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Friday, August 26, 2011

Weekend Getaway

Since graduating residency, Chris has spent basically every day either at work or working on the house. I really don't think he's taken a full day off (maybe an afternoon here and there). It just so happens we both had three days off this week, so the three of us snuck off to NC for a little R&R. Yes, even with Michael it was a very relaxing trip.

Here is Michael doing a little light reading on the drive up. 

From August 2011

We stayed at Mountain Laurel Rest, which is an amazing Bed and Breakfast in Scaly Mountain, NC (near Highlands).  I highly recommend it.  It is such a beautiful, soothing place to visit.  Even with Michael, we were really able to enjoy the peacefulness of the surrounding woods.  (We also learned that, going forward, they are a child-free and pet-free facility.  We did not realize that, but, fortunately, were the only guests at that time, so the hosts were very gracious about it.)  And the weather was perfect.  North Carolina definitely has GA beat in that department.

Here are a couple good family pictures.

From August 2011


From August 2011


There are a lot of hiking trails and waterfalls to visit nearby, but being 35 weeks pregnant, we weren't too adventurous.  We just walked around the property that first afternoon.  Michael thought it was totally awesome to jump off of every rock he could find.  One, Two, Three, JUMP!  At least he's learning to count!  Not the best iPhone pic, but you get the idea...

From August 2011

He also enjoyed just sitting on some rocks.  He's quite good at saying "Mama Sit!" and "Dada Sit!" until we are positioned just-so around him.

From August 2011

That night we ate at a local pizzeria (smoked salmon, capers, and marscapone...on a pizza!), which was delicious, but in no way compared to breakfast the next morning.  Homemade quiche, bacon, sliced tomato, banana bread, roasted potatoes, with a side of fruit and cream.  Mmmmm!  Then we headed to Asheville for the day.  First stop - the WNC nature center.  It was a great place for kids to visit.  Michael got to run around, climb big rocks, cross bridges.  He was even vaguely aware there were animals see.  

He got a big kick out of the goats at the petting zoo.  (This particular goat got a big kick out of trying to eat my shirt.)

From August 2011


Daddy supervises.

From August 2011


From August 2011

Since Michael is obsessed with all sorts of motor vehicles, especially tractors, choo-choo trains, and fire trucks, he loved this next display.

From August 2011



From August 2011


Mommy's favorite exhibit was definitely the otters.  They are just so playful!  Who doesn't want to splash around on a big water-slide all day?


From August 2011

Michael and Daddy checking them out.

From August 2011

Guess Michael really liked them too!

From August 2011

Michael doesn't really understand this next concept yet....

From August 2011

For lunch, we ate at 12 Bones Smokehouse.  I promptly emailed Guy Fieri and told him to visit this place on his next shooting of Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.  The ribs are by far and away the best thing on the menu, but the chopped brisket is a pretty-dern-close second.  And Michael loves brisket.  Who knew?  And, hey, if you can't decide, you can always get ribs with a side of brisket.  That's totally an option.

Then we headed to the Biltmore House.

From August 2011

We thought it would be nice to let him run around some more and hopefully get a few nice photo-ops.  Turns out when you wander around a zoo all morning and a garden all afternoon, you get pretty hot and sweaty and tired.  Here are a few pics we did manage to catch.


From August 2011


From August 2011

Michael examining a bee on a flower.

From August 2011

Michael trying to pick up the bee on the flower.

From August 2011

You can't tell by the look on his face, but he LOVED the chocolate truffle we bought him at the candy store.

From August 2011

Then we went to the Biltmore winery for a tasting.  Tasting is complimentary and you can try as many as you want.  That would've been a fantastic deal were I not with child, but, as it stands, I just wet my lips and Chris drank most of mine.  Don't worry - we bought a case.  So in another month I can see what I was missing.  They even had a cup of grape juice for Michael.  And, well, after Michael's had a little of the juice, he's not the best photographer, so no more pictures from Biltmore.

Well...one more.  A close-up while waiting for Dada to pull the car around.  Enjoy that shaggy hair because in the next post it's getting cut!

From August 2011




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