Black Mountain Anniversary Trip

Justin and I celebrated our third anniversary in August. We decided instead of exchanging gifts we would go on a mountain trip together. We finally went this weekend and had the BEST time. We both agreed it would be fun to make it a family trip and bring Anna Claire and Henson. I'm so glad we did because I think it was exactly what we needed. We found the cutest cabin in Black Mountain, just 20 minutes from Asheville. We woke up bright and early Saturday morning and hit the road to make the five hour drive. When we arrived our cabin wasn't quite ready so we drove straight to downtown Black Mountain to walk around and grab a drink. They have the quaintest little downtown with fun little shops and several breweries. They are very dog friendly so it was fun to walk Henson around with us. We enjoyed some really good local beers and met some of the nicest people who even invited us to their private oyster roast! We sadly declined so we could get home to put little bit to bed. 

Once we arrived at the cabin we immediately changed into pajamas, lit a fire and started a pot of homemade spaghetti sauce. Anna Claire must have been so happy to be able to move around because she started rolling everywhere, back and fourth and back again. It was absolutely adorable and something new for her. Watching her grow has been the biggest blessing. We spent the rest of the night relaxing by the fire. It was Heavenly! 

We had a slow morning Sunday and I made cheesy bacon biscuits, coffee and mimosas. Anna Claire played, Justin and Henson explored the woods outside the cabin and I got a little reading in. Later that day we took a tour of the Biltmore house in Asheville. Justin and I both agreed that it was nice to see the house but really not worth the money unless you were to upgrade for the guided tour or the phones with sound to tell you about the rooms. It also is not stroller friendly and was pretty crowded so not the best activity for a baby. Anna Claire hung in there and enjoyed seeing all of the things. By the time we left she was exhausted and snoozing. We spent the rest of the day grabbing a late lunch at Wicked Weed and walking around downtown Asheville. Justin had never been downtown so it was so fun to show him around some. We headed home around 5 to cozy back up at the cabin and start a movie. We both said that was our favorite part of the trip- just being home together, by the fire, relaxing and hanging out. 

Sunday enjoyed another slow and rainy morning at the cabin before packing up and heading home. We stopped for BBQ on the way out to end the trip. The drive home in the rain was longggg but it was worth it. We had the BEST time. It was exactly what my heart needed. My heart is so full and thankful for my little family! Justin and I both agreed we should make it an annual trip.

Mexico Trip

Ohhh Mexico, how I miss you and your sunshine, bottomless drinks, french onion soup and beautiful views. As I sit bundled up in a robe in chilly February sniffling from a cold I can't help but reminisce on such a perfect trip! When I shared about our friends wedding we attended here, I mentioned that they were the same couple that got engaged on our trip to Mexico back in the spring. Then I realized.... wait, I never posted about our Mexico trip! It was SUCH a fun trip with our friends. I don't want to miss out on documenting it. So... back in the spring we took a trip to Puerto Morelos, Mexico  with four of our closest friends.  Justin and I knew we wanted one last trip before babies and both knew how much more fun it would be to have friends with us. We were right because we had BLAST! 

I'm a huge fan of all inclusive resorts because everything is just so easy. Upon arrival we were treated with a glass of champagne and couldn't wait to check out the views even before we went to our rooms. We spent pretty much every day having breakfast on our porch and then hitting up the pool or the beach. 

This was the spa and also the view from our room

The views everywhere were seriously amazing! When I go on a vacation like this I really like to just relax and don't need to do a ton of excursions or things to fill my day. I thought this trip was the perfect place to just sit by the pool/beach and read and relax. 

I mentioned that one of our friends got engaged on our trip. This was by far the most fun night of the whole week! We made plans to head down to this pier that overlooked the ocean before dinner for pictures. We all knew (other than Mary Elizabeth) what was about to go down. We took pictures like normal and took some "couple" pictures which was the perfect time for Derek to get down on one knee and get it all on camera! Afterwards when we were walking back up to dinner we ran into a casino night set up. Dinner had a pretty long wait so we decided to play and it ended up being SO.MUCH.FUN. They had a whole casino night set up playing with fake money. Whoever at the end of the night earned the most "money" got a prize. We all played really well and then decided to put our money together to have a better chance of winning..... which we did! The winner won an authentic Mexican sombrero. Our group is currently sharing the sombrero which we pass around at game nights. It's seriously so much fun! By the end we were on cloud nine from the engagement and winning the sombrero. We enjoyed a late dinner at the steak house and celebrated the newly engaged couple! Like I said... it was my favorite night of the trip! 

This picture was too funny not to share. We attempted paddle boarding without much luck. The water was really rough where we were trying and we are inexperienced. Neither one of us could stay up and I actually ended up falling off towards the end and spraining my ankle to the point where I couldn't walk. Thankfully it was the last day of our trip so I only had to hobble around bandaged up for a little bit. 

It was such a fun trip! We are already planning another trip with the same group possibly to the same resort. I apologize for the photo dump- I just couldn't narrow it down!