Christmas Getaway

Billy and I finally took a weekend getaway.  Our first in six years! He surprised me with a trip to Biltmore in Asheville.  I have not been away from Julia in eight months and he wanted some time for us to relax and breathe from all that has happened.  With the kids happily in Mimi's care we headed out on Friday afternoon.  Pulling up to the property all lit for Christmas was amazing.  We stayed at the Inn which was such a treat.  Being guests of the estate means nothing but the best and free reign of the 8,000 acres.  Here's our hotel in gingerbread (an exact replica!)...

Here it is in real life (from the back), perched on a hill with the most amazing views...

 

After settling in, we headed to the house for the Candlelight Christmas tour.  The decorations were amazing and the house looks incredible all lit up.  Unfortunately you can't take any pictures inside.

 

I did sneak one in the basement kitchen where they build a cookie model of the house.  Shh, don't tell!

They are very serious about it.  The family behind us during the tour had one of their preschoolers reach under the rope (at nothing) and the guide immediately got on the phone.."Child reached under rope in the library.  No items touched.  Parent restained child without assistance.  Room secure."  Geez!

Then we visited some of the amazing shops and actually finished most of our Christmas shopping- yay!

 

The next morning we awoke to beautiful falling snow...

 

We headed back to the house for the day tour and to visit the gardens.

 

They were expecting 9,000 visitors Saturday- incredible! Fortunately the place is so big you don't really notice the crowds.  We headed down to the Bistro for lunch, enjoyed a Wine and Chocolate class, toured the winery, and relaxed the rest of the afternoon.  Dinner at the Deerpark was delicious.  All the food on property is.  Every meal was a 'wow!'

Sunday morning we headed out on a trail ride of the the estate.  It was breathtaking.  There are cattle, sheep, deer, and wild turkeys all over- not afraid of us at all. 

 

We explored all the different areas, the different forests and the back of the house.  You couldn't help but be in awe of God's creation and the amazing lengths this family has gone to to preserve and appreciate it- such detail.  Not to mention the beautiful animals we were riding.

 

After some time in Biltmore Village and a delicious lunch at Corner Kitchen, we headed back home.  The kids were very excited to see us, but having such fun with Mimi.  We had our Sunday Advent candlelight dinner...

 

And then decorated the tree...

 

 

Now the house is homey, warm, and inviting.  All in anticipation of our greatest gift.  The kids excitement continues to grow.  They are enjoying every day of this wonderful season.  Julia keeps telling us how much she loves it (and she still hasn't figured out it includes presents!).  We are trying to stop and savor every precious moment...