Road Trip to the Ark and the Creation Museum

 In December (2021) we road tripped with Daniel's parents (Nana and Papa) to Kentucky to visit the Ark exhibit and the Creation Museum. It was a fun, quick trip. We did the Creation Museum on the first day and it was fascinating. The next day we went to the Ark and, really, it is an incredible exhibit. I loved taking these boys to these incredibly educational exhibits and having the chance to really look at and talk about biblical history. We all really enjoyed the trip. 

Jenny came to the Ark with us and then we spent the evening doing a little sightseeing around Cincinnati  with her. It made me really want to take the boys back up there for a longer visit with her.

First up: The Creation Museum

Night at the hotel and a little swimming in the indoor pool.

Day 2: The Ark!

Then we headed to Cincinnati for the evening! 

Girls' Weekend at MY HOUSE! (December, 2021)

 Over the last few years, Mandy, Brooke, Amanda, and I have tried to make girls' weekends a regular thing--about once a year if we can swing it. This year we decided they would come to my house and we would do Asheville things! Daniel and the boys left for the weekend and the girls and I had the best time. We stayed fairly busy but we also had a lot of time to just sit and chat. These are easy and comfortable friendships that can only come with friends you have known for literally a lifetime. My house worked well because everyone had their own room and bathroom...always a perk 😊

I will always wish that we lived closer together and could really do day-to-day life together. But we try, very hard, to make our relationship a priority. And I love that so much. 

Welcome gifts for the girls.

Downtown Asheville. We met Julia for lunch at Red Ginger and then did a little shopping.

The next day we went to the Biltmore Estate and Brooke found this fun hat!

Brooke loved Griffin.

We visited Crestridge-- Brooke hadn't been back in years. It was fun to show her around and reminisce. 

Bruch at Blue Ridge Biscuit Company.

Heading out to dinner on our last night.

I can't explain how much fun we have when we are together. Even the years that we only get to see each other once, we pick up right where we left off, every single time. We talk for hours and laugh at ridiculous things.... these girls have been through every season of my life. And I am so thankful.

November (2021) Phone Dump

Carson entertaining himself during Carver's soccer game.

Carver's soccer team!

Homeschooling :)

One of my favorite Colorstreet manicures.

Griffin

Felix loves Carver so much.

Finally got the Nerf wall up in the basement.

 

Busch Gardens, 2021

 After our quick fall trip to Florida, the following weekend we headed to Williamsburg to meet up with the family for our annual trip to Busch Gardens for Christmastown! One of my very very favorite (recent) traditions. We were all able to go this year except Granddaddy, Julia, and Nathan. 

The weather was perfect this year and every time we get all of the cousins together we just have the BEST time. I love it when we can all be together, and I hope we keep doing this weekend trip for many more years.

On the way to Williamsburg we stopped at the zoo and Greensboro and it was spectacular. Such a good one!

These weekends with the family always pass by too quickly. Can't wait to go back!

Love these siblings of mine.

One of my all-time favorite pictures of Carver.