Happy 1st!!

Happy birthday, Colin!!

You have added immeasurable joy to our family in your first year of life. We could not love you more, sweet boy!

The Mountains

The last week of July, we rented a house at a resort at Lake Lure, in western NC. My parents joined us for the first few days, which was fun. We had a great vacation, though it started out rocky. The 4-hour ride there took 5.5 hours, and was truly awful. The kids cried (Colin) or whined (Ethan) the vast majority of the trip, and I mentally resolved not to take my kids on vacation again for at least 13 years. Then we got there and headed to the pool so we could all cool off in more ways than one. The night was gorgeous, the scenery was amazing, the pool felt great, and the kids were so happy and cute. It was worth it. Ethan had a great time playing at the beach at the lake and floating in the lazy river at the pool. Colin struggled a little because he wants to be down (not in your arms), refuses to attempt walking, and doesn't like crawling on grass, boulders, sand, etc. He loved, loved, loved the pool, though, and would stay in for hours. We had a great time exploring the area and getting away. This is the Rocky Broad river. It's perhaps the most aptly named river in the US. There's a great swimming hole with a rope swing right along the side of the road. We went to a local ranch so Ethan could go on a "pony" ride. I don't think this is a pony, but Ethan loved it. Erin, this picture is for you. We went on a boat tour of the lake. Ethan got to drive the boat and feed some very aggressive ducks afterward. Colin got to look cute and try to jump overboard several times.

Biltmore

We went to the Biltmore in Asheville with my parents while they were with us at Lake Lure. That house is amazing. I was glad my parents were there, because the kids only lasted through one floor before they were melting down. We took turns hanging out on the grounds with them while the other couple toured the rest of the house, so we were able to get our money's worth. The basement was my favorite. Jason now wants a bowling alley in his "dream" home.

Possum

At the Biltmore gift shop, I was showing Colin various stuffed animals when he fell head over heels in love with this "adorable" possum. He kept leaning into it and saying, "Ahhhhh." Everyone in the shop stopped to watch him because he was being so funny with it, so we "had" to buy it for him. My mom and Jason tried to get shots of how funny he is with it. It's currently sleeping with him in bed. It's gross. I mean cute.

Chimney Rock

Chimney Rock is gorgeous and fun. You walk through a tunnel and take an elevator up through the middle of the mountain to get to it. The views were great. We did a hike to a waterfall but got caught in a downpour on the way back. We waited out the worst of it under a rock overhang.