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.
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.
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...
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.
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.)
Daddy supervises.
Since Michael is obsessed with all sorts of motor vehicles, especially tractors, choo-choo trains, and fire trucks, he loved this next display.
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?
Michael and Daddy checking them out.
Guess Michael really liked them too!
Michael doesn't really understand this next concept yet....
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.
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.
Michael examining a bee on a flower.
Michael trying to pick up the bee on the flower.
You can't tell by the look on his face, but he LOVED the chocolate truffle we bought him at the candy store.
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!
