Evan and Anna go to the Mountain House

October 1 - 9, 2010

Evan and Anna are on "track out" in their year-round school.  We pick them up from school on Friday and head to the mountains.

Anna is now 9 and Evan 7.  They are both beautiful children and seem to grow (and change) before our eyes.  We enjoy every minute with them and try to make sure that they get to enjoy "Mimi and Papa" as much as we enjoy them.

Saturday, our first trip it to The Orchard - our favorite place.  We listen to some music, but more important, we pick apples from the trees.  Anna slips on an apple on the ground and turns her ankle, cutting short our apple picking.  By the time we get home with some TLC, the ankle has healed.

Sunday we decide to ride around with no particular destination in mind - just enjoying the mountains.  We end up at Linville Falls for a fun afternoon of hiking and enjoying the beauty. 

Tuesday, we head out in "Nellie, the Rolling Turtle" for a couple of days camping in the RV.  The kids really enjoy riding and staying in the RV, and we get to do some things that we don't take the time to enjoy with them ordinarily - like playing canasta.  They both grasp the concept of the game very well.  The girls play the guys - the guys win of course. 

We had earlier checked out the campgrounds in the area and are headed for one on the Toe River that we saw during our early visit, but on the way we saw a sign for the "Toe River Campground" which we had not remembered.  We decide to check it out and it turns out to be the perfect choice.  It is owned by Yancey County and is well maintained - but most importantly, no one else is there and we get "the" choice site right in the bend of the river and a few feet from it. 

We had taken enough fire wood that we could have a fire every day.  We roasted hot dogs and s'mores just about every meal.  We wandered around the campground and the kids played on the playground - using up some of the energy. 

We have a most beautiful spot and everyone enjoys playing on the rocks and walking in the river.

We spent two nights in the RV, then drove the 12 miles back home.  This type of trip with the kids makes the RV worthwhile.

Friday, we take them "mining" at Gem Mountain - which has become a regular event.  They always find beautiful polished stones in their bucket, along with rubies this time.

Saturday, it's back home for the kids and back to Beaufort for us.