Family Hike

We currently live in a charming town right outside of Black Mountain called Montreat.  It is home to, among other things, a conference center, a few shops, a couple churches, a college, an aggressive swan, and numerous hiking and biking trails.  We are here temporarily in an old house called "Grandma's." It has been humorous to us how many of our friends either lived here or know someone who lived here at some point during their college years.  We are grateful to be in the 'bunk bed' house, as Alathea calls it, because it has plenty of space, is super close to church and school, and is within walking distance of a great playground for the kids.

This is the only picture I have of the house but I will get a better one soon

 Montreat also offers some great hiking and biking trails.  Hayne is the mountain biker in this family and has enjoyed being able to go out right from our house to the trails.  This past Saturday was a beautiful fall day in the mountains and we decided to take the kids for a hike up Lookout Trail.  The trail is 3/4 of a mile, uphill most the way.  Hayne took Cord in a backpack and Laela hiked.  I figured I would end up carrying her most of the way, but she was a champ and did the whole thing on her own.  She absolutely loved it and would often look for more challenging ways to climb.  In the end, we had a wonderful family outing and were kicking ourselves for the fact that we don't do it more often.

Posing for the camera:)

Ta Da!!

Looking at Black Mountain

Montreat

Ready to head down the mountain.

Best Season Ever!!!

Fall is my favorite season of the year, which is funny because it ushers in the winter which is not my favorite at all.  However,  no one can deny the beauty and energy that surrounds the fall.  Here is a short list of my favorite things.

*  Leaf change -   I live in the Appalachian Mountains and there are not many places to see more beautiful autumn colors than right here.  In Black Mountain, almost every direction you look you can see the mountains scattered with color.  It is like having a beautiful painting for your backyard.  Here are a few pictures from our house last year.

This is the view from our backyard in Montreat

The top of Lookout Trail

*  Pumpkins - Laela and I painted pumpkins this year.  For a three-year-old, I thought this would be easier and more fun than carving.  I am the least crafty person I know, so don't judge the products too harshly :)

The finished product - its not genius but we had fun!

* Fires in the wood stove - enough said!

*  Football - seriously, who doesn't like football?  Friday is high school, Saturday is college and Sunday and Monday are professional.  Something for everyone.

Watching football with Dad

* Costume parties - an excuse to act like a kid again.  Although I am terrible at coming up with costumes, I still think it is a fun idea.

This year Laela is going as a hippie!

Laela's costume last Halloween

Nick and Sara Stillwell - 2010

Amy and Lily Berry - 2010

The Darnells - 2010

* The weather - it is cold in the morning and evening but warms up during the day - most of the time:):)

*  Food - apples and apple pie, pumpkin pie, turkey, apple cider, pumpkin spice lattes, etc.

* Clothes - its time again to break out the scarves, stylish boots, a warm vest, and a great fleece.

www.polyvore.com

So, as you can see, I love this time of year.  Cheers to the Fall :):)!!

Laela's First Day of Preschool

Alathea started preschool this year at Montreat Morning School.  School is held where she goes to church, so the surroundings are familiar and safe to her.  The first day she went in with no hesitation or apprehension.  I was thrilled because a little over a year ago she would flip out anytime I left her in a nursery.  Thanks to the work of Corrie, Jamie and other workers at Montreat, she got over it, and now is happy and confident any time I leave her.  I love watching her go through fun milestones like this and am one proud mama.

Backpack on even before her shoes.

Her favorite Cubs shirt.

Cord wanted to go to school too.

Putting school supplies in the car. 

Someone's excited

Met up with Ellen in the classroom

Back home after the first day.