Walking with Will

I worked as a Ranger for  NC State Parks for almost 5 years.  Half of which were spent in beautiful South Mountains State Park.  Will has visited us a lot over the years but had never been to South Mtns.  We took him for a little hike in the woods to see High Shoals Falls.  It was a cold, over cast day but we enjoyed the walk and the boys loved crawling all over the rocky terrain.

Grady was in his usually silly mood as you can see by all of the funny faces.

Both boys making silly faces.

I caught Grady before he could make the face.

Grady in his "bear cave".

High Shoals Falls

Myles wasn't in many of the pictures as I had to carry him the entire way.  Oh well, at least I got a workout.

On the other hand, Grady did the hike entirely by himself.

I think we tired him out....only for a short while.

Thanks for the hike, Uncle Will.

Ho, Ho, Ho...

Santa outdid himself once again.  It all started on Christmas Eve when Mimi, Papaw and Uncle Will arrived in Black Mountain.  They came bearing gifts which we hid in the car until the boys went to sleep.  I think they were ready for the big day.  Cookies were left out, carrots on the porch and two sleepy boys were finally in bed.  Myles last words before drifting to sleep were, "Santa, I love you". 

When they woke up, there were presents and stockings everywhere.  It was so much fun watching them get excited about Christmas.  Every year it gets more enjoyable.  Plus, having Christmas at home made it so much easier for us.  Josh didn't have to take any time off work and there wasn't any traveling in the crowded "clown car".  We just might have to do this again next year.

We made about 10 trips to the car trying to haul all of these presents inside.

Of course Mimi and Papaw brought the giant stockings.  I have such great childhood memories of these mammoths.  They are so much fun to go through.

The look on Grady's face says it all.

Opening a present from Uncle Will.  It was a huge race track.

A little boys Christmas wouldn't be the same without weapons.  Mimi and Papaw gave them rifles and Santa brought light up swords.  All of which make horrific nosies that made the Grandparents want to run and hide.  I, however, am so use to noise that I could block it out easily.

The favorite presents were a whoopee cushion and a trick can of nuts.  Guess who found these treasures......thanks, Mimi!!!

Oh the irony...Mimi thought halos would be appropriate for my "angelic looking" children.  Notice that after I put the halo on Grady he immediately grabbed a gun.

The pirate costumes were a big hit.

This is what the house looked like after we opened presents.  I think a hurricane went thorough the house.  Look at Josh wearing his presents already (a new vest and boots).

After the house was partially cleaned up, we sat down to a wonderful Christmas dinner.  Josh grilled the turkey and it was delicious.  I can't wait for Christmas next year.....

Weaponry

Every night before bedtime, the boys always look for a few items to sleep with.  After they are fast asleep, I creep back in and confiscate all of the Star Wars guys, cars, helicopters, etc. that might not be so pleasnt to roll over onto.  Not sure if I want to hear them screaming in the middle of the night due to a light saber in the belly. 

Last night was an exceptional night for goodies in the bed.  Look what I collected after they fell asleep.  Maybe they thought Darth Vader himself was going to break into our house.  They were prepared for anything.

I discovered two knives, a ninja sword, a light saber and nunchucks (yes, my boys own nunchucks).  Don't even try to break into the Scala household.  We are all armed and dangerous! Makes me a little nervous for Santa.....

The Big 3...2

Happy Birthday, Josh!  When Josh came home yesterday we had a cake, cards and a present waiting for him.  The boys decided that he needed a "Santa" cake so that's what we made.  Poor Josh, his birthday sure does get lumped in with Christmas.  Makes me glad my boys weren't born in December.  We tried to make it a special day for him and he seemed to enjoy it.

I was told to put three candles on the cake so each boy could blow one out.

Happy Birthday to Dad, Happy Birthday to Dad.....

The boys enjoyed the cake, eating the M&Ms first.

Myles can't resist chocolate.

The Santa birthday cake.  The boys declared that we needed to make another one on Christmas.  It will say, "Happy Birthday, Jesus".  I think it's an excuse to eat more cake.

