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.