Pisgah National Forest

Today we enjoyed some much needed cousin and family time as we hiked through a sea of green forest. The Pisgah National Forest was awesome! First we stopped at the visitor center and ranger station for information. While there the ranger pointed out a very unique moth that had landed on a leaf that was similar in color... A camouflage science lesson at its finest!

 

Then we headed to the discovery center and adventure trail. At the discovery center the girls completed a scavenger hunt, and they all received a wooden nickel for the superb performance!

 

 

 

Then we stopped at the local food spot. It was fantastic. We sat at a table outside and enjoyed the beautiful weather. They had tree blocks and rocking chairs.. And the food was good to boot too! (My fried green tomato BLT was delish!)

 

 

 

Then we went for a hike on a paved trail... And along the way we encountered hills, waterfalls, an out of service locomotive for play and climbing, tree stump jumping steps, a log horse, old style road diggers that provided oodles of entertainment and balance beam action... And a rattlesnake!! It was a fabulous day.

 

 

 

 

 

No pictures of the snake!! We were too busy running by it!

 

 

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Downtown Hendersonville - NC

We started off the day with a mountain sized breakfast to help curb our mountain sized hunger. The mountain air does that to you. ;) L had her favorite.. Chocolate chip pancakes!!

Then we hit up Downtown Hendersonville, which is a personal favorite of mine. We went to the Children's Hands On Museum, made a stop into the rock museum, and then of course checked out the Dancing Bear Toy Shop and some other local spots on Main Street.

Pretending to be a veterinarian and doing some painting at Hands on:

 

Quartz as big as Joshua at the museum...

 

And one of the highlights of the day.. The bears on Main Street! Armed with her camera, Lil took pictures of all the bears we could find. This one is for Mary and Chief:

"Live long and prosBEAR"

 

 

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A Day in the Park

"Even the best laid plans..."

 

At the breakfast table this morning L helped us make a to-do list for the day of all of the adventures and errands that we needed to run. First stop was 'the talking trees'. We have never been before and so it was highly anticipated. Unfortunately an error light on the dash of the van had us heading to the Hendersonville tire shop instead. All is well with the car, but we ended up heading to the park instead.

 

Sometimes you never know where the day will take you...

 

 

 

 

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North Carolina - Carl Sandburg

It is our first full day in North Carolina, and we made our traditional trip to the Carl Sandburg house. Lil took a few photos using the camera on my phone. Here are the best shots:

 

 

Hiking to the goats

 

 

Traditional pictures with the Sandburg scarecrow... The family photo is on Grandpa Harold's camera. ;)

 

 

Goats!!

 

 

The tail end of our visit with the goats....

(I couldn't help myself) Then we hiked back down and headed to Flat Rock bakery for delicious pizza and salad. Our view on the way down:

After a full day of mountain air and big adventures.. Lil enjoyed some iPad time with grandma and Joshua (and myself for a few minutes!) enjoyed a nap:

The day continued with some pool fun, some games, and hoop cheese. According to Lil it doesn't get better...

 

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What?? I have a speck of yogurt on my face??

 

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Swinging through Summer...

It is already July.

Joshua is already one!

Lil is already ready for school.

We are enjoying the mild summer days while we have them. When the weather cools it is going to be back to school and back to work. So, we are soaking in the sun while we can!

 

And, yes, around here shirts are optional.. Smiles are not! They are a must!! ;)

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