I can't believe I still haven't posted about Jalen's amazing birthday. It's partly because every time I insert pictures, they post backwards - so I'm just leaving it that way.
All Jalen wanted for his birthday was snow. He was so young when we left Utah and when we used to travel there for Christmas that he couldn't remember playing in snow. We decided to take a trip north for the long 3-day weekend before his birthday and hope that the weather would cooperate. Being from Utah, I refused to pay $30 to go tubing on fake snow, which is what a lot of people around here do.
We love going on road trips.
At first, it looked pretty bleak and we thought we were just going to see a scattering of snow on the ground, but in the end, we got lots of snow and it was awesome. Jalen got his birthday wish! And our family had a super fun weekend getaway.
We opened presents on Monday when we got back from our trip. Jalen loved this super cool nightlight he got from the Jennings family.
He didn't want a birthday cake. He just wanted ice cream.
He got this cool toilet night light that changed colors when you go to the bathroom in the dark
and a great motivational picture book by Lebron James.
On Sunday, we decided to hike the waterfalls in DuPont National Forest. We hadn't done that since the kids were very young and I weighed almost 300 pounds. It was nice to find the hike easier this time, although the kids weren't happy with the mud and cold. This bridge crosses at the very top of triple falls. Last time we were here, we didn't hike far enough to make it to the bridge. The kids wanted to turn around, but David and I made them push on to the top. It was worth it and not that much further.
Last trip and this time
Even in the middle of winter, it was beautiful.
Baylie especially loved knowing that she was where they filed The Hunger Games.
Last time we were here, Baylie and David swam under this waterfall, but it was way too cold for swimming this time!
In the hotel, we played jacks - where I was the champion, of course. We are sure grateful for Uncle Isaac and his Marriott benefits.
Jalen was hoping to change into Superman in this retro phone booth.
This gum brought back memories.
Saturday night we stopped in Boone for dinner at Rocky's Cafe, which was awesome - even with the COVID limitations. Coach Goodale had recommended it and it did not disappoint.
We stopped at Opey Taylor's toy shop, named after the t.v. character. It was a fascinating place!
Jalen was in Lego heaven.
I was hooked on this race track. So fun!
Jalen wore himself out playing in the snow!
Mast General Store was awesome. It looked like a throwback from an earlier time and the retro candy was so nostalgic for me.
We even got to see big flakes falling from the sky.
Snowy roads
Big icicles!
Blowing Rock was amazing. We could hear the wind as soon as we got out of the car. It was a true phenomenon. We want to go back in the fall so we can see the beautiful valley when it's full of colorful leaves.
You can read the legend of Blowing Rock
here.
I was excited to see this sled because it's the kind I used as a kid.
Eating snow!
We found snow!!
Jalen's dream came true as he was able to play in the snow! We found a place just by the side of the road where the locals had set up hay bales and were tubing. It was perfect! It didn't take him long before he was freezing and ready to get out of it though.
Baylie loved it too.
Video evidence.
As we got further north, we started to see snow. I was afraid that this little bit was all we were going to see.
We stopped and let Jalen make a snowball just in case that was going to be it. Fortunately, it was just the beginning!
The first thing he did was throw a snowball at Baylie.
It was a fun trip and hopefully Jalen will always remember his 11th birthday! We are so grateful for the miracle that brought him into our lives.
