My Big Girl

As tough as those first few years of life can be, I think most moms don't want to see their babies grow up.  A 7-year-old is still in the younger child range but when you've never had a 7-year-old daughter, she seems so grown up.  Braewyn celebrated her birthday on May 2.  She decided against a party and chose an outing instead (that's the choice: many friends for a party at our house or a friend or two for a day on the town).  Braewyn did celebrated her actual birthday with our standard family dinner and cake.  We were all so impressed with her cake which she decorated herself (just a little help with the icing from my mom).

The following day (Saturday), Braewyn's birthday outting consisted of playing at the park with her BFF Anna, pedicures with Anna and another friend Laney, and then seeing "God's Not Dead" with Anna, Philip, Grandma Ruth Ann, and me.  (Matthew and I had seen it a few weeks before with our adult Sunday School class.)

Love, love, love my Braewyn.  She brings joy and challenge to our lives like no one else can.  You are a very special gift from the Lord, Braewyn!!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Ours grows with much tender loving care.  Or at least was planted that way!  Now we are praying for God to grow those vegetables and for me to have the desire to harvest, prepare and feed my family from its abundance.

And for a job well done, Fun Dip!!

Lately...

Lately, we've been filling our free time with fun family activities.  The fair came to town a few weeks ago.  Our kids have come to recognize the signs so it becomes a must do event.  (And I personally love the fair so I'm good with that!)  Anyway, not much back story. Here are the photos!

Ok for this one I have to say, it was a test of my courage.  Only got on this hang glider because I had the hand stamp which allowed me to ride everything.  Turned out to be my favorite!

Pisgah Weekend Getaway

Matthew and I were long overdue for an overnight away from the kids.  Not that we don't love our kids, but I especially need to remember that he is to be of importance to me than they are.  Often that isn't the case. Squeaky wheel gets the grease mentality.  Anyways, he happened upon the Pisgah Inn while searching online for a place to go not too far but not too close to home either.  What was "I really don't know where we're going but it's on the side of a mountain" became "My favorite overnight spot which I will definitely visit again!"  Just an hour and twenty minutes from home, the Pisgah Inn gave us a place to truly disconnect from everyday life (there's no cell coverage there; i.e. smart phones don't work!!) and enjoy the pampered life. The views are fantastic and the food was AMAZING!!  How about I just show you the pictures already!

Ahhhh, away from it all!

A little path along the inn property.

The Pisgah Inn restaurant view.  Truly majestic!

On our way to the Mt. Pisgah trailhead.

Sidetracked on the hike to act like I'm a cool rock-climbing person.

Lead the way, sweetie!

Post Easter trail mix.

We made it to the summit!!

The way back down was so much easier!  I tried to encourage everyone who was huffing and puffing.  "Keep going.  It's totally worth it!"

Dinner that night at Pisgah Inn.  Matthew ordered quail.

I had walnut crusted mountain trout.  Fabulous!!!

The room was very classy.  Never been on a cruise before but this room made me feel like I was.  Seeing nothing but railing and sky out the patio door was wonderful!

Rustic yet upscale at the same time.

Our patio view.  Mountains as far as the eye could see!

Goodbye, Pisgah Inn!  We will be back.

Our weekend included a little city life too with a stop at Biltmore Park.  We saw "Divergent" which is awesome and sparked a whole conversation about which faction we might each be in.  We decided we would probably be in different ones so glad that we live the real world and not post-apocalyptic Chicago!!

One last splurge on good food led us to P.F. Chang's for a late lunch / early dinner.

Of course!!  This was our 14th anniversary weekend.

Yummy ginger chicken and then on home to see our four balls of energy.  It was a much enjoyed 36 hours of peace and quiet.  Like they say, the bad times make the good times that much better.  And the busy, full days make the short weekends away that much better too!