As my parents near the end of their mission, I have to confess that I'm going to be sad to have it end. My siblings all miss them terribly and can't wait for them to get home. I've loved having them in the same time zone and have seen them more than I would have if they were still in Utah. It's also been fun having them to myself. My mom is trying not to count down the days, but she can't wait to see her kids and grand kids. My dad is determined to work his hardest and finish strong. (Don't get me wrong, my mom is also working to the very end.)
Baylie and I took advantage of the holiday to visit them while David and Jalen were at the Father and Sons campout. Since everyone else that has visited my parents has taken a picture under the Tennessee sign, I decided we better represent as well.
Then we took a picture under the North Carolina sign as well.
We've been lucky to see this part of the country in all its seasons. Right now the wildflowers are blooming everywhere. It's so beautiful.
These flowers weren't wild, but were still beautiful.
We met some friends of my parents who live on a little farm. They had a baby goat that was so cute. He loved to but his head against our hands or bodies. He explored everywhere and seemed to think he was one of the dogs.
Baylie and Grandad fed the chickens.
Then they collected eggs. Baylie wasn't sure she wanted to eat the eggs because she'd never seen brown eggs before. We had them for breakfast and she decided they were delicious.
On Saturday we went to see the Biltmore - the largest home in the United States. I've wanted to go there ever since I learned about it. It did not disappoint. It took two hours just to walk through the mansion. Unfortunately, they didn't allow us to take pictures inside. You can see pictures
HERE.
The home was heavily influenced by European architecture, including the gargoyles.
The gardens are also amazing. Fortunately, there you can take as many pictures as you want. Unfortunately, my camera is cruddy.
Baylie's picture of me.
I spied on this little guy's bath.
View of the house from the gardens.
Baylie got bored waiting for the shuttle and did a few push ups.
I thought this little guy was cute.
On our way out we had to make way for ducklings.
We let Grandad open his Father's Day present and Baylie entertained herself with Grammy's phone.
Some members of the local branch invited us to cook out and fish. They told us to watch out for poison ivy. The leaves growing up the trunk of this tree are poison ivy. Wow!
It was a beautiful and very peaceful setting. Grandad taught Baylie how to fish.
She was actually very good at casting.
She didn't catch anything and didn't even care.
We went to Hiwassee Dam and Baylie and Grammy walked across.
On the way home, this baby parked next to us when we stopped at a convenience store.
We have enjoyed every visit with Grammy and Grandad, but this one made me a little sad since I know we are nearing the end. I hope to make it back up one more time before they leave.
And now for a few camping shots...
Jalen learned to skip rocks,
play around a campfire,
and get very, very dirty.
He and David had a great time.
