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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / Christmas Hope

December 25, 2010

Christmas Hope

Today was unpredictable – a lesson in flexibility. But now that we’re here, it makes a good story! Many times we didn’t think we were going to make it.

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It started with the storm predictions this morning. I’m not sure any snow has actually accumulated anywhere in North Carolina, but I’m glad we get to wake up here tomorrow and won’t be driving in the rain/snow/ice.

Mom’s formal Christmas dinner got put into coolers and packed in the trunk.

Matt and I headed over to his dad’s family’s house to celebrate with them for a while.

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Natalie and Dylan – the smartest and cutest!

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Uncle David did magic – a flaming wallet!

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We had crockpot black bean soup (which was amazing spiked with apple cider vinegar and liquid smoke) along with some finger foods – carrots and crackers.

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A bite of pecan pie and a Hershey’s kiss for dessert!

Back at my parents, intense packing was taking place and we hit the road for Bald Head at 3:45 with an apple in hand.

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Two hours down the road, Dad called with the following announcement:

“I have very bad news. We just missed the last ferry to Bald Head.”

Contingency plans went into effect. Smart phones were consulted. Larbs had two going at once – like a work desk with two monitors!

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We researched water taxis and expensive private boats with no luck. We researched renting a condo for the night and sharing two hotel rooms between 8 people.

To fuel our predicament, we snacked on ruffles and a tin of popcorn!

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Finally we got a call from the inn – the owner, Rod, was going to be able to bring us over on his boat at 9PM! Wheeeee!

A glimpse of Christmas hope!

To kill time and feed hunger, we then hunted for an open restaurant. Much harder than you would think on Christmas Day!!

We finally found the ONLY open restaurant in downtown Wilmington – Firebelly’s. A menu full of burritos, quesadillas, and typical bar food.

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A fun Christmas dinner to remember

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Larbs and I split the grilled shrimp fajitas. I had 1 plus another of just toppings. Plus a few of Matt’s fries and beer.

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After dinner, we drove down to Southport and met Rod and his boat – it’s really a miracle we all fit!

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Especially considering we brought a month’s worth of stuff!

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We are here!

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A Christmas wish granted

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And celebrated with bourbon balls!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. JessicaEn says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:11 pm

    Glad you made it! Merry Christmas <3

    Reply
  2. Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    Sounds like a fun day! I just got back to DC myself and am SO happy to be here and not have to deal with the weather tomorrow (or the traffic)! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  3. Vanessa says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:15 pm

    It DID snow in Charlotte and surrounding towns [Mooresville, etc.] Had to drive back in it, ugh. Only a few inches though!! Glad you got there!! Looks so fun! Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  4. Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    What?! That’s not hope…that’s a MIRACLE! Enjoy Bald Head Island, Kath. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

    Reply
  5. Jessica says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:16 pm

    Merry Christmas!! Glad to see that you made it. Sounds like it was quite an adventure. Enjoy your trip!

    Reply
  6. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:20 pm

    Awww, everything ended wonderfully!! So happy that all of you made it safely. 🙂 And I agree, definitely a great story; something you’ll always cherish in years to come. What better Christmas gift than the gift of family and memories-in-the-making.

    Merry Christmas Kath + family!

    Reply
  7. Mariana says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:27 pm

    That gingerbread house is amazing. It seems you will remember this Chrismas forever!

    Reply
  8. Emily says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:28 pm

    merry christmas, kath!!
    glad you got to your destination safely.
    have a lovely time!

    Reply
  9. Christin@purplebirdblog says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    Happy it all worked out for you!!

    Reply
  10. Natalia - a side of simple says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Wow, talk about a Christmas miracle! It’s sure a memory you’ll all have to laugh over and reminisce on. Glad you made it safely 🙂 Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  11. Jessica says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:47 pm

    Yay! You made it!

    Reply
  12. Hannah says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:50 pm

    Well done to all of you! Definitely will make for a Christmas that you’ll remember as different and special! Merry Christmas 🙂

    Reply
  13. Amanda @ Plato's Plate says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:56 pm

    Kath,
    I read your blog constantly. I am SO sorry to hear about Karen…I hope everything turns out ok. I honestly shed a tear just now…not a nice Christmas present for you and Matt and your families. I am SO sorry.
    XO
    Amanda

    Reply
  14. Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says

    December 25, 2010 at 11:59 pm

    Wow! That’s some adventure. Glad you made it in the end! 🙂

    Reply
  15. Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:17 am

    It will definitely be a Christmas to remember! 🙂

    Reply
  16. missy says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:20 am

    A fun memory for sure! Enjoy the trip.

    Reply
  17. Camille says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:26 am

    Sounds like a non-traditional Christmas, to say the least!
    Glad you had fun and it all worked out!

    Reply
  18. Susan says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:34 am

    Glad you made it to the Island!

    I tried that sweater on, but I didn’t like that I *had* to wear something underneath it since it was kind of see-through. It’s just not cold enough to warrant two layers most of the time.

    Reply
  19. Justeen @ Blissful Baking says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:54 am

    sounds like you had quite the eventful christmas day!
    glad it all worked out in the end!

    Reply
  20. Maryann says

    December 26, 2010 at 1:06 am

    Sounds like quite a day. Glad you made it!

    Reply
  21. lena says

    December 26, 2010 at 1:10 am

    What fun memories! Glad you made it, Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  22. jessica b says

    December 26, 2010 at 1:23 am

    Gotta love Southport! I vacation at Oak Island every year and love when we get to ride on the ferry. The wonderfull people and great town are what keeping me coming back every year.

