Together

We just got back from this year's trip to one of the most magical places anywhere. For 25 years we have taken a couple of days out of the busy holiday season to spend some time together at the Grove Park Inn. What wonderful memories we have from all those trips up the mountain. Our own little girls are all grown up now. But we are blessed to still have children with us--Baby Sister and Big Sister. Our weekends now include the entire family.

I made this photo as we drove up to the inn on Friday. It just feels like Christmas from the moment you catch the first glimpse.

So many good memories have been made here. Please let me tell you about the very first one...

One of the most special memories of these weekends are from that very first trip with two little girls, ages 2 and 4. The afternoon we arrived, we stood in line for a long, long time to see Santa Claus. We waited with so many other excited children who all sat for a moment in Santa's lap. We delighted in seeing our two daughters each take their turn, looking up at his with their big eyes as he asked what their name. They answered and then shyly told him what they wanted on Christmas morning.
Hours later we happened upon Santa again as he walked across the Great Hall (on his way back to the North Pole, I suppose.) When he came to us, he stopped for a moment and and greeted each little girl by name. Hundreds of children had talked to Santa that day. Hundreds. Yet he remembered our childrens' names! That really had to be Santa, didn't it?

Every year is different. Every year, special. We were happy to add another chapter to our memory book this weekend.