Linville Falls

After hiking at Grandfather Mountain the family headed over to Linville Falls.
Linville Falls is one of the most gorgeous places I have ever seen in nature.

Tow very tired boys with my dad.
Isaac and Ethan had to be carried part of the way up the steepest incline.

The Hoots Family.
With 1 seven year old and 2 four year olds.

Celebrating 4 Years

For a day of birthday celebration we headed out to Grandfather Mountain. The views and the weather was gorgeous. It was a fun day with the family.

We walked over the mile - high bridge. It is actually a mile above sea level. The bridge was nearly as scary as I anticipated.

Grandfather Mountain has a small wildlife area with animals native to the NC mountains. The most interesting one we saw up close was the Black Bear. They also have Cougars - but they were not visible the day we were there.

A little climbing before lunch.

With the grandparents.
Don't they just look like tourists with their binoculars on!

My parents out at the highest point.
We didn't take the kids all the way out there - the mile high bridge was enough adventure.

The view from Grandfather Mountain.

Isaac and Olivia are telling you how old they are... Livy is 4 and Isaac is 1 (or so claimed).

Granddad and the boys.

Our miniature teenager.

No Training Wheels

Good Morning, Birthday Twins!

The twins are up early ready to celebrate their birthday with a cupcake and ripping into their presents!

Can't believe my babies are 4! We are completely done with baby and toddler world... and although it is freeing it is also sobering. Four years have gone by remarkably fast. I can't believe my little miracles are so old!

Opening Obi Wan Kenobi and his ship. The Star Wars obsessions continues.

Proudly displaying new Strawberry Shortcake Figurines... these are the modern friends- Orange Blossom and Plum Pudding. Sadly, Apple Dumpling and Huckleberry Pie are no longer around ;(.

From Granny and Granddad happily opening a LightSaber and a new bike helmet.

More birthday fun to come...

Great Wolf Lodge Birthday Celebration

Still celebrating birthdays around here...

Since we are new and don't have many locals friends yet (to invite to a party) we decided to spend our "party money" this year at Great Wolf Lodge.

We met some of our dearest friends there and had a great time. Here are a couple pictures of the happy kiddos.

When we left our mountain chalet Saturday morning there was snow on the ground... a couple hours later we are in bathing suits at the indoor water park.

Ethan and Isaac racing down the dual slides at Fort McKenzie.

Ethan and buddy spraying the onlookers below.

After the first day of water park fun we celebrated all three birthdays with our friends.

We stayed in a special suite - it had a kids sleeping area that was camping themed and looked like a tent. The kids LOVED it and are still talking about how they had their own TV in their room!

Seven Years to Celebrate

After the morning of celebration the family went to Ethan's classroom to celebrate with 20 other 1st graders. He is always excited to have us in the classroom. I know it won't last forever so I am enjoying it now.

Dirty Dessert Cupcakes.

The class singing to Ethan.

Ethan telling everyone how old he is.

Ethan showing off a new favorite toy - Darth Vader.

For dinner Ethan chose Woodlands - because of Jim's Wings. They are the best wings on earth - thanks M& E Cummings for beginning our Jim's Wings addiction. After dinner we came home for cake and ice cream.

I have made some fancy cakes in my day... but Ethan requested this simple cake. I like it reminds me of childhood.

After a full day of celebration he is relaxing his favorite way... with DS in hand.

Happy birthday to a the best 7 year old big brother, friend and son!
We love you E!