Spring Break 3: Easter Pictures

My mom wanted to take some pictures of our family while she was here. I love the way the pictures of the kids turned out! The ones of Mike and I, as well as our family shots weren't as good because the kids weren't cooperating so well, and we got frustrated. Live and learn I guess, we know what to do for next time! Here are the ones of the kids:

I just love his little feet.

She is ALWAYS happy with next to no exceptions. Don't know what I'd do without her attitude!

He's finally started looking at the camera! A huge accomplishment.

Since we weren't able to spend Easter together, we set up a very small egg hunt for the kids on Saturday morning before my parents left for the airport.

The kids stood at the edge of the mulch and just looked at the stuffed duck. They refused to go get it. The reason? Because there are bugs in that tree. Something has got to give!

We had so much fun with my family. They could have stayed another 3 weeks and not worn out their welcome( I think ). Probably the best time for visitors to leave is when you feel that way about them, haha. There are nothing but great memories, and we're looking forward to our trip to Utah in July!

Spring Break Part 2 - Isaqueena Falls, Stumphouse Tunnel, and Random Fun

We spent Monday driving up through Seneca and Walhalla to Isaqueena Falls and the Stumphouse Tunnel. Mike wasn't able to come because of work, but we had a good time anyway. We stopped for a few necessities on the way there, and the kids went caterpillar hunting with my mom.

We went to Isaqueena Falls first. The area was really pretty, and even though the hike was a lot shorter than I was hoping for, the walk was the perfect distance for the kids.

Daniel enjoyed the view from his backpack. He loved the ride, and I didn't hear anything from him unless I stopped moving. We'll have to do more of this.

There were a lot of huge bumblebees buzzing around the wood railing and benches. The kids were both panicking and we ended up carrying them there. On the way back I put my foot down and told them they were walking. I'm hoping they'll just get used to the bees here soon. And that I will too.

Isaqueena Falls. There was a wooden platform that marks the end of the trail. You can make a steep climb down to the base of the falls, but I didn't attempt it with the baby on my back. My Dad and Ian went though, and probably got some great pictures from below.

The view from the platform.

Emma hiding behind Ian to escape the killer bees.

Of course we got some pictures to prove that we were there.

I love that he insists on wearing his hat outside. So cute.

5 minutes later the hike was over.

After leaving the waterfall, we headed a few hundred feet up the road to the Stumphouse Tunnel.

Here's the history: It is a 1600 ft railroad tunnel that was started before the Civil War to connect South Carolina to Tennessee, but because of the war construction was stopped. It was used for awhile by Clemson University to make bleu cheese. An airshaft in the top, as well as the insulation of the tunnel, keeps it cool year round. Now it's a tourist attraction for people like me.

It was hot enough outside that inside the tunnel felt great. It was too dark to get pictures at the back of the tunnel, but they have the unsecure area blocked off with a large metal gate. Behind that is where the airshaft is that causes the cool breeze.

The kids were beyond ready to leave the tunnel. Some guy was doing loud spook alley laughs that echoed like crazy. Other than being a little freaked out, they did really well.

We had a lot of fun on this trip, both inside and out. There was a lot of time to kick back and relax, which was awesome. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed all the blossoms while we could. They started to fade by the end of the week.

When we buy a house, I hope we have bushes that blossom like this! They are beautiful, and the only drawback is the bees. Someday we'll adjust to that.

Spring Break Part 1 - Trip to Biltmore Estate

My parents and youngest brother Ian flew in Friday, March 30th, to spend spring break with us. We got to spend 9 days together, and it started out with a trip to the famous Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. We've all been addicted to the British drama Downton Abbey (well, except for Ian who is too good to watch it), and it was amazing to see how an estate this size would have functioned as a private home.

The car ride up was pretty uneventful with Mike and Ian in the back, as you can imagine. We were treated to their messed up rendition of "Scripture Power" all the way through North Carolina. Everything we passed got put in the song... "Starbucks Coffee, keeps me off the gin!" Okay, maybe it wasn't that bad.... but we were happy to get there, at any rate.

Once we parked, we took a shuttle to the estate. Pulling up to the house was amazing. The pictures don't do the size of the place any justice at all. We were only allowed to take pictures on the outside of the building, although my mom sneaked a picture of the glass top of the conservatory while we were exploring the upstairs. Some people never learn. I included it anyway, so you can see how what the view looked like from the 4th story.

Stone gargoyles were all along the top edges of the house. The further up you went inside, the more detail you could see through the windows. Once when we peeked outside, there was a life-size statue of a man built into the side of the house. You would never see it from the outside. There were all sorts of hidden details. It would take hours to find them all.

This lion reminded me of the Utah State Capital back in the day. He's a little scraggly in comparison but I got his picture anyway.

Here is the picture of the top of the conservatory from the 4th story. See how tiny the people look out front. It took about 2 hours to explore the main areas of the home. The behind the scenes tours were more, but I would love to go back and see the un-restored areas.

After our self-guided tour, we bought ice cream and made a nuisance of ourselves outside the home. I figure the tickets were pricey enough that we should be able to have some fun on the property.

After that we tried to get a few respectable pictures.

And on the way out we enjoyed the gardens. The flowers were in full bloom and the gardens were amazing. I'm so glad we went in the spring! It was definitely worth the trip, and the company was the best. We'll be going back for sure.

We ate at Cracker Barrel after our visit. Emma was totally pooped and Matthew was as happy as anything. They did great though, 2 hours of boring adult tour and not much whining. They earned their Mac and Cheese for sure!