a little trip

Well, it didn't seem little, it seemed rather epic.   1-we had not made a trip to the mountains since spending that heavenly weekend with Beckett before he died, 2- grandma and grandpa watched kids so we could go up a day before them (1st time getting away for a night without kids since summer 2010), 3-Tyler had only days before gotten back from his HUGE Radiology Board oral exam in Kentucky (which he had been spending a LOT of time studying for since about January, and some time studying for all the months before that)

 Which gave us time to go on a few grown up hikes (to find a bunch of hidden and beautiful waterfalls like this one).  And to eat without using all of our extra limbs and energies to keep kids fed and quiet and happy in a restaurant :).  It was really relaxing.

 The next day they joined us and we spent more time hiking,

celebrating Addellyn's 6th Birthday!!!,

 visiting and touring a cool mansion just off of the blue ridge parkway,

 walking around the beautiful lake that sits below the mansion giving them some gorgeous views, 

 feeding ducks, 

 playing in streams,

 riding in the back pack (being fed constant snacks to stay happy), 

 exploring,

 finally escaping confinement, 

 celebrating Addellyn some MORE, 

 soaking in the warm hot tub (or small swimming pool according to the kids).

It was nice to get away and enjoy the beautiful mountains again.  Even if we had to enjoy the mountains without our little man, it was a good place to find peace and feel that he is still watching over and a continuing part of our family.