Cabin fever

Cabin Fever isn't always a bad thing. In fact, sometimes, I believe it's exactly what you may need!

This past weekend, Brad and I joined a couple of our friends, Bret and Jessica, for a mini-getaway to a cozy Gatlinburg cabin. We spent the majority of our time lounging around the fireplace, reading, playing video games, watching movies, baking (and eating) cookies, napping, and relaxing in the hot tub. It.was.wonderful!

(All four of us happen to be reading the Harry Potter series. Brad and Jessica for the first time! Coincidentally, we're all simultaneously at the same part in the series. I'm still making my way through Book 5, holding out hope to finish them all by the movie release, next Thursday night. {EEK!} Jessica finished 5 and started 6 over the weekend, to join both of the boys. Many a Potter convo commensed. Happy times.)

Besides staying inside to crank out some Potter studies, we actually had to keep warm, because it was already snowing in Gatlinburg! (Hence the nonstop fire in the cabin.) Look at the view from the back deck. Gorgeous autumn leaves with a dust of snow! What a beautiful blessing!

We did, however, venture outside of our hermit shell just a little bit. There was no way we could resist this gorgeous scenery.

...Or The Incredible Christmas Place! I don't know how else to say this, but visiting there was just like Christmas!! I just walked around in a giddy daze muttering "This is the happiest place on Earth!" (Full disclosure: I've never been to Disney World.) There was room after room of Christmas stuff! Every Christmas tree was decorated differently. I literally was like a kid in a candy store running from one display to the next, scrutinizing every exhibit and decoration, and trying to formulate a plan to take it all home (and pay for it) and determine where it would look best in Mehaffey Manor! 

Of course, we took the opportunity to purchase our annual ornament. As one of our traditions, each Christmas, Brad and I get a personalized ornament with our names and the year on it. At The Incredible Christmas Place, we had about 100 to choose from, and I think it only took me 25 minutes to decide on the keeper! Not too shabby, eh?

What an awesome weekend to get away, relax and enjoy some leisurely time (not to mention some Harry Potter and Christmasness) with friends! I love making memories, and these were definitely some good ones.

P.S. I can't wait until Christmas! I'm so stinking excited! My office building hung the wreaths by the elevator, today. That really means it's so close! Holla!! How pumped are you?