Biking, Halloween and a Little Snow

Another trip to southwest Virginia is in the books and it sure was fun.  We were supposed to go over fall break but since Jacob had to go to Sweden (rough, I know) for work we postponed.  It was a little colder than we usually experience but lots of layers and chocolate kept us in good spirits.  Plus, this place is just magical - it's impossible to be grumpy there, I'm convinced.  I am so thankful that Lauren & Chad drove the loooong drive from Boston to continue this tradition.  The cousins adore their time together and it is good for their souls.  I'm already looking forward to next year...

 She's changed so much since last year's stop at Green Cove.

 Talk about a perfect afternoon, playing games on a picnic table with a fire going in small town America.  Except for the fact it's Monopoly and I'm not allowed to play that game anymore.  Just ask Brad.

 Sounds like a perfect trail for 6 kids.

 Minions.

 Sage got these 2 bags of Sweet Tarts at the first house we trick or treated at and carried them the whole night.  Apparently Corban had to pee during this photo shoot.

 Finally getting to enjoy those Sweet Tarts!

 Saturday morning snow.  I don't think I've ever seen snow while the colored leaves were still on the trees.

 This is the little house we rent.  It's so cute inside too.

 2 eggs over easy, buttered toast and a steaming cup of coffee while I watch the snow fall.  Love.

We took a drive in the mountains so we could see all of the snow.

Trail Days 2014

We decided to take a spontaneous trip to Damascus for Trail Days this past May.  If you've followed my blog for very long, you'll know that Jacob and I have a special love for this little town and it's surrounding area.  It doesn't take much to motivate us to go visit and since we had been telling our friend Jenna about it, we thought we'd drag her along for some fun too.  Jenna is a very special friend who is becoming like a little sister to us (I hope that doesn't offend her) so you'll see more of her on my blog I am sure.  Our long weekend was a blessing in so many ways and we are looking forward to going back for our fall family trip.

The weather wasn't very great while we were there and we kept complaining about how cold and rainy it was.  We weren't really prepared for this (hence my kids' clothing!) but the blessing behind the storm is that the warmest and coziest place to be for all of the thru-hikers was a church that was offering coffee, baked goods and live classic rock music.  The weather caused people to pour in and allowed the church to minister to these weary travelers.  I am so thankful we got to witness that.  

 I'm pretty sure that when Ikea made their ginormous bags out of tarp material they intended them to be used for babies and camping.  If not, I'd like to recommend it as a cheap solution for baby and snack containment.

 We promised hot dogs on the fire but could barely get one going because everything was so wet.

 Sage's first camping trip!

 Jedi knight?

 You won't find us modeling on the front of any North Face catalogs anytime soon but this is a good, happy life we live and I'll take happiness over fashion.

 Remember little Dakota in this swing??

Creeping Along VA

Every time we travel to southwest Virginia we find ourselves falling more in love with the state.  We've been to some pretty awesome places in the USA but there is just something about a quaint Appalachian town with blue-ridged mountains that gets our heart a flutter.  This past weekend we took our family of 5 to Damascus to meet up with Jacob's family for our 2nd annual trip with them.  Our last trip with the whole gang was in April 2012 (I never blogged about it).  We had such an amazing time we decided it would become an annual tradition but in order to avoid sniffling and sneezing for the pollen afflicted, we made it a fall trip this year - and the weather was PERFECT.  Jacob and I took Dakota to this area in 2007 and 2008 and then in 2011 we took the puppies and Corban.  Damascus, Virginia is a tourist town with the Appalachian Trail walking through it's main street but it's most popular attraction is probably the Virginia Creeper Trail, a former railroad turned bike path that any level of skill can enjoy.  We get a shuttle to the top and then bike the 17 miles into town but since Sage was a little small this year to be in a bike trailer and I am training for a marathon, I decided to run into town while the rest of the family rode along.  This year Dakota also rode her own bike rather than a tag-along.  I was so proud of her.  She got pretty tired and swapped with Oliver some and hitched a ride in the stroller for the last 2 miles but I was still impressed with the miles she put behind her as a 6 year old.  We are already looking forward to next years trip and the rest of the excitement that fall has to offer!

Gigi's Girls

Green Cove is about 3 miles from the beginning.  Still smiling.

Georgia is in love with baby Sage.  She wanted to hold her and love on her the whole trip.  They are going to be such good buddies when they get a little older since they are only a year apart.

We visited the Grayson Highlands Fall Festival and let me tell you, this was the place to be!  It was packed with artisans, yummy food, bluegrass music and a few hillbillies.

Making molasses.