmas with the Trapolds when they visit in two weeks!