Charleston II - Magnolia Plantation

We headed back to Charleston for a night to use a groupon to Magnolia Plantation that we didn't get a chance to visit last time.

It was raining again so we got to use our raincoats.

This red flower could be seen every once in awhile among lots of greenery, adding to it's beauty.

Had to pose by the pretty flowering bush. Addy collected some peacock feathers and Benny a bamboo stick.

Joyce must always see the farm animals. And talk to them as well.

I never knew taking pictures of bridges was so fun.

After walking around the grounds we explored the Audubon Swamp. Very unique trees with roots on top of the ground grow there.

Lots of walking...

Did you see that alligator!

After touring the plantation, we went to the Mellow Mushroom for dinner and to the hotel.

The pool had these huge beach balls. The kids could have swam forever.

The hotel and our suite were amazing. We had two bedrooms, and the boys slept on the foldout couch in the living room. The view of the marsh was awesome and there was even a kitchen. Must stay at a Residence Inn again.

The next day we ate a delicious free breakfast or two, went swimming and explored downtown before heading home.

We went to the City Market and I got a new hat and ear rings. The kids got candy.

Trip to Boone, NC

Last weekend we traveled 2 hours to the northern mountain town of Boone, NC. After visiting downtown Boone, including the Mast General Store, we went tubing on the New River.

The kids had fun and no one complained that it was boring near the end, like last summer.

It was a nice relaxing float down the river with a stop for a picnic lunch.

After tubing we checked into our cabin, ate dinner, and went hiking on the Boone Fork Trail located just across the street from the cabin.

We hiked to Hebron Falls with many smaller falls along the way. I was very excited the rhododendron were in bloom.

We did some serious boulder climbing. The kids loved it and grandma even made it to the top.

Relaxing and eating breakfast on a cool mountain morning by the fire with the windows open.

Snuggling with my boys. They got to watch their favorite cartoon network shows, always a treat.

We took our time getting to the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games. A Scottish festival in the area.

I got to see my friend Marla from church and her husband Sean. They come every year to represent their clan.

Here's everyone enjoying some music with lots of bag pipes and Italian Ice.

After the games we went mini golfing and home for a taco dinner on the deck.

Then we watched the Horn in the West outdoor drama. The loud gun battles and dancing were everyone's favorite part. The kids were free since it was a Sunday night.

On our last day we drove the parkway. Our first stop was the Beacon Heights hike to a summit.

No one cared much about the summit because they were all too busy picking and eating endless blueberries.

My sweet foursome. They actually asked when we were going hiking. I think they might like it!

Next hike was called Rough Ridge also off the parkway.

Joyce and I at the first summit. Just had to pose with so many beautiful views.

Here's the boys at the very top. We were all full of blueberries by the end.

My favorite little person. And the only one who will pose with me.

4th of July Weekend

Saturday we grilled out, played badmitten, and had a campfire with Amanda, her neighbor Randon, and Zachary. Josh's friend Jake and his kids also came over to play for awhile.

The kids had a blast in our baby bubble pool.

We joined the YMCA again this summer. Sunday we went swimming at the pool while Josh hiked with Richie. When he got home we went fishing in our back woods.

Addy, Zachary, and Aaron all caught fish. Zachary's was the longest at around 13".

Benny was so sad that he didn't catch any. Poor little buddy.

On Monday morning we watched the 4th of July parade in Indian Trail.

Then walked back to Amanda's house and ordered pizza for lunch.

The Molskness family had us over for a cookout later and we went with them, and the Fuller family, to the Mint Hill fireworks in the evening. Here's a picture of all of us at church after Lainey's baby dedication.