from peace to crankiness

Last weekend Matt and I had an amazing getaway to Lake Lure, N.C. It was an hour and a half away, so it wasn't too far to be from home in case we had to return quickly. Luckily things went just fine at home thanks to Pipo and Mima's care. The boys loved spending that quality time with their grandparents, and I know that times like those is what they will remember.
Lake Lure was the perfect laid back getaway that we craved. It has been exactly a week since we left. We arrived around 11 a.m. to Chimney Rock, N.C. where we hiked two trails together. Matt continued hiking some more difficult trails. It was early still so no one was really there yet. We then had lunch at the top of the mountain. Nothing fancy just sandwiches, but the view was spectacular. We stayed till around 2:00 p.m. and then left to check in the lodge. It is as picturesque as it gets. We were on a budget so our room didn't have a view of the lake, but it did have a view of the front of the lodge which is surrounded by a sweet garden. It looked very european. I loved having the windows open, so it was hard to keep in mind that it was also the front of the lodge. Even though we were beat from hiking that day, we immediately headed down to check out the lake. We saw the boat house with the canoes and went out on the lake. Florida lakes are like mudpits with alligators in them and miserable heat! No mudpit here. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The views from the water were inspiring. We headed back to the room to relax and take a nap. Unfortunantly we slept through the happy hour at the lodge. Then we enjoyed a romantic dinner at Larkin's on the Lake. It is a sister restaurant to Greenville's Larkin's on the River. After a breakfast of make to order omletes we headed out for an 11 a.m. trail ride at Cedar Creek stables. It was great to get out on the land on horseback. My horse's name was "Tiger Woods", but he went by "Tiger", and Matt's horse was "Jack". The trail ride went up a mountain ridge as we rode through the woods. The day was sunny and cool. Later we got lunch at a restaurant in Chimney where they were having free tastings (full slices) of their signature cakes which they make for CISCO. Free dessert can't be beat! We shopped a little while we were at town. I found a fabulous deal on Merril hiking shoes. They were almost half off cause they were the Spring line. If you haven't tried Merril shoes, do! They are the most comfortable sneakers I have ever owned, and I am kind of a sneaker junky. We headed back to the lodge for a nap, and this time we did wake up in time for happy hour. Let me just tell you that the treatment from the staff at the lodge was "Ritz" quality. They went out of their way to make you comfortable and to pamper their guests. We had a great dinner at Strata's Italian restaurant in Lake Lure right across from the public beach there. Later we went for icecream in Chimney, but by 9 p.m. everything closed down, so we were off to the lodge. We relaxed with baked goodies that they had there every night while we watched television in their den. We were so relaxed that we almost forgot it wasn't a home. Fireplace going, baked goodies, cozy lodgelike room, big screen tv, and comfy couch...are you getting the picture? The next morning we enjoyed the french toast and eggs benedict in front of the spectacular view of Lake Lure. We took our time leaving, and as we said our goodbyes the staff were all there to see us off. Along the way home there were tons of apple orchards. Hendersonville, N.C. is the apple capital of North Carolina. We stopped at one and bought apples to bring home. They were HUGE!
I am so blessed to be at home with my children while they are young. It is when you are away from them that you realize most what examples they are of GOD's pure love.


This week poor Evan has been sick with a cough and runny nose, and so he had to miss his school. Joel is teething so he hasn't been sleeping through the night! At least I got rest last week in order to function this week!
I have to share these photos of the boys playing outside in the afternoon on September 30th. It was their first time in the wagon together.