Summer Vacation in the Mountains

Last weekend we drove 3 hours to Roan Mountain State Park just over the border into Tennessee to meet up with some of our closest friends from Chicago. Being together was so easy, like no time had passed.

I met with these girls weekly for a lunch playgroup since Addy was a baby until she was in 2nd grade. We were also in a small group together for many years. I could not have survived the early years of motherhood without them.

We had a picnic lunch. Such a job to feed this crew. It reminded me of the countless meals we've shared with these friends.

The kids enjoyed playing in the river next to our picnic spot.

We made a short hike at the top of the mountain. The only person missing is Tracey's man. He wasn't able to come to TN this time.

Next we hiked up the Carver's Gap Trail. I was thrilled to see the rhododendron in bloom. Brent & Lisa loved Josh and I so well when we were newly married. They were the 1st people we met at church and were a big part of our testimony. Brent baptized both of us.

The ONLY girl children in the group. When asked by Mimi what her favorite part of our trip was she said hanging out with Sammy (& swimming in the pool). So sweet.

Us ladies again. So many good pics, tough not include them all.

The rare flaming azalea. WOW! So great to spend time with friends that share history. LOVE you guys.

After our visit, we headed to a vacation rental near Banner Elk, NC. Only a short drive away. The sunrise the next morning was glorious.

The boys enjoyed a relaxing morning playing battleship and eating breakfast on the deck. This rental was probably my favorite ever. It was located in Echota Resort.

When in the mountains, one must hike. So we went to the nearest place called Otter Falls in Seven Devils, NC.

A fun picture under the falls.

Because beautiful scenery is even better with cute little people in it.

This no name waterfall further down creek was the premier in my book. Complete with a rainbow! Josh and I hiked to it while the kids waited for us. He even had to pick me up a few times the climb was so tricky.

So nice to see wildflowers everywhere this time of year. After a picnic lunch we headed to the Original Mast General Store for some candy rewards for a hike well done.

At the pool is where we spent most of our time. It was the most beautiful outdoor pool I've ever seen. Consisting of a rock waterfall, bouquet of planted flowers, and an amazing mountain view.

There was even a hot tub.

We spent one evening at the indoor pool and hot tub. I didn't have my phone to take a picture but it was also amazing. Both Josh and I agreed we'd stay here again when typically we never repeat.

Our last day the kids enjoyed another gorgeous morning on the deck. Then another several hours at the pool before returning home.

Grandpa & Grandma Neville's Visit

G&G Neville flew into town on Friday, the 1st day of summer vacation. It also happened to be National Donut Day so we made a stop to get free donuts on our way to the park.

At Reedy Creek Park, we visited the nature center then hiked to the Robinson House Ruins.

Next we headed uptown and ate lunch at the Mellow Mushroom, then let the kids play in the fountains.

Here's the same picture of Aaron & Benny 3 years ago! Awww.

Joyce & my friend Allison came over for a cookout to end the evening.

After everyone had gone home and to bed, Addy noticed a poisonous copperhead snake on our driveway! Josh to the rescue.

Saturday morning we headed to Reed Creek Goldmine. In the background you can see the entrance to the mine. My dad's checking out a turtle Jackson found.

We took a self guided tour of the underground mine. So neat!

Then the kids panned for gold.

The crew minus Jackson who prefers to take the picture.

Next we headed to Repticon! Held at the Cabarrus Arena & fairgrounds.

We had never seen anything like this place. Snakes, lizards, and all sorts of other creatures for sale.

Addy was thrilled to pick out her first pet gecko which she bought herself.

The kids slept on the way home and we ate at a local BBQ restaurant for lunch.

For dinner we cooked out again, this time with Amanda & Zachary. Then had a relaxing evening of games outdoors.

Sunday after church we headed to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia. We walked around their outdoor exhibits and pond.

Then headed indoors. Unfortunately some of the museum was closed. But we did get to see a planetarium show & the new insect exhibit.

This scene looked familiar...

Aha! In similar spots when we visited 2 years ago.

After another BBQ lunch in Belmont, we took a rainy walk in our woods.

Posers by the pond.

The grey shirt club. So nice to hang out with my Dad & Sandy. Thanks for coming all the way from Colorado to see us!

School's Out for Summer

My sweet baby graduated from kindergarten a week before the rest of the gang got out.

He was so proud to sing for us. His hat fell off during one of the songs and he held in the tears with difficulty. It was so hard not to run up and fix it for him.

Thankful Mimi lives so close and was able to come to the kids awards ceremonies.

Jackson racked up the awards including a 1st place ribbon at the Waxhaw art show.

So blessed. I love this crew, especially Benny's photogenic pose in this picture.

Celebrity sighting at Costco. Deb from Dexter was in front of me in line. Eek!