Getting Out and About

If you just sit on the sidelines and watch life go by, you will miss so much! Having just recently moved from Florida, this girl has been waiting for fall to roll around for awhile. Counting the days when the first red or orange hue hits the top of the leaves, knowing that in a few more weeks a raging fire of brilliant color will light up the horizon. In Florida, we would study about fall and the colors that cover the trees but rarely would we get to live it, to smell the forest, to roll in the crisp leaves but not this year! Road trip baby - off to the Blue Ridge Parkway we went.

Just a short jaunt to the mountains and we weren't disappointed. On our way we were able to enjoy the beauty.

A slight detour led us to this Alpaca farm which we were able to tour their store and learn about how they took Alpaca hair and turned it into such soft things such as gloves, linings for slippers, coats and gloves. The owners were very kind to explain it all to the kids and they had a great time.

Back on the Blue Ridge Parkway! We were able to learn about the beginnings of the parkway and it's history. I love the way they have little stations along the parkway to stop and investigate.

We were able to stop at at a point and learn about the music of the region. Real life musicians were there to show how people used songs to tell stories and pass the time with their families.

And because it was such a cultural affair, this man from "the desert" as Luke called him, posed with Kylie. What I didn't show was his wife who was veiled and was walking steps behind him. Actually, come to find out he was in costume as was his wife. Totally fooled us!

Being a cheeser!

Just having fun before our scavenger hunt.

They had a wonderful scavenger hunt along a mile long trail. It was great because it kept the kids occupied throughout our hike and they were able to learn a lot about the flora and fauna of the area. Jake enjoyed it too!

Pausing to check out the view.

Some kind man offered to take our picture. Jake had a full day and was sound asleep!

So thankful we packed it up and headed to the mountains. It was a great fall fix for us but we are ecstatic that it doesn't have to be it for us. The crisp cool air is just the beginning to a season of warmth and homeyness. We will be looking forward to fires, hot chocolate, cozy comfort foods and tons of baked goodies!