    Reply
  23. carlee says

    December 26, 2010 at 3:57 am

    Looks like you had quite the fun christmas dinner/hunt! LOL
    The good news is all those people who would be working at the resturaunts you hunted for are at home on this special day with there familes…like they should be!

    Reply
  24. Cara Craves... says

    December 26, 2010 at 6:45 am

    Oh My!
    What an adventure…
    At least you survived and made it safely!
    Have a great time.

    Reply
  25. Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says

    December 26, 2010 at 7:19 am

    Yikes! Craziness!! I would have been frazzled too, but it looks like you guys made the most of it and I’m glad you finally got there safe and sound!

    Reply
  26. Food & Other Things says

    December 26, 2010 at 7:48 am

    Wow! Glad you made it there and everything worked out in the end! Sounds like a fun Christmas dinner…certainly one to remember.

    Reply
  27. jk says

    December 26, 2010 at 7:50 am

    First time poster here…I have been reading your blog for a while now and now I can say
    I am addicted!!!!
    If you really wanted to see snow you should have come to NW North Carolina where we have
    had snow/ice on the ground for about 3 weeks now with snow falling since Saturday and
    still coming downthis morning. We definitely had a white Christmas this year and last year as well.
    Glad you made it to your destination safely and hope for a safe trip back to C’ville.

    Reply
  28. Lauren at KeepItSweet says

    December 26, 2010 at 7:56 am

    that is quite the adventure! so glad you made it:-)

    Reply
  29. Lauren says

    December 26, 2010 at 7:58 am

    Oh my, that is quite a story, but one you will remember for sure. Glad everything worked out and it looks like it worked out for the better. I guess your families just wanted to be together a little longer for the holidays. 🙂

    Reply
  30. Cristen says

    December 26, 2010 at 8:02 am

    Boy has it ever snowed in NC! I’m up in the mountains and there’s no telling how much we have on the ground. I know Asheville has at least 7 inches. I think we have more up here and it’s still coming down! They’re not really even bothering to plow or salt the road I live on. Glad you were able to make it out in time!

    Reply
  31. Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says

    December 26, 2010 at 8:25 am

    OMG I USED TO LIVE IN WILMINGTON, NC!!! (well Wrightsville Beach, actually)

    Hubs and i are originally from Chicago and we moved to Wilmington for a few yrs when we were first married. Our first thanksgiving was spent eating gas station food…b/c in Chicago there was always TONS of stuff open. Not in NC on holidays!

    By Xmas we had smartened up, a bit…but still were always caught off guard on what was going to be open or not on holidays.

    I have been to Firebelly. And every other bar on Front St. downtown Wilm and on Wrightsville Beach….enjoy your time there!

    We live in San Diego now 🙂

    Reply
  32. SOUL + FOOD says

    December 26, 2010 at 8:40 am

    Oh man! Glad everything worked out for you! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!

    Reply
  33. Katie says

    December 26, 2010 at 8:44 am

    SO glad you guys did make it home! I saw your tweet and was worried! You will never forget this christmas! xo Glad your christmas was great!

    Reply
  34. chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:04 am

    Crazy Christmas!

    Reply
  35. Erin @ The Making of a Teacher says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:07 am

    We have at least 6 inches on the ground in Raleigh and its showing no signs of letting up so I think it’s a good thing you went yesterday! It’s beautiful but driving in it on NC roads that the cities don’t have enough plows to keep up with would not be fun. Have a great time!

    Reply
  36. Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:07 am

    Merry, Merry Christmas!! 😀

    Reply
  37. Katy (The Singing Runner) says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:37 am

    Glad it worked out for the best! What a wonderful Christmas! 🙂

    Reply
  38. Alaina says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:43 am

    Phew, that is quite a story! So glad to hear you made it! That will definitely make a great story for years to come 🙂

    Reply
  39. Natalie says

    December 26, 2010 at 10:24 am

    Thx again 4 fixing my laptop!! Now i can look at your website all i want without any problems!! 😀 😀 😀
    P.S. i love the pic of me and Lanie and Halie!!!! (the american girls)
    <3

    Reply
    • Kath says

      December 26, 2010 at 10:26 am

      XOXO 🙂

      Reply
  40. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    December 26, 2010 at 11:38 am

    Definitely a night to remember. 🙂 That flaming wallet’s AWESOME too! haha

    Reply
  41. Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says

    December 26, 2010 at 12:18 pm

    That definitely sounds like a memorable Christmas! I’m glad you made it there in the end! Hope you guys are enjoying yourselves!

    Reply
  42. megan says

    December 26, 2010 at 1:46 pm

    merry christmas kath and fam!! and on a side note..matt’s brother is quite a stud hahaa

    Reply
    • Aneesha says

      December 26, 2010 at 5:48 pm

      right! look at that square head

      Reply
  43. Namaste Gurl says

    December 26, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    Wowza– what a family and food filled day you had yourself! So fun indeed….

    Reply
  44. Mike says

    December 26, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    That is the most amazing “how I got to Bald Head” story…..ever……glad you are there and safe!

    Reply
    • Kath says

      December 26, 2010 at 9:59 pm

      : ) Just read this aloud to the family!

      Reply
  45. Kat says

    December 26, 2010 at 5:13 pm

    What an exciting Christmas to remember!

    Reply
  46. Heidi - apples under my bed says

    December 26, 2010 at 6:10 pm

    Wow what an epic adventure!! Glad you got there safe & sound. Merry Christmas!
    Heidi xo

    Reply
  47. jassy says

    December 26, 2010 at 9:25 pm

    it’s worth it. merry christmas! 🙂

    Reply
  48. Jil @ Big, City, Lil Kitchen says

    December 26, 2010 at 11:04 pm

    An amazing story – with a happy ending. Perfect!

    Reply

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