Biltmore Estate

So out of all the places we have visited or will visit, this has to be one of the top highlights.  We visited the Biltmore Estates in Asheville and it was incredible!  The beauty can not be described in words.  The kids did amazing too.  Each room had an abundant amount of history that was shared on these handheld telephones that kept even the littles entertained.  Absolutely loved it!

NC Nature Center

We started our morning at the North Carolina Nature Center.  Such a fun morning of exploring animals that the kids love to see and some they never have seen before like the Red Panda.

Virgina and Pinball Museum in Asheville, NC

Today we drove to Ashville, North Carolina.  While driving we went through Virginia and stopped to look around and put our feet on the tenth state of our fourteen days.  Once arriving in Asheville, we shopped at the Grove and then headed to the Pinball Museum, $15 for unlimited play on hundreds of pinball machines and old-school video games.  Dad and all the kids got in over three hours and would have stayed longer if it wasn't for it having to close. 

Lost World Cavern and Coal Mine

Today we started and ended our day celebrating Maddie turning 8 (presents in the morning, and then swimming with pizza before bed).

We then headed to the Lost World Cavern to see some fantastic sights underground.  The younger four love anything rock related so it was a big hit.

After the cave, we drove to the Coal Mine which was beyond educational and fun. We rode a train into the mine and had a four-year veteran teach us about its history.  

Madeline Turns 8 Years Old

Today Madeline turns eight.  Right now she still is the tallest girl in her class with bright blue eyes, enjoys playing outside, swimming, art, and building Legos. She is so smart, inquisitive, and full of nonstop excitement. 

Happy 8th Birthday, Madeline!  We love you so much

Madeline was so excited this year as she got her first friend party.  She spent her day doing everything she loves to do.  She had art club this morning and then had her three best friends over for a pool party.  With temps in the high 90s, it was a perfect pool day.  The girls swam, ate cake, opened presents, and giggled a lot.  The day was perfect, just hope eight continues to be just as awesome for her as today was.  

Beckley, West Virginia

Today we drove from Michigan to West Virginia.  We arrived around dinner time, so we went out to eat at a nice Mexican restaurant and then played a round of mini-golf.

Summer Road Trip - Visit the Speckmans

Today kicked off our two-week road trip.  First stop, visiting the Speckmans in Michigan.  We spent two days together playing games, swimming, playing outside, and laughing.  Special thanks to the Speckmans for hosting.  We always love seeing you all.