We opened gifts on the 26th after grandson Nathaniel walked to the creek with us and ate breakfast. It was wonderful to be in no rush. I took one photo of my heroes as they were admiring some of the Danish gifts their Aunt Lise had left for them. You’ll note Nathaniel was wearing a trench coat and had not yet gone in the phone booth to change into his super guy outfit. Grandson David had already donned his blue cape and was ready to fly to someone’s rescue.
On the third day of Christmas, David walked with us while Nathaniel stayed home. Since we are still in a drought stage, there was very little water coming down the mountain in the tiny stream called Park Branch. David got as close as he could to listen for some telltale gurgle.
A few steps later we were looking at a rainbow that ended at Joyce’s house.
When I sent the photo to her that afternoon, I said, “Guess where the pot of gold was. Too bad you weren’t home.”
She replied, “Oh! I’ll have to dig in the yard! Maybe it’s still there. Thanks for the pic!”
“Need help digging?” I offered.
Her comeback was quick, “No thanks. I can do it myself.”
You can’t beat having neighbors with a sense of humor!
The boys went with us to shop at the supermarket, and then we had barbecue for lunch. They were not always fans of this Southern fare, but they are converts now. Nathaniel likes walking about picturesque towns, so we drove to Dillsboro. The boys posed with a big tree outside an empty shop and hopped on an old shoeshine stand on a porch.
We enjoyed going to the chocolate factory, a gift shop, and a junk shop. The one who was feeling ill enjoyed the public restroom. Coming back through Sylva, we looked for neighbor Marla’s bike shop and popped in to say hello. I should have taken a picture, because the shop was most impressive. There were bikes and gear filling the large space. I commented on the new bike smell, which is mostly made up of rubber. Marla doesn’t smell it any more unless she has been away from it for a few days. It is not quite as expensive as the smell of a new car.
We did quite well on a rainy day, I thought. We still have our souvenirs from the chocolate factory to look forward to.
Mehrling Muse 
Seems like a lovely adventure Anne!
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It looks like you had a wonderful day! In fact a perfect adventure of a day with great company! Remind those boys how lucky they are to have you as grandparents :).
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It goes both ways. We are most blessed to have David and Nathaniel in our lives. I’m glad your grandchildren live close enough that you can see them frequently. There is nothing like it!
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We see them every few months. It does not seem like near enough for this grandma!
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Anne,
What was Nathaniel’s super hero costume ? Are the costumes Christmas gifts from his grandparents ?
It is sad that the weather did not bring rain or snow in the NC mountains. I saw on news about the devastating fires there last month- was saddened that someone might have set it off purposely.
All of man’s interference with nature might be taking its own toll. When do you usually get snow in the Smokies ?
Your pictures are very clear and beautiful- what camera do you use ?
I loved the pic of the rainbow ending in Joyce’s house.Also the one of the boys on the shoeshine stand.
They are blessed to have you and John as their guardian angels.
Susie
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Susie, I was just joking about superhero costumes. When I looked at the photo, that was the first thing that came to my mind. I don’t know why Nathaniel had a coat on, but David wrapped himself in his new throw to keep warm. They haven’t seen what I wrote, but I think they’d get a kick out of it. Maybe not.
Those fires in the mountains were terrible, but we are blessed that they didn’t threaten us. We certainly smelled the smoke, though.
We never know when we might get snow. It isn’t often. And it melts almost instantly. No satisfying snow storms here!
I use a Nikon Coolpix camera, a tiny thing that lives in my jeans pocket. It was not expensive and can’t compare to a normal camera, but it is there on the spot when I want to record a moment. Yesterday I took the same shot with my cell phone, and the phone had the better picture.
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It sound like he trip to Dillsboro was fun for everyone, especially the trip to The Chocolate Factory,
xxx Huge Hugs Anne xxx
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The best part of the chocolate factory experience was bringing home a few pieces of candy to enjoy later. We always have a good time together. Our grandsons are half brothers who don’t see each other very often. They laugh and tease, keeping us in stitches. We are so blessed to have them!
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Sometimes the everyday events and outings make for the nicest memories. So glad you are enjoying time with your grandsons!
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Looks like you all had a fine time!
I know that new-bike smell; I bought a bike last spring and have since had it in the bike shop. That smell permeates, but it’s a good one!
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What a joy, what a good time even on a rainy day!!
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