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.

Weekend Recap

We had a very fun and exciting weekend that included being part of an engagement! Justin was off work Friday and had some friends in town so we dropped Anna Claire off with family and headed to the beach for the day. It was so nice to get some sun, relax and catch up with friends! That night we had everyone and their kids back to our house for dinner. Justin grew up with all of the guys that were here and now everyone has kids so it is so fun to see all of them with their babies! On Saturday we headed to Bald Head Island for the day. If you haven't ever been it is such a fun little island to visit! You have to take a ferry there and once you arrive no cars are aloud. You get around on a golf cart or bike.. it's so fun! Justin's brother was visiting Bald Head Island and planning to propose. Our whole family and his now finance's whole family went to surprise her. She said YES! We all went out to dinner afterward and had the best time celebrating the new bride and groom to be! 

yay for a sister in law! 

On Sunday we went to church and then relaxed at home before heading to game night at a friends house. We have a group of friends that we rotate houses for a game night one to two times a month. Whoever host that time cooks a meal and we play games- normally clue but this time we played Jenga. The winner gets to take our sombrero home (that we actually won on a group trip to Mexico once). It is always such a good time! That's a wrap on our busy weekend. I'm ready for a quiet day at home today to catch up on laundry and get little Anna Claire back on her nap schedule! 

Weekending- Fathers Day

A day late but that's okay! I can't miss recapping our first Fathers day weekend as a family of 3! We had the best weekend split between guys time for Justin and girls time for me and family time the rest  of the weekend. On Thursday one of my life long best friends and her mom (my "second" mom) came to town for a girls weekend. We took it easy on Thursday and spent Friday walking, catching up, grabbing some seafood and attending happy hour. They got lots of baby cuddles which is everybodies favorite these days. On Saturday mom offered to watch Anna Claire so I could lay out on the beach for two hours which was so nice! We have these girls weekends occasionally and they are always so good for the soul. Justin was busy that whole time working, grilling out with his friends and golfing which worked out perfectly. 

On Saturday night I said my goodbyes and headed home to start Fathers Day celebrations. We went to dinner with Justin's parents at a new restaurant called Oyster Rock. On Sunday I made Justin breakfast and Anna Claire and Henson gave him his first Fathers Day gift. It has always been a special holiday but it is just that much more special (and fun) now that Justin is a daddy! We went to church for the first time since Anna Claire was born. She was an angel and slept the entire service. We stopped by a new brewery on our way home to play some Uno and have a drink then headed home to watch golf the rest of the day. We ended the weekend with a walk around the neighborhood and an early bedtime. It was perfect! 

Happy Fathers Day Justin! We love you! 

Memorial Day Weekend 2018

We had the best Memorial Day weekend spending time with our family! We did start the weekend with one very scary mishap. Friday afternoon Justin and I were gearing up to meet some friends and family at Ocean Isle Beach to listen to some beach music when I was involved in a car accident with 4 week old Anna Claire in the car! Thankfully everyone was okay but it was definitely terrifying to know you have a baby in the backseat that could have been hurt. The wreck was not my fault seeing as we were stopped for a school bus letting students out when I was rear ended by a girl who admitted she was just not paying attention. I am just counting my blessings that everyone walked away uninjured, especially Anna Claire. I am so thankful for good car seats!! After that incident I really was not in the mood for the beach music concert so instead Justin's parents came over and we ordered pizza, cuddled Anna Claire and called it a night. 

Saturday morning my sister drove to town and we all met at my moms house to stay for the weekend and celebrate her birthday. One of my lifelong friends stopped by to meet Anna Claire and it was so nice to catch up with her! Afterward the whole family headed to a late lunch at a local waterfront spot that serves the best shrimp burgers and steamed shrimp/crabcake combo and has an endless selection of cold beer and RumDums. There is just something about eating on the water with a cold breeze and good seafood. Afterward, we headed back to the house to catch up and just relax on the porch. That night we had a pizza bar which was so easy and so fun! 

Sunday morning we had good intentions to head to church but ended up not making it. Instead we went through two pots of coffee and enjoyed homemade waffles before heading out to the beach. It was overcast but it was the perfect day for Anna Claire because we didn't have to worry about her overheating. I have a baby dome that completely shields her from the sun and is perfect for the beach. We did let her touch the wet sand for the first time but in typical newborn fashion she slept through the whole thing, haha. That night Justin's parents joined us for dinner and mom made a wonderful spread including blue cheese burgers. 

.. does it getter cuter than that?! insert alllll the heart eyes!!!!! 

Monday we were all sad to see the weekend come to a close! Justin and I headed back home to do a million loads of laundry and get together with our neighbors for dinner We also had more family come over Monday evening so we kept the festivities going until about 10pm! It was the best weekend full of just enjoying being with family! I am thankful for those who died for our great country and made spending an extra day with family possible! 

Uncle Doug testing out the Solly Wrap