Asheville Trip with My Employees

Jake & I were invited to go see Asheville with some workmates from My Employees. Jake had never been to western North Carolina and I hadn't been to Asheville since college when we did an Interior Design trip to see The Biltmore Estate. We had such a nice to together.

We headed out Friday evening after dinner and drove to Charlotte. Saturday morning we hit IKEA (forgot to snag a photo) and shopped for some items that we needed for the beach house. We then grabbed lunch at King Fish Poke in Charlotte - Yum. From there we headed toward Asheville.

We drove up and down all the windy roads to Chimney Rock. It was quite the hike by car and by foot. Jake decided to count all the stairs to get up to the lookout - 440 stairs up. We decided to not do this trip with our kids. They would all be carsick by the time we arrived and then the hike probably wouldn't go so well.  All 440 stair steps.  Maybe in a few years...

At the top of Chimney Rock

440 of these stairs to get up to the lookout at Chimney Rock

After checking in to our hotel, we ventured downtown Saturday evening for dinner at Salsa's. It was amazing food! 

Sunday was the My Employees group outing day. We did the 9 mile White Water Rafting with French Broad Adventures. The view and scenery on the river was absolutely gorgeous. We saw a bald eagle while rafting, Jake decided to do the 25 foot cliff jump into the water - it took his breath away. We also got rained on for a good 10-15 minutes, two people in our raft fell out on the last class 3 rapid (not us thankfully). It was a fun adventure!

Later that evening the whole My Employees group met at White Duck Taco for dinner. It's so fun trying out local restaurants in a new town. Our white water rafting river guides recommended this place.

We shared an ice cream sandwich from Sunshine Sammies

Monday Jake & I explored on our own. We were trying to find Graveyard Falls but had inaccurate directions, then no cell service, then found a handwritten and badly faded sign with directions to Graveyard Falls which didn't quite pan out BUT we hit the Blue Ridge Parkway and happened upon Devil's Courthouse and Sunburst Falls. They were both breathtaking views and it was a fun adventure!

Monday evening we met some My Employees friends, for dinner, at Asheville Pizza & Brewery. After dinner we migrated over to The Hop Ice Cream Cafe for some dessert.

Tuesday morning we explored a little more of downtown Asheville and tried High Five Coffee. Then we started the drive home to Wilmington. We will be visiting Asheville again, we hope!

Benny - 8th Birthday PARTY

I may have mentioned it before, but we have told our kids that they can have friend parties when they turn 8 and 16.  So this was Benny's year. THIS was the last party we planned for Benny. Goodness, time has flown. It is also SO FUN now that the kids can help plan and set up for their party.  They love it! Benny said he wanted a Star Wars and Lego theme so here is what we came up with.

Party set up began after breakfast.

We had LIGHT SABER making.

We made DROIDS out of Legos.

The kids set up a JEDI Training Course in the backyard. 

They also made the balloons look like Storm Troopers, Darth Vader and Chewbacca.

Of course we had snacks!

A Costco cake turned into a Wookie Cake

Benny chose to invite 4 friends from school. They all had so much fun playing and creating. 

Photo highlights below:

Benjamin Lee, E I G H T

We are always amazed when another year flies bye and another child is a year older.  This boy turned EIGHT today. Benny is such a cool kid. He is off to a great start in second grade. He currently loves Star Wars, Legos, riding bikes, fishing and surfing.

Breakfast choice: homemade cinnamon rolls

Opening gifts. Benny loves Star Wars and Legos.

Wookie Cookies about to be baked for his birthday dessert. Benny chose dinner at Islands. He even invited Mr. George to join us. That was special.

Happy 8th Birthday, BENNY!

We love you so much.

I snuck away

Last week, Jake allowed me sneak away to Minnesota to visit my Mom. The kids were back in school and Jake willingly took over at home so I could go. He's pretty amazing! 

What a year it's been. It's been hard grieving, loving and supporting my Mom from so far away. On the other hand, what a comfort it has been to see her church family surround her and support her in so many ways. There have also been more blessings that we can count. Our family has experienced the Lord's HESED. 

All that to say, it was so SO good to have some one on one time with my Mom and be able to look her in the eyes and hug her every single day. I also was able to spend time with my sister & her family and visit with a couple of my sister in laws and niece one evening.

Monday Evening Dinner at Cafe Latte

Mom & I drove to Iowa mid week to see her parents and sister.

We visited Dad's niche.

Spending time with nieces and nephews.

Coffee at Fox and The Pantry

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
    and saves the crushed in spirit.