A Happy Mother's Day!

The kids had a random day off school so we went to the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens just west of Charlotte in Belmont, NC.

I got a family pass so we can go back each season and see what's in bloom.

We packed a picnic and let the kids explore.

Joyce and I have been trying to see more of the Charlotte area to get to know our city better.

One of our favorite things has been taking walks on the many Charlotte area greenways.

To celebrate Mother's Day, we headed to the mountains.

Our first stop was The Blowing Rock. Joyce is climbing on the actual rock formation that clearly states "climb at your own risk".

Next we headed to the observation tower.

Did this place ever have the views! The high country is just a little bit closer to heaven.

After a delicious lunch at Woodland's BBQ we headed to downtown Blowing Rock to attempt a 1.6 mile hike to Glen Burney Falls.

The path description said moderate to strenuous so I prepared the kids for a tough one.

There were several smaller waterfalls along the way.

We made it to the falls! I sure do love waterfalls.

Before heading back we visited one last falls and a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Our resting spot. So proud of the kids, only Benny had to be carried on the way back.

We checked in to the lodge at Chetola Resort and the kids went swimming.

Then we went paddle boating in the lake, ladies have their own boat.

For dinner we had pizza at the Mellow Mushroom. Then the kids got candy as a reward for the hike. Thankfully Jackson stopped eating when he got to the scorpion.

The next morning, after a wonderful breakfast buffet, we went to Bass Lake. Moses Cone Manor is the house in the background.

This 1 mile hike around the lake was very relaxing.

Coolest duck ever. Made a neat sound too.

So THANKFUL for a family that loves to explore and spent time together.

On our way from Blowing Rock to Boone, we stopped by Mystery Hill. The best part was their huge arrowhead collection.

In Boone we stopped for lunch at the Red Onion. Then the Mast General Store for snacks. We drove through Appalachian State University and headed home.