Weekend Wrap-Up

What.a.fun.weekend.  

BEECH MOUNTAIN, NC

For my birthday this year we thought it would be fun to take a weekend trip somewhere new.  Since we are now so close to so many new adventures we decided to book a place in the mountains.

It started as just a Mike and me trip, but as we chatted, we thought it may be cool to take one of the kids and introduce them to skiing.  My mom is in town visiting, so she graciously offered to watch Hilty so we could take the big bro on a solo trip (which we have never done before).

I will say, it felt a little weird at first leaving one kiddo behind, but we were so excited to surprise E.  He had no idea.

Mike and I had the car packed and picked him up from school and just started driving.  He thought it was pretty cool in general that Mike was picking him up from school, but didn't really start asking questions until about 30 minutes in.  When we told him what we were doing he was beyond excited!

Bullwinkles Pizza - Beech Mountain, NC

We headed to Beech Mountain, NC which is about a 2 hour and 15 min drive from our house.  It is the cutest little mountain town that is the highest elevation in the eastern US.  The roads are crazy and the hospitality was wonderful.

Everett go to eat a plate of  spaghetti the size of this body, order a coke and pick out candy at Fred's Mercantile.  His response?  "I feel like I'm living in a dream world right now!"

Fred's Mercantile - Beech Mountain, NC

Fred's Mercantile honestly deserves it's own post, but in a nutshell, it's the cutest stop on the mountain.  His motto is, "If I don't have it, you don't need it."  From ski rentals, to fresh Christmas wreathes, to hot cinnamon rolls, he has it all and we went about 4 times in our 48 hours on the mountain.

After a hot breakfast at Fred's Backside Deli, we headed to Beech Mountian Ski Resort for a morning of skiing.  Everett was SO EXCITED...until he actually put on the ski boots and had to walk in them.  

Mike is a great skier and was very patient and we opted not to get formal ski lessons for him.  We were on the "play yard" hill (bunny slope) where many people were taking lessons and there was a lot of falling down and awkward body movements for the first hour, along with not a lot of room to actually ski.

After learning how to get up after falling down (one of the hardest things) and getting snack we opted to just get Everett on the ski lift, go up the mountain and just do it.  Once you're up there you have to figure out how to get down somehow!

The first trip down was horrendous (he fell every 5 feet with many meltdowns), but after getting back up and going up the chairlift again, it's like something just clicked and he just got it.

All of a sudden his confidence boosted and the second time down he flew by me and said, "Bye mom!".  It was so exciting to watch him and he was so proud of himself.

By the last run of the morning he was in total control and was hooked!  A rough start turned out to be one of the best days and he can't wait to go again.

Saturday afternoon/night found us driving to Boone (about a 45 minute drive from Beech) for some football watching.  We visited the Mast General Store,  which is always fun, had apps at Boone Saloon and then dinner at Lost Province.  So yummy and so fun.

Sunday we woke up and headed to Poppy's Coffee Shop for a quick bite before sledding at the Beech Mountain Sledding Hill.

 

The drive home was a scenic one which even had a few Christmas tree fields which this Florida girl had never seen.  So fun!

This week is a little less busy than last, but still jam packed.  We are saying goodbye to Gransie on Wednesday (sniff, sniff), but hosting a Christmas party on Saturday, going to see the McAdenville Lights on Sunday with friends and gearing up for our annual Christmas trip to Wisconsin next week.

'Tis the season!

Mon.  (E Christmas Pageant): Crock Pot Pulled Pork  + Potato Salad

Tues.:  Chicken Stir Fry + Wild Rice

Wed.  (E Basketball Practice):  Breakfast Quesadillas and Corn on the Cob

Thurs. : Robinson Spirit Night @ Hungry Howies

Fri. : Chicken Marsala w/ Marinara Noodles and Broccoli

Sat. :  Pretreatment Christmas Party

Sun. : (McAdenville Lights) Taco Pie and Salad