Fall is my favorite season in NC. The leaves are absolutley gorgeous, the weather is perfect, and it's so nice to be outside enjoying all of God's creations. Jacob's parents came to visit over his birthday weekend. They arrived on his birthday (Thursday, October 21st). We went out to dinner at Firebird's and enjoyed catching up with them since we haven't seen them since May when we went to MS for Luke and Meagan's graduation. The boy's decided that they wanted to make a trip to Gander Mountain (an outdoor store.. similar to Bass Pro).. so we picked up my brother (you CAN'T go to Gander Mountain without him) and headed that way. Kathy and I tried to occupy ourselves while the boys looked at guns, hunting supplies, and gun cabinets/safes. That night we invited my family over and grilled burgers then built a fire in the fire pit to roast some marshmallows and share some laughs. It was very special for us to have both families together (we missed you Luke, Tim, Meagan, and Lindsey!) and to celebrate a special occasion together. On Saturday, we ventured up to West Jefferson, NC to show his parents around where my family spends some of our free time. We browsed the shops in town, checked out Elk Shoals (where we camp), and ate dinner at Shatley Springs before heading home. The trees were the most beautiful shades of red, yellow, and orange.. it was a great day. Sunday we took his parents to the church we have been going to and then got some lunch. The boys wanted to watch some football, so Kathy and I went shopping. After a nice low key evening at home, it was time to prepare for the upcoming work week and their trip home. It was sad to see them go, but we definitely enjoyed their visit.
Jacob and I just couldn't get enough of the mountains and planned to go back the next weekend to camp with my family. My parents went up earlier on Friday and set up camp, Jacob, Jared, and I went up after work. It's was nice to arrive to camp already set up... however, it was COLD. It didn't take me long to crawl in the tent with a space heater and my blankets (and the pups) to warm up (and when I say warm up, I mean from 30 degrees to like 38 degrees). Sleeping on the cold, hard, ground, and trying to share covers with a cover thief and two dogs, is very difficult. Needless to say, we didn't get much sleep between the bitter cold and howling coyotes. It was a unanimous decision to pack up camp, spend the day around town, eat dinner at Shatley Springs, and then head home to sleep in our warm houses, in our comfy beds.
Sadly, I didn't take any pictures during either of these excursions... so you'll just have to believe me when I say that October was a fun filled month.
Until next time...
