My sister Michele, her boyfriend Galen, Ben, Luke and I recently took a nice day trip to hike up Brasstown Bald, the highest peak in GA. It was pleasantly cool and windy despite the bright. We tried to carry Luke up most of the way in the hiking pack, but he’s nearly two, so independence asserts itself all the time and he wanted to walk part of the path himself. The views from the top quickly make up for any strains along the way. You can see plainly the inspiration for the name of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
We attended a Candlelight Christmas Eve service at my aunt’s Methodist church this year and really enjoyed being able to be in such a service again. We didn’t get to go to an English-language service at all last year and it felt good to back in one with family. We also enjoyed the Christmas cantata and nativity play at my home church. It felt like a type of homecoming all over again to be there for the holidays.
Much to our surprise, Luke slept the latest he’s ever slept in his life on Christmas morning. We had to get him up at nearly 10 AM; my parents and sister were patiently waiting for us to come out and see the tree and all the gifts. We had the requisite sticky buns hot and waiting, too. Luke was a bit overwhelmed by all the gifts. He enjoyed tearing the paper and the surprise of discovering what was in the box. He derailed after opening a toy airplane and ended up laying in the torn wrapping papers, looking a little dazed. We ended up saving the rest of his presents to open throughout the coming days and even held a few back for his upcoming birthday. Too much excitement for a little guy! 
A lot has been going on since my post about arriving in Wisconsin in October. I planned to write more extensive journals on each trip and event, but here's a quick sampler for now until I'm better versed. 
We had a great visit with Tom and Susan in Wisconsin, enjoying the fall festivals, the lovely waterfronts in both Menasha and Neenah, and even a few great day trips to the Wisconsin Dells and the New Zoo in Green Bay. There were lots of good memories made between the boat rides at the Dells and all the animals at the zoo. I enjoyed seeing a new part of the country and visiting the places Ben lived and grew up as a baby and again when they moved back during his middle school years. 
From Wisconsin we went on to Pennsylvania to spend some final days at Ben's family's farm. His grandparents have moved into a beautiful new home and the farm will be cared for by the county for historical preservation. It was a bittersweet time for sure, but it was a gift to see so many family and friends and relatives there for a final picnic at the farm.
After PA, it was back to NC for Halloween, where Monkey Luke made his southern debut at the local church's "Trunk or Treat." This alternative to trick or treating is good in a rural area where you can't necessisarily walk door to door. Luke had his first lollipop and needless to say, already likes the idea of Halloween and it's candy for the taking. 
We took advantage of the stunning fall foliage in Western NC and took a 4 1/2 hour open-air train ride on the Smoky Mountain Railway in early November. We crossed the Fontana Tressel and enjoyed a lunch break at the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Luke was in full Dennis-the-Menace mode, stepping ankle deep into the shoals along the river while throwing stones with Ben. Having a little boy sure is fun!
A week or so later, Luke walked in a small local fashion show with his cousin Delaney. She was a big girl this year at 4 years old, so she was primed and ready for the catwalk. Luke did great in the run-through, taking it upon himself to escort each little girl (he was the only boy). Stage fright set in though the minute the real show began, and in the end, I carried him through the ladies luncheon. Oh, well; I'm kind of relieved he's not that ready for his closeup yet :)
Next we headed to LaGrange, GA for an early holiday with Ben's family. His parents will be in Wisconsin for the holidays, so we had a wonderful combined Thanksgiving and Christmas on Ben's birthday weekend. Lauren and her boyfriend Matt came down from Chapel Hill, taking a little break from their busy schedules in business school. It was great having everyone together and sharing Luke with them. Ben cooked his favorite grilled turkey, which turned out delicious again this year. Made us nostalgic to think of cooking for friends in Italy last year, but ultimately very grateful to be with our families once again. 
