New Hope Valley Christmas Train

We took a trip on the New Hope Valley Railroad this past weekend and it was the absolute cutest Harry Potteresque steam engine I've ever seen! It is a 1920's restored steam engine that pulls a open air passenger cars and little red caboose. 

We also happened to pre-order tickets for the coldest day we have had so far this winter! But we didn't let that stop us! We bundled up and piled onto the train and enjoyed Fiona's first Choo Choo ride, (along with a little flask to keep the adults toasty). 

Fiona thought the whole trip was great (minus the run in the Santa)! I will say it was a step up from her last Santa visit, but just barely! She basically pretended he didn't exist when he plopped himself right across from her. She did manage to squeak out she wanted a guitar for Christmas. Baby steps!

I think I lucked out and had the warmest seat in the house holding baby Evie. 

Fiona loved hearing the noises coming from the engine, we even quoted some lines from one of our favorite books, The Little Engine that Could.  

All in all, it was magical and we are definitely added it to our Christmas to-do list every year! 

And now I am off to try and find some of the presents I've hidden around the house! Here's hoping I don't pull a Clarke W. Griswald and find one hiding in my closet come May! 

Our weekend...and more

Scott and I have tried our darnedest to not rush things with Fiona, but this year has been so special watching her get excited about Santa and all things Christmas, we just can't help it!!

We started the Elf on the Shelf this year.  It was absolutely adorable to see how excited she was when we told her that Santa had brought her donuts and her elf, which she named Elf.  It hasn't really phased her with the whole "Santa can see you throw this temper tantrum," but Hey! there's always next year....

We have already completed a couple items off of our Christmas bucket list.  This past weekend the girls and I joined my parents up in the mountains to pick out the good ol' Bartow family Christmas tree.  I think this is the prettiest one yet! 

We still have a couple more fun items to complete before the big day! 

We have tickets to ride the Triangle Train next weekend.  The train is an open air steam engine.  It looks straight out of a Harry Potter book!  I am so excited about this.  Fiona is in love with trains.  We have actually tried to ride a train with Fiona 2 times and we have been thwarted by the weather 2 times!! I'm feeling good vibes that the third times the charm. 

We still have to see Santa, make Christmas cookies, take a ride to look at Christmas lights and let's not forget squeeze in a couple Christmas vacation marathons! 

So excited the Christmas season is finally here!! 

Freedom Hot Air Balloon Fest

 I'm not really one for heights, and actually the thought of being 100 feet in the air is making my hands sweat as I type, but I always thought a hot air balloon ride would be fun.  I think its the romantic in me that wants to do it.  

Saturday evening, we made out way to the Freedom Hot Air Balloon Festival here in Raleigh.  Scott had reservations about it the whole time.  He basically didn't want to go, but as soon as we walked on the field, he completely changed his mind.  

Neither of us had ever been that close to hot air balloons, and Let me tell you, it was simply gorgeous!


Fiona would have been happy being a mile away from the balloons, she loved looking and pointing at them, but the noise freaked her out.  She spent most of the time sitting in my lap and hunkering down everytime they turned the gas on.  Bless her heart!


We packed up a cooler full of drinks and snacks and had a little picnic dinner while we watched.  It just so happened, some of the other firefighters were out there as well, so we met up with them to watch the show.





One of my clients helped with one of the balloons, and asked if I wanted a ride.  I tried to pawn it off on Scott, but he insisted.  If there had not been 800+ people around, it would have been one of the most peaceful things I've ever done. Scariest, but peaceful.  It was amazing to feel the slightest little air current push and pull the balloon.  I would probably do it again, but next time somewhere where there are no trees or obstacles to fly around.



They finished the festival with a balloon glow.  At the same time, all of the hot air balloons turned their flames up which made the whole balloon light up.  If there is ever a hot air balloon festival in your town, I highly recommend you go, definitely something we will never forget.