That time we went to Elkins WV June 12 2017!

Several hills, white knuckle grades and a few hours later we made it to our destination- Elkins WV-  we got there just after 3 pm and the mountains were beautiful. 

We got settled in our beautiful hotel room and went out exploring!

We went out to a local microbrewery, checked out the local library and went out for dinner. After that Ashton and I decided to hike on a trail I had heard about.  

Turns out the "trail" was really just a small paved road right next to the main road.  Not exactly exciting or relaxing.  I thought the grass behind me in this pic was the trail- nope- boring pavement on the other end of the parking lot. 

Ashton and I decided that the slope coming down into the parking lot of the hotel was more exciting than the trail. We cut our hike short and came back to relax at the hotel. 

With comfy beds and a busy day, I slept pretty well.  By the way, that is not alcohol Ashton is drinking, it's a bottled soda from the Lost River store back in Wardensville. 

The next morning I woke up early and I went downstairs on the patio to have my normal quiet meditation/yoga time.  These pictures just don't do the mountains justice.  So nice and peaceful.

 Eric had breakfast while I had some tea.  I had already enjoyed my breakfast alone in this spot.  I journaled and just had a wonderful time.

We packed and left the hotel at about 10am- we were heading to Weston today and then the long ride home, so we wanted to get started. 

 Family Selfie!

Mom you can use the button on the side of your phone to take a picture! I had to test it out!

We had a great time in Elkins- I could go back for a week easily.  So peaceful, so beautiful.  They have a train station there that takes you on scenic rides- maybe someday I'll go back. 

Until Next Time!

That time we went to Moorefield WV-- June 12th 2017

Hello All,

We just got back from an over night stay in Elkins WV-- I have a lot of pictures so I thought I would break it up.  Our first stop on our trip was in Wardensville WV.  Coffee had us needing to take a potty break and we had always meant to stop at this trading post when we've been through before.  We ended up getting some beer for Eric and a soda for Ashton.

Next stop- Moorefield WV!

We had already planned to stop there for lunch and when we found out they had a Ponderosa we decided we had to eat there!  We didn't know these restaurants still existed!

It was good and just how I remembered.  Ashton wasn't as excited about the experience.

Before we got back on the road we pulled into a parking lot to take in the mountain view.  Little did we know that this was just the beginning of beautiful mountain views.

Next stop-- Elkins WV!

Until Next Time!

First Day, Last Day Freshman Year Edition.

Well, another year is done and we are another year closer to Ashton graduating high school.  It's weird. It's fun. It makes me say where the heck did the time go? Anyway here's the pics.....

First Day.  Not happy to go, but feeling a little better about it on the first day. 

As the end of the year drew closer he said it wasn't as bad of a year as he expected.  People that used to be mean to him weren't that bad anymore and he was making more friends. 

Last Day.  June 1st 2017!

The first thing that strikes me about these pictures is how much Ashton has changed in his facial features since the beginning of the year.  No longer my baby faced 14 year old- he's now my 15 1/2 mustache totin', armpit hair havin', heavy lifter young man.  Sigh.  I love my baby.

Now to take a well deserved break for summer.  He says he'll rest this year and maybe get a job in the upcoming school year when he can get a job without a permit. 

I wonder when he'll become more seriously interested in learning to drive?? 

Until Next Time. 

That time we went to the Antietam Battlefield together! 5/29/17

We decided to go to the Antietam Battlefield on Memorial Day.  It was a nice day. 

We had a good time even though by the looks of their faces we did not.

They had the gates open to the National Cemetery this time.  It was great because it was closed when I went.

All the stones had flags by them.  It was overwhelming with the amount of souls there.

A HUGE monument was in the center.  It made the monuments at the visitors center look tiny.  This picture just doesn't do it justice.

Some of the stones had pennies on them.  This confused me.  I didn't know what it meant.  I asked a man close by "Excuse me, do you know what the pennies mean?"  He replied

"A penny means you are taking time to remember them.  A dime means you knew them and a quarter means you were there when they died."

"Wow, thank you." is all I could mutter. 

It was a great day to remember all the people who bravely gave up their one precious life to fight for a cause they believed in.  I'm sure some even fought for wars they didn't believe in, but did because it was their duty.  They have worlds more bravery that I would ever have. 

Until Next Time.

My brother turned 34! 5/27/17

This past weekend we celebrated my brother's 34th birthday. It's hard to believe that my little brother is 34.  He has built a wonderful life for himself.  He's got a beautiful wife who is absolutely perfect for him, he has built a beautiful home and enjoys the wildlife in his backyard. 

We went to his house and while eating pizza he showed me a nest in a tree of Cooper Hawks-- it was so neat to see.  We played games, enjoyed the views and talked.  A simple birthday but a very nice way to celebrate.  Here's to 34 more. 

and Denny, if you ever read this-- know that I love you more than you will ever understand.  Thanks for being my brother.