Tweetsie

Tweetsie is an amusement/theme park set in the hills of Blowing Rock, North Carolina.  Chad and I thought of it as a treat for both parents and kids.  The folks at Tweetsie have done a fantastic job landscaping their park. Between the view and the autumn colors for the adults and rides galore for the kids, all were happy.  : )

Big Girl, Big Grins

Me and my girl on the chair lift.

I have some girls who luuuuuurv any and all amusement park rides.  Can I get an amen?

Best seat in the house.

Okay.  Some of my most favorite memories of this trip come from the drive into Boone.  There are countless tree farms situated along side the mountains.  The perfect little rows of Frasier Fur trees contrasted with the mountains and autumn colors were amazing.  I wasn't able to get a photo of those places on the way in because I was sitting with my face pressed against the window.  Here is one from the train ride the following day.  : )

I laugh every time I see this photo because it reminds me of a brochure.  : )  She is pointing at the upcoming scene below.

What's better than a cheeky cowboy shootout?

Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina

Our girls just before the hike to the swinging bridge and top of the mountain.  A perfect day.

Grandfather Mountain

I can't even describe to you how beautiful it was to sit up on the peak and look out over the valley.

Quattro

Ava Grace

Checking out all the tangents along the trail.

Jules and Ava love to hike.  Makes this momma soooo happy.  You should have seen them scurrying up the rocks and jumping over roots and giggling all the way on their great adventure.  Jules would be in this photo except she tearing up that trail ahead.  : )       

We did not see this suggly fellow on the way up.  The park has some large open spaces on the side of the mountain where native animals can be viewed in their habitat: black bears, otter, deer, cougar to name a few.  

Teddy Bear Tea Party

Ava and Kate before the party.  

Just like good girlfriends do, Katelyn loaned Ava some 

sparkly, silver shoes for the big event.  : )

Several weeks ago Ava's preschool class had a teddy bear tea party.  It was complete with fine clothing, "tea", cupcakes, muffins, and all the fixings you might expect.  Julianna came to Ava the night before the party and said, "Ava, I know this is a big day for you tomorrow.  Would you like to borrow my pink sparkly dress you love so much?  It is what I wore when I went my teddy bear tea party in preschool."  Melt my heart please!  Of course, Ava eagerly agreed.  As for the fluffy white coat?  I know, you could never believe I would have purchased it, right?  Well, I surprised the girls with them to wear with their Christmas dresses.  The fact Ava got to wear them early was a bonus!  She was so sweet as she humbly admired her outfit and grinned from ear to ear.  : )

Big Moves in Illinois

Before I go on and on about what a great trip to Illinois I had and how proud of my dad I am...let me just stop and tell you this is my brother.  And, this is what he wore when he picked Jackie and I up at the airport.  And, let me just tell you I almost self-induced an asthma attack laughing hysterically at his little getty-up.  I mean, for real.  He is wearing a silk bomber jacket from the 1996 Summer Olympics.  I wish you could have seen him work it. Work it, I say.  I saw him from 250 yards away sashaying up to the terminal.  I think it was the light catching on the strands of brightly colored billowing silk worn by a 6 foot 4 inch man which first caught my eye.     

Okay, on to the ceremony.  This is my dad's brother John and my aunt Barrie.  Aren't they just the cutest couple?

Mike changed and was looking quite nice here with Jackie in blue.

Mom and Dicky looking happy.

Dad getting official and being inaugurated as Millikin's 14th president.  : )

That's dad's hat.

Me and my dad.

Life was never boring with Mike as a brother.

If you can't beat 'em...

My lovely momma.

And one last shot of John, Barrie & I.  

Kudos to Chad for holding down the fort while I traveled two weekends in a row!  Thanks babe!  

She's Getting Married!

I have two first cousins in the world.  Kirsten and Kari.  They are wonderful people to have as family.  We have so many terrific memories together from all the years passed.  Jackie and I were so happy we could get down to Tampa for Kirsten's bachelorette party!  Let the count-down to wedding begin!

My little sis and Kari. 

(Please note that everything Jackie is wearing is mine.  Thank you.)

Oh the stories I could tell.  ; ) 

Ready for dinner and some dancing!

My aunt Vale, Kirsten, and Kari.  Look how they didn't even plan this! ( I was just a day early for this color matching thing!)

Love you Kirsten!

Blue

It was "blue day" at pre-school.  : )