Waterfalls and Birthdays...

On Wednesday Michelle took us on a trek to see some waterfalls. Our first stop was Mingo Falls which is on the Cherokee Indian Reservation, just outside Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We had to walk quite a few steps and then follow a trail to the falls, but it was so worth it.

Cousin selfie

So beautiful.

Love capturing my parents taking a selfie, so sweet.

Sisters. Sisters. There were never such devoted sisters.

Next stop was the Oconaluftee Visitor Center in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. We enjoyed walking around and seeing the Mountain Farm Museum showing us log structures including a farmhouse, barn, smokehouse, applehouse, corn cribs and others. It gave us and the kids insight into how people lived during the early settlement periods.

After a stop for lunch, I headed to Asheville to pickup Jason from the airport and the rest of the crew went to see another waterfall.

Claire made dinner for us that evening, with some help from her Mom and MeMe. It was delicious! She made Chicken and Wine, which is chicken with a layer of cheese, creamy topping and croutons. When it is all baked together it is amazing. We also had green beans from PaPa and MeMe's garden.

After dinner we celebrated MeMe's, Jason's and my birthdays. It was Jason's actually birthday (July 16th) and he got cards and cash. I got money and a "Happy Mom" t-shirt. We got MeMe an Origami Owl necklace with a two lockets, one with Michelle and mine birthstones and one locket of all the grandkids birthstones.

Happy Birthday to Us!

Day at the Cabin...

Tuesday we hung out all day at the cabin. In the morning, PaPa took Claire and Brayden down to shoot the BB gun. It was Brayden's first time shooting, he could use some more practice.

In the afternoon we played the game "Settlers of Catan". Michelle and Claire taught us how to play. Brayden was on Claire's team. It was a fun strategy game where you build roads and cities all the while collecting resources. I WON, thanks to my sister's advice throughout the game.

Brayden has his shirt off since he had so many chigger bites that were bothering him.

In the evening we had some great entertainment with Grace and Sarah singing a couple of songs for us that they had practiced together. They sound really good together.

Ruby Mine and Rock Tower General...

On Monday, we took a trip to the Ruby Mine to see what treasures we could find. If you have never been, you purchase a BIG bucket of dirt, set up at the flume line and take a screen box and starting looking for treasures.

After you finish searching you take your box of treasures to the table and the gentlemen go over what you have found.  Pyrite, moonstone, ruby and quartz crystal, were just a few that we found. Brayden even found an arrowhead.

We also found another treasure shop called the Rock Tower General with quite the management team. They sold your basic general store items.

Pictures, Picnic and the River...

On Sunday morning our family of 8 went to church. PaPa and MeMe attend Stecoah Baptist Church whenever they are at Quiet Rest. It was nice to meet their friends and neighbors and I know they enjoyed showed off their family.

Since we were all looking beautiful/handsome we took the opportunity take our pictures.

Sarah 13, Claire 10, Brayden 6, Grace 15

Since we didn't get to finish visiting the Nantahala River yesterday with taking Brayden to the ER, we decided to take a picnic lunch and try to finish what we started.

I loved watching the paddle boarders try to ride the waves. Pretty cool.

So glad Brayden wasn't afraid to go back in the water.