A visit with Renate

My friend from Germany came to visit us in September. She stayed about 2 weeks. I am obviously really behind on blogging. The kids were so excited about Renate coming to visit. I kept telling Jonah about my friend who was really far away. We had to borrow an air mattress. This was the most exciting part for the kids. They would jump on it like a trampoline. This was one of the first days that Renate was in North Carolina. The kids did not take any time to warm up to her. As you can see from the pictures.


They jumped again...

and again...

and again. They never tired of it. Even when I put it in the garage after she left, they were addicted to jumping on it.



One of our favorite parts of Renate's trip was discovering a store in Hickory. I was trying my best to think of something fun and unique to do before Renate came. I had heard about this great pottery store in Hickory called Bisque 'n Beads. We both fell in love immediately. We just couldn't decide what to do. It was all so COOL!! I have wanted to go back. I guess I need Renate to fly back so I can make the time to go.



The painting in quiet was so nice. There was no screaming, fighting, or "Mommy, please come wipe me!"


Our first little trip was to Cherokee. It was with my Dad, my nephew, Alex, Jonah and Renate. We drove around the town. We visited many of the quaint shops around.




We took a short hike to a beautiful waterfall. We had a great lunch on a deck next the river. It was a lunch of homemade soup/grilled cheese. Renate had her first bowl of beans and corn bread. She liked it pretty good. After Cherokee, we headed to Dillsboro.



They had a festival for the day. We enjoyed learning about handmade yarn. Then we watched real metal work done the old fashioned way. Alex tried on a handmade suit of real armor. Jonah and Alex both left with a nail that was formed because of being heated and hit with a hammer. We had to wait about 10 minutes for each nail to be formed.





Next was a few days in Boone, Blowing Rock and Deep Gap. We stayed with Melvin and Stefanie in their new beautiful home in Deep Gap. We spent one day in Blowing Rock. We went to Shops on the Parkway, then hit downtown Blowing Rock. We enjoyed the park for lunch. Then Renate and I enjoyed looking at beautiful pottery on Main Street. We couldn't turn down a chance to enjoy some Kilwan's ice cream.



The boys both enjoyed trying out their rock climbing skills.


Leah and Raylee enjoyed some sweet cousin time together.

This morning just left the kids with nothing but the greatest nap in a van!! Which gave Renate and I a chance to ride the parkway and enjoy God's incredible creation!!!












Then we were off for some local fun!! The Murray's Mill festival was the weekend that Renate was leaving. We enjoyed lots of fun: animal petting, bee watching...




Corn shucking...


watching the corn actually being milled...






We listened to a little gospel singing, watched candles being made and saw little boys making bird houses. I would love to make this weekend one we never miss again.

Overall, we had a blast! I can't wait for Renate to come and visit again so that I can enjoy North Carolina again. It's sad it takes someone to visit for me to enjoy our beautiful state.