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.
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.
Natalie and Dylan – the smartest and cutest!
Uncle David did magic – a flaming wallet!
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
A fun Christmas dinner to remember
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.
After dinner, we drove down to Southport and met Rod and his boat – it’s really a miracle we all fit!
Especially considering we brought a month’s worth of stuff!
We are here!
A Christmas wish granted
And celebrated with bourbon balls!
JessicaEn says
Glad you made it! Merry Christmas <3
Beth @ Beth's Journey to Thin says
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!
Vanessa says
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!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
What?! That’s not hope…that’s a MIRACLE! Enjoy Bald Head Island, Kath. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
Jessica says
Merry Christmas!! Glad to see that you made it. Sounds like it was quite an adventure. Enjoy your trip!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
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!
Mariana says
That gingerbread house is amazing. It seems you will remember this Chrismas forever!
Emily says
merry christmas, kath!!
glad you got to your destination safely.
have a lovely time!
[email protected] says
Happy it all worked out for you!!
Natalia - a side of simple says
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!
Jessica says
Yay! You made it!
Hannah says
Well done to all of you! Definitely will make for a Christmas that you’ll remember as different and special! Merry Christmas 🙂
Amanda @ Plato's Plate says
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
Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says
Wow! That’s some adventure. Glad you made it in the end! 🙂
Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate says
It will definitely be a Christmas to remember! 🙂
missy says
A fun memory for sure! Enjoy the trip.
Camille says
Sounds like a non-traditional Christmas, to say the least!
Glad you had fun and it all worked out!
Susan says
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.
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
sounds like you had quite the eventful christmas day!
glad it all worked out in the end!
Maryann says
Sounds like quite a day. Glad you made it!
lena says
What fun memories! Glad you made it, Merry Christmas!
jessica b says
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.
carlee says
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!
Cara Craves... says
Oh My!
What an adventure…
At least you survived and made it safely!
Have a great time.
Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine says
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!
Food & Other Things says
Wow! Glad you made it there and everything worked out in the end! Sounds like a fun Christmas dinner…certainly one to remember.
jk says
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.
Lauren at KeepItSweet says
that is quite the adventure! so glad you made it:-)
Lauren says
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. 🙂
Cristen says
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!
Averie (LoveVeggiesandYoga) says
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 🙂
SOUL + FOOD says
Oh man! Glad everything worked out for you! Hope you had a Merry Christmas!
Katie says
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!
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Crazy Christmas!
Erin @ The Making of a Teacher says
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!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
Merry, Merry Christmas!! 😀
Katy (The Singing Runner) says
Glad it worked out for the best! What a wonderful Christmas! 🙂
Alaina says
Phew, that is quite a story! So glad to hear you made it! That will definitely make a great story for years to come 🙂
Natalie says
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
Kath says
XOXO 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
Definitely a night to remember. 🙂 That flaming wallet’s AWESOME too! haha
Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin says
That definitely sounds like a memorable Christmas! I’m glad you made it there in the end! Hope you guys are enjoying yourselves!
megan says
merry christmas kath and fam!! and on a side note..matt’s brother is quite a stud hahaa
Aneesha says
right! look at that square head
Namaste Gurl says
Wowza– what a family and food filled day you had yourself! So fun indeed….
Mike says
That is the most amazing “how I got to Bald Head” story…..ever……glad you are there and safe!
Kath says
: ) Just read this aloud to the family!
Kat says
What an exciting Christmas to remember!
Heidi - apples under my bed says
Wow what an epic adventure!! Glad you got there safe & sound. Merry Christmas!
Heidi xo
jassy says
it’s worth it. merry christmas! 🙂
Jil @ Big, City, Lil Kitchen says
An amazing story – with a happy ending. Perfect!