I love this holiday. I have learned to love it because of its focus on food. Any day that is dedicated to beautiful creations of food combinations (like potatoes and cheese or bread and chicken broth) is a good day for me.  I also enjoy getting together with family and sharing stories (of Ireland and Paris!), playing games (whistling 'margaritaville'), hiking a NC hill/mountain, eating a lot of food, playing putt putt (awkward underground back '9') and taking photos!  This year, the Hallers (Bill&Barb, Mark- we missed you Jill, Katie and David) came to 14009 for some seriously fabulous fun...

Dan and I looking at Charlotte in the distance from the top of the Mountain!

This picture took some serious strength and trust...but look at us, we're on top of the world!!!

Katie and I making a peppermint-brownie-ice cream-chocolate trifle.

Top view of our new table with our pretty plates and everything!  It was fun to decorate and plan and organize all the food. I was in my element!  Special thanks to all who helped by eating, encouraging, cleaning (thank you Dan, youre the best husband I know!), and complimenting.

A better view of our new table! We sat 10!