Our Vacation in the Mountains

Posted by Gabrielle

On July 9th through 11th we were in the mountains! Yes, you heard that right. It's been quite a while since we've been on a true vacation and it was time for another one!
Blowing Rock, NC was an absolutely beautiful mountain town. Even just a drive around town offered breathtaking views of the mountain ranges.
It reminded me anew of the expanse and majesty of God's creation and how much there really is that we have no idea of!

The menfolk setting up our second tent upon our arrival at our campsite on Wednesday afternoon while...

'us womenfolk' set up house.

Benaiah's response to his first camping trip!

Wednesday evening after dinner was an inevitable run into the cute little town of Blowing Rock, NC for ice for the cooler and, a stop at the playground.

Christianna on the swingset!

This is just one of the majestic views of the spreading mountain ranges, taken from a restaurant parking lot. The urge to stop for this on Thursday morning was obviously irresistible.

Thursday morning we spent at the Moses Cone Manor. This house was built shortly after the Civil War but has been well maintained. Relaxing in the rocking chairs on the front porch we could gaze out over the fields, forests, lakes and towns for miles around.

Tobias and Jedidiah apparently enjoyed this!

Aaahhh...do we see Benaiah the future wood carver?

On the porch and bottom level of the manor were various booths of local artists and craftsmen. Among them was a wood carver and it was fun examining all the interesting carvings he had for display. One of the most fascinating was the wooden chessboard with actual carved, painted people for the figures.

Jedidiah having fun with the chess set!

And, of course, a family picture. Isn't it hard to get everyone to look and smile at the same time? :)

Unfortunately it rained Thursday afternoon. In fact, it didn't just rain, when it rains in the mountains, it pours! Eating lunch in the car on the side of the road with the rain pounding down around us was a unique experience! Later on though, it stopped and we took a short break at an overlook area. While Daddy and some others went for a short hike, I stayed with Mommy and the three little boys, and took pictures.

This one is of Grandfather Mountain.

It took most of Friday morning for the men to pack up camp. What can Tobias do in the meanwhile but play with sticks and trees and ham up for the camera?




On Friday afternoon we came home to rain in tiny Rolesville! Home Sweet Home!

Check back to hear about our next planned trip in August!