Don't ask me how we made it, but, after Thanksgiving dinner we drove from Atlanta up to Charlotte. I didn't have the pleasure of a screaming baby Annie to keep me up so the Turkey was winning most of the way.
Pauls house in a beautiful golf community. This place is huge. However, with two labs and a new baby they need all the space. Charlotte is really nice. We took a driving tour of the area and the first thing I ask about is water. They drove me to Lake Norman which was a huge lake with fantastic waterfront properties. I must admit I did take a few home sale flyers. If Paul looks tired it's because he is. He says he's been tired now for three months straight (Ummm...Annie is three months old). Rosie and Ralph ensure Annie and Kristin are well protected during feeding time. When Annie is upset it's all hands on deck. She was being particularly fussy and we had to resort to the vacuum cleaner trick. After only a couple of minutes rocking her next to this thing she was out cold. Another trick is playing "Going to the Chapel". For some reason that is the only song that can calm her...three months old and already thinking about getting married. Paul's in trouble!! he, he On Sunday we took a big outing to the Biltmore in the Smokey Mountains. This place was amazing. Unlike the Hearst Castle this was actually completed in six years. The floor space covers almost four acres. George Washington Vanderbilt put every single available ammenity in this place and it really was cutting edge for its time.
In the mid 70's they converted the on-site dairy to a winery. We had no choice but to go through the wine tasting room. Annie in her xmas outfit. Gosh she is cute. Pay back time Paul! I couldn't resist getting the Thompson's some thank you gifts. First a bouncy seat thing for the door jam when Annie is a bit older. I got this because I want one and if they made one for adults I'd get it. I imagine she'll find it to be as much fun as I think it is. Second a noise machine which I hope works better than the obnoxious vacuum cleaner. And finally a ball thrower for the dogs. These dogs will chase as many balls as you can throw. Now Paul and Kristin don't need to throw their arm out or touch that disgusting saliva ball anymore.
Thanks for being great hosts guys!! |
