We headed to the mountains of North Carolina for a family weekend with Mimi and Papa and Uncle Ben and Aunt Jen. The weather was incredible and the girls had an absolute ball. We stayed at the house in Hayesville, once Granny and Weo's home on the "creek". There's a rushing creek about 20 feet across and about knee deep at its deepest point for the girls (and Daddy) to play in.
The house is fantastic. Air conditioned, three bedroom and two bath with a fully stocked kitchen. We were able to bring in food AND run to the local Ingles for necessities while being away and out of any type of cell phone / internet range. I will say that not having the ability to get service was both liberating and nerve-racking. Especially for my precious husband who actually had me drive into Hayesville proper so he could get bars on his Treo and send an email. Seriously?
Anyway, here are some pictures from the weekend. It was so nice to hangout with Ben and Jen for a bit. Their little bundle is due December 3rd, so this was their last trip before their two become three. We're eagerly awaiting the birth of our new niece or nephew!
We went over to Franklin to visit Mimi and Papa at the Stone Family cabin (the house on the creek is the Shuford Family cabin). John's grandfather was an educator who believed that even though he brought his three children up to the Mountains of North Carolina each summer, they should never fall behind on their studies. He put up this chalkboard and had the children (Lee and his sisters, Lo and Nan) work on their arithmetic and spelling. the girls enjoyed it many years later.
The flowers in NC are still in full bloom and beautiful. I was particularly taken with these black-eyed susans just outside the cabin along the creek bank.
This recipe was taped to the wall in the kitchen of the Franklin cabin. Jen and I were intrigued. We'll have to try it - looks yummy and I have a feeling that it was one of Gigi's favorites.
The minute we got there everyone got in the creek. It was COLD but so very fun. John built a dam for the girls so that the water would pool a little better. They loved walking in the water finding MANY many different critters, like crawfish and salamanders.
There were a lot of rocks for Anne Bailey to sit upon in the water. She was just happy with that arrangement.
Ellabee and Uncle Ben spent a lot of time together.
I spent a lot of time acting as troll on the bridge refusing passage to the little people among us unless they were accompanied by an adult.
Ellabee with Kenny the Mudbug
Sometimes it's just too cold to play in that water. I sat on the big rock and warmed up little bodies.
Sitting with Uncle Ben at the Franklin Cabin. Ellabee and Anne Bailey love love LOVE their Uncle Ben and Aunt Jen. We wish they didn't live so far away but also know that they love being in California.
