Merry Christmas, Murphy NC!

After Christmas morning in Atlanta, we hit the road & drove to Murphy to visit my parents at their property in NC. Lo & behold, Santa visited Myles in NC as well. 

Yea, more books!

Myles & Papa

My parents' NC property sits near the borders of GA and TN (you can see GA from their property line.) We drove to Gatlinburg, TN for an afternoon and began our day with Myles's first visit to a Southern staple, "The Waffle House!" Myles took to "the WaHo" & his first taste of a shredded, smothered, covered hashbrown with gusto!

WaHo scrambled eggs, cheese grits and hashbrowns, shredded, smothered, covered, of course

Myles says, "Thumbs Up, Y'all!"

Greg says, "Thumbs Up, Y'all!"

Bundled Up Baby Boy

a bit of snow

Myles & Daddy walk across my parents' creek bridge

Creek

Long & Winding Road

Uncle Charley visited for a few hours before heading back to AL.
Got in a litle Myles-time!

Myles & GG play "Ride a lil' horsey down to town..."

Merry Christmas, Y'all! XO

We had such a wonderful & memorable Christmas in NC. We were so happy to finally get to spend the holiday in chilly Murphy & avoid a short-sleeve Florida Christmas, ha! 

Thanks to my parents for making our visit so special! 

Merry Christmas, Atlanta!

The first half of our Christmas travels was in Atlanta to visit Greg's family. 

We got to meet baby Alice for the first time, Myles got to hang with cousins as well as his grandmother (& lots of aunts & uncles too!) & of course, Santa visited! 

Myles did not find this as amusing as Greg & I

Myles & Grandma Lindsay

The First Cousins
Myles & Wyatt have breakfast together

Greg checks Wyatt for loose change.

The gorgeous baby Alice

Wyatt & his daddy, James

Christmas Morning!

Stocking Time

Enjoying the spoils

"...flying reindeer, you say? Seriously?"

"The wrapping paper isn't the present? There's more?"

3 Generations
Myles, Daddy & Grandma Lindsay

Hell on Wheels
Wyatt & the trike

Our Happy Hosts
James & Holly
Thanks Uncle James & Aunt Holly (& Grandma Lindsay) for making such a wonderful Christmas!

Myles tries out Wy's tricycle

"A Murray Christmas"
James's parents, Randolph & Vicki Murray, spent Christmas morning with us as well!

What a special & wonderful Christmas we had in GA! 

Thanks to all the family & friends that made it so!

Christmas in Atlanta - The GA Aquarium!

Our first full day in ATL was spent at the wonderful Georgia Aquarium.  Myles LOVED it!

Myles, Greg, Greg's sister Holly & her daughter Alice
pose in front of a big Christmas tree outside the aquarium.
Myles wants us to know that the real action is behind us. 

Even in silhouette, Myles's pudgy cheeks are visible!

The SmithAldridges are Going on the Fly-Fly!

To begin our holiday travels, we got up early, drove to the Van Nuys Flyaway to catch a shuttle only to learn that a big accident on the 405 was causing 3-4 hour delays! The driver took reroute suggestions from the passengers & decided on Greg's plan. We made it to LAX in about 90 minutes & then went through check in, security & waiting at the terminal before finally boarding & flying to ATL! Myles was GREAT through the FULL day of crazy travel which included a snippy poodle on the lap of the lady sitting next to Greg on the flight. We even loaded our phones & kindle with apps thinking this would be the time we create a tech monster out of Myles, but instead, Myles opted to read lots of books to pass the time. What a sweet little man.

Greg entertains Myles on the Flyaway Shuttle

Well, tongues ARE funny, I guess

Waiting at LAX

Took a little nap on the flight

Our sweet boy

Happy boy enjoying the yard

Myles is already enjoying some Christmas spoils...

"Let's play with this new toy from the Findleys!"

"Hmm, what's this???"

"I shall taste it and see."

"Nope, not food."

Santa stopped by a little early to bring Myles wooden letter magnets to keep him occupied while his Mama gets stuff ready for their Christmas travels. 

Santa's good people.

Myles had his last My Gym class until the new year. Greg was able to make it to class with us & as you can see, Myles has discovered a new source of laughter.