Grandfather Mountain

We were staying pretty close to Grandfather Mountain so we spent a few hours exploring that area. The views were gorgeous and the kids loved climbing around on the rocks at the top of the mountain. They have a "mile high" swinging bridge you can cross. (The elevation is a mile.) Elsa was really nervous about crossing but quickly got over her fear. Simon was scared too and wanted to be carried across. But as soon as he was across, he wouldn't let anyone help him climb the rocks. They have a nature center on the mountain with a few live animals (including bears) so we checked those out, had lunch, and then did a short nature walk.

Mountain Getaway

Since our beach plans didn't work out, we were glad to find a great house to rent last minute that was just outside of Boone. We stayed two nights and the weather was gorgeous and the house had great views and space for the kids to run and play (and lots of things for Simon to break). Wildflowers were blooming all over the sides of the mountains. We enjoyed relaxing around the house (well, not so much relaxing for me and Ben until Simon was in bed each night), having a fire and s'mores, and exploring the area.

There were two little nooks like this that the girls immediately took over and set up their own little hideout.

Looking at bugs.

These two. Simon loves to torture Oliver.

The girls put on a glow stick show one night.