Field Trip to the Zoo

Jules and E heading to see the penguins!

Kisses

So very interesting to see these guys up close.

I had so much fun chaperoning Julianna's trip to the zoo a few weeks ago.  We had just one other friend in our group so the girls just wandered at their own pace whichever way they chose.  So wonderful.  

Soccer Girl

Jules just finished her fifth soccer season last night.  What a wonderful group of talented soccer players we had and an impressive 11-1 season!  Julianna is a terrific teammate and plays with a lot of heart.  We are so proud of you Julianna!  : )

North Carolina

On the drive into Boone, NC.

The girls waking up to mountain views and cool mountain air. : )

Our cabin and view.

A sweet little farm on the drive up to the cabin.

We decided to be a little spontaneous this weekend and headed for the mountains.  It's the only weekend we have free until Thanksgiving, so we took advantage of it!

I spent quite a bit of time fretting that all of the leaves would still be green.  According to the "fall foliage predictor" we would be early.  But, I had seen some sky cam views of the mountains, tracked the temps for the week prior and felt otherwise. Chad had a good time teasing me about this because (I am not lying) we hit the mountains at peak color. It was a-mazing.  Our time there renewed my love for the Virginia/North Carolina range.  I am not sure we will always live in a place where we can drive to the beach or drive to the mountains.  So, seize the day!

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.