We all headed to the Community Celebration of Fiber Arts at Lowe Mill. It turned out to be pretty cool. Katie Beth got a hand spinner and made yarn with it. While Katie Beth was doing that, Karen and I learned how to operate a loom and added a few courses to the work in progress. 
Karen and I really appreciated Sarah’s patient with teaching us how to work it. We never really knew that a loom could be so busy with both arms and legs working the loom. The Huntsville Fiber Guild put on a fun event with something for anyone looking into this craft.
Skating away at Insanity Complex
Katie Beth and I are having a great time skating and playing arcade games here at Insanity Roller Skating Ring.
It was a nice break from the house and some good daddy-daughter time.
Christmas Eve Mass
During tonight’s children’s mass, Katie Beth got play the part of Mary during the Christmas pageant. She loves playing this part.
One of the sweet moments of being a parent.
Ronning Christmas Celebration
We had a wonderful gathering at Terri’s house for the Ronning’s Christmas. We play dirty Santa, but no one wanted to steal presents from each other. I only remember 2 steals happening during the game. But, everyone really enjoyed what they got. We talked about ideas for next year’s party. Ugly sweater came up and crazy Christmas card was another.
It was a very special time especially with Terri’s surgery being just a few days from now.
Christmas Tree Hunting
Katie Beth has been wanting a real tree for Christmas for years so this is the year for the real tree. We headed out to Valley Christmas Tree Plantation. They are so nice at this farm.
I’m not sure what it is, but we have always picked the coldest day and this was no different.
Katie Beth lead us around the farm checking out any and every tree. After a few trees, they all started to look the same to her. In the end, we picked a nice one and Katie Beth got to cut it down with the tree saw.
She was excited to get it home and start decorating.
You see the decorated tree here. Remember, the username and password are “Friends” and “Photos”.
Blue Ridge Thanksgiving Parade
We headed out this morning to the watch the Blue Ridge Thanksgiving parade, which is part of the Light up Blue Ridge celebration. We couldn’t get going fast enough this morning to see Mrs. Claus and Mr. Claus arrive on the train. But, we arrived early enough to find a good spot to watch the parade.
The best part of Blue Ridge parades is that they throw lots of candy and other interesting stuff. We got cards for free ice cream and free putt-putt. We even got bottles of essential oils.
After the parade, we got some hot chocolate and walked to the playground to let Katie Beth play with all of the other child. Karen got to check out the shops while I watched Katie Beth. Once Karen returned, we headed to Masseria Kitchen & Bar for pizza, which is awesome. Katie Beth had been asking to go ever since we arrived in Blue Ridge, Ga.
It was fun having Hope and her crew over for dinner yesterday and playing the game of Clue.
We are having a great time here in Blue Ridge, Ga.
Thanksgiving Vacation Started!
My feet are up and life is good. We are looking forward to an adventure filled vacation here in Blue Ridge, Georgia.
Karen has all ready put many dates on the calendar including a Silent Auction. Katie Beth is looking forward to seeing Hannah and Charlie this weekend. I’m looking forward to the drive-in movie at the Swan Drive-In, which is a double feature of Moana and Dr. Strange. We may pass on the Dr. Strange as it is a bit too much for young children.
Galaxy of Lights
This waterfall of lights is Katie Beth’s favorite part of the Galaxy of Lights. We alway enjoy the walking tour better than the driving tour. Lucy Ennis was in town and joined us for the walk, which made it extra special.
You can see more photos here. Remember, the username and password are “Friends” and “Photos”.
DeSote Falls and More
Day 1:
We headed east to the DeSote State Park to check out the area with the idea of purchasing property if we like the area. We started with lunch at a fun cafe called The Spot Coffee Shop. We had very tasty sandwiches and were reminded of hanging out years ago in cafes.
Our next stop was DeSote Falls, which is sad due to the lack of rain causing the waterfall to be a trickle of water. There is a beautiful view from top of the waterfall looking down stream.
After seeing the DeSote “Trickle” Falls, we headed to our first property to explore. We walked over three properties before heading back into town. The properties were a lot of fun to see. Sadly, many of the creeks, streams, and rivers were dry or trickles.
As it was getting to late to see more properties, we headed to Fort Payne for dinner and arrived just in time for the Veterans Day Parade. The parade was a lot of fun for Katie Beth. We found a great spot near the downtown park with a wonderful fountain. Katie Beth got super excited as some of the floats were throwing out candies.
We finished the night at Midtown Cafe & Grill which was very local. Everyone knew everyone. I had fried green tomatoes for the first time. I look forward to trying them, again.
Day 2:
We headed back for a second day of searching for properties in the area, but we stopped by DeSote State Park to see the “Creative Spirit Market” hosted by the Little River Art Council and DeSoto State Park. Well, we never left the event. Katie Beth had a great time playing with the other children and even tried face painting without wiping it off for the whole event (not the norm). She ended up playing most of the afternoon with one of the artist’s boy. By the end, Katie Beth wanted setup her own booth selling origami. Karen enjoyed her adult time chatting with artist and locals.
We got a great restaurant suggestion of Vintage 1889. They have a great menu and they are located in a consigner’s market place so you can browse during your dining. Katie Beth enjoyed her flat bread pizza. Karen and I had sandwiches, which were also tasty. If you like beer or wine, they have the best selection we saw in the area. The sun was getting low in the sky by now.
Without much daylight, we decided to head back to Huntsville. On the trip back, Katie Beth said she would like to keep coming to the area.
You can see more photos here. Remember, the username and password are “Friends” and “Photos”.
Katie Beth’s Halloween Costume
Katie Beth and many of her classmates decided to dress as many of the Harry Potter characters. Katie Beth wanted to be Professor McGonagall. Her friends dressed as Hogwarts students such as Hermione Granger (Claire) and Moaning Myrtle (Maddy).
Karen set out to make this costume with the sewing machine. After searching for a bit, Karen found a pattern that would work. Then, she realized Professor McGonagall doesn’t wear a cape, but a robe. Karen was able to complete redesign the costume into the needed robe. She did a very good job if I say so. Someone, at a party, made Katie Beth a clay snake that Karen wrapped around a chopstick and baked firm to be Professor McGonagall’s wand.
Katie Beth had a blast with the costume, but she didn’t want to keep it on as usual.