After dinner, Myles ran in his room and came out with this ensemble.  He grabbed his new piano (thanks Nancy and Joseph) and exclaimed, "Now we can jam".  He sung a beautiful rendition of "Happy Birthday".

Busy Weekend in Black Mountain

This weekend is one of my favorite weekends of the entire year.  We started it off on Friday night with Holly Jolly.  It's the one night a year all the shops stay open, the roads are closed to traffic and Santa mingles with the locals.  Did I mention that all the stores have cookies, candy, cider or hot chocolate?  It's a great night for the folks of Black Mountain. 

On Saturday, the Black Mountain Christmas Parade marched down the main street.  The kids can't resist a parade.  Our friends, the Moodys, came into town to see the spectacular event.  We haven't seen them for a long time so it was great to hang out again.  Busy, busy fun weekend!!

The kids waiting for the parade to start.

Grady was trying to get EllaGray's attention.  He wanted to show her the rifles....somehow, I don't think she would really care.  Boys!

Once again, the marching bands were too loud for Myles.

Gotta love it when your mayor rides by in a Gator.  That's small town Black Mountain for ya.

Grady was constantly planning his attack on the candy.  How to run out before the next float comes too close?  Yes, we had a few close calls.

The boys loved the high school "stomp" group.

Last but not least, Santa Claus!!!

Josh tiled our bathroom this weekend as well.  Nothing like a little child labor.  Yes, he is wearing a cape....how else would you tile a floor?

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble

Happy Thanksgiving, Everyone!  We had a fun filled day of eating and spending time with family.  Shelley cooked most of the food and it was delicious.  After the meal we took a long walk around town to help the food digest.  I have to say, I love Fall in the mountains of NC.  It was a balmy 67 degrees without a cloud in the sky.  We all enjoyed being outside and hanging out.

Looks like everyone cleaned their plates.  The sign of a great meal.

 Ready to eat.  Well, everyone but Myles.  I think he wanted his dessert first and was upset.

Grady even ate some turkey this year.  My boys seem to be border line vegetarians.

Enjoying the beautiful weather.

Who invited Squanto?!  It wouldn't be Thanksgiving with out a homemade Indian outfit.

Christmas Came Early

We were so lucky to have Gramma and Grandpa visit us this week.  Not only did they come for Thanksgiving but they came bearing Christmas presents.  The boys were so excited to rip into the bags and boxes.  As always, Gramma and Grandpa were extremely generous and found every toy the boys desired.  Shelley and Peter, we can't thank you enough for all you do for us. 

G and Myles waiting, full of anticipation, for the presents.

A Yoda ornament for the Christmas tree.

Look at that cool Super Hero shirt.

Can you find Myles among the pile of presents?

The boys wanted a cash register for Christmas.  It came with money and a basket of food.  Pretty cool gift and one of their favorites.

The boys love to dress up so a "black spiderman" suit was a fun idea.  Grady got a Star Wars costume.

Myles asked for a violin.  Ask and ye shall receive.....

Who knew that spiderman could play the violin while wearing rain boots?

Whenever the Grandparents visit the boys are obsessed with their iPhones.  Josh and I are not that techy and don't have anything close to an iPhone.  So, the boys love playing with these little gadgets.  Grandpa also had an iPad.  Needless to say, it was a huge hit with the boys. 

Lisa, Lily and Laughs (and Chris too)

Last weekend, Lisa, Lily and Chris came up from Columbia to visit us as Chris had business in Asheville.  They picked a good weekend as it was the Holiday Parade in Asheville.  We bundled up and hit the streets.  As always, we had a great time hanging with old friends.

The Asheville Holiday Parade

Grady and Josh waiting for the parade to start.

...still waiting for the parade.

Lily wasn't too sure what to make of all the boy toys.  Was it a sword or a vacuum?  I think she figured it out.

It was a beautiful weekend and the kids enjoyed playing the in leaves.

Lisa, thanks for coming up to visit!!