Our Journey up Blue Ridge Mountain

After 45 minutes in the car, the kids were very happy to get out and stretch their legs as we neared the top of the mountain.
Lots of trees had died due to a little insect infestation.

Another shot coming down the other side of the mountain.

We stopped here to eat a picnic lunch!

M putting her feet in the cold mountain water for the 1st time.

Z's reaction

C couldn't take the chill

My favorite shot.....Ben helping M walk across the water and I caught their reflections.

The girls spending a little time in the water

We timed our trip just perfectly to see all of the beautiful fall colors.

Z stopping for a beauty shot

We found this little bridge, so we decided to stop and take some photos.

Love this one!

Z insisted on taking a picture of us since we had taken so many of them.

I think she did a good job.

We wore C out!!

We decided to go and show the kids some of our other favorite spots after we left the Blue Ridge Parkway, and we found this old home site that was COVERED in lady bugs. I don't think you will see any on the kids, but they were everywhere!!!!!

Handsome man

Little lady

My girls!!!

C lost another tooth...while in N.C.

Thanks to cousin Terry, who was also visiting and is a dental hygentist. She, with the help of some dental floss, FINALLY pulled C's stubborn little tooth on the top next to his big, new teeth.
A very happy little boy who wondered what the North Carolina tooth fairy leave for him.

Trip to the apple orchard in N. C.

On our way to our favorite apple orchard, we stopped by this road side veggie stand.

Our favorite apple orchard in North Carolina moved to a new location. While we were sad that we couldn't visit our favorite spot, their new location is SOOOO much more fun!!

Too many apples to choose from

M chose "Pink Lady"

C chose "Romes" b/c he wanted to be a Roman Emperor

Z chose "Goldens" b/c the sun was so bright

While Daddy paid for the apples, the kids got to swing on a rope swing in the barn. They also got to see a real bee hive behind plexiglass and pet a horse and a pig.

After getting their faces painted and playing with bubbles, we headed to the

pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin.

Trip to the Amish store in N.C.

Taking a rest after looking at so many YUMMY foods!
Trying on bonnets

We finally found C gentleman's hat

Some of the yummy goods they have for sale.

Church Picnic

C is "King of the World" at the playground at Rickwood Park
How many kids does it take to lift Mr. Ben??? 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, SEVEN

Z and M being princesses in the tower

Field trip to the Fire Station

C getting to "drive" the fire truck
Some of their homeschool co-op group inside the "Smoke House". It was a mini trailer built to resemble a 2 story house. They went over smoke detectors, crawling, and staying low, and looking for the exits. The smoke detector went off and smoke began to fill the room. They had to put what they learned into action.

They went to the 2nd story of the "house" and did the same thing. This time, they had to evacuate off the deck and climb down a ladder.

Their homeschool co-op group

Kid's Birthday Party

Star Wars cake
Helloe Kitty Cake

Barbie cake

3 different themes and 3 happy children!

All the "girly girls" posing for a minute

Playing outside on the new church playground

A friendly game of kickball in the church gym

Z opening her most favorite gift....Dentist Barbie

M opening one of favorite gifts

C opening "The Gift"....Darth Vader costume