After Timothy's Birthday celebration last Saturday James and I, taking advantage of Grandma being in town, jumped in the car and headed for the mountains. Asheville and it's surrounding communities has long been a favorite spot of ours. We love the mountains, the weather, the myriad of things to do outdoors, the antique shopping, the variety of people drawn to the area, the food, and the beer selection to name a few. So every time we have a day or two to spare we tend to go to the Asheville, Black Mountain, Montreat area and just bum around.

We decided to go up Saturday night after T's birthday dinner so that we had a full day Sunday to fit in some of our favorite things. We arrived a little late but since we didn't have to wake up with the roosters - I mean the kids - we hit the town. He has a slight look of concern in his eyes doesn't he? Not sure what that is about. Maybe my head was starting to transform into a pumpkin. Because, truth be told, I am incapable of staying out past 10pm. I tried. Really I did. But before James could finish his first beer I was phasing out. Even knowing I could sleep in as late as I wanted couldn't keep me awake. Poor guy, I am a lame date.

After a good nights sleep, waking up when our bodies were naturally ready rather than being jolted awake by our children, we mozy'ed (is that a word?) downtown. We walked and walked, popping in and out of shops, discovering new places, and wondering who really pays $75 for an "organic" onesie for a 3 month old. Certainly not the hippies over at Mellow Mushroom. Next we drove over the Black Mountain to our favorite pizza joint and had some lunch.

Mmmmmm. That is some good stuff there!

Next stop, my favorite antique shop. I have found some great stuff here. This trip was no exception - found lots of great stuff, just couldn't bring any of it home.

Another favorite stop is the local used bookstore. Because Montreat College is a mile down the road they tend to have a pretty decent theology section. I browse with James for a bit and then I usually end up here, enjoying the action on Cherry St. My stamina in bookstores is no match for my husbands. I think I actually fell asleep out here. Next stop was Montreat. We wandered around the campus. Nosed around the Assembly Inn.And found a trail to walk.Uh, James. Let's not forget I am not dressed for hiking. I am wearing five year old Mary Janes with no support to speak of. And jeans. James enters an alternate universe when he makes his way into the woods. He reports that he literally aches, in a good way. I think it is a longing for heaven. Every time we visit we scheme of ways to move our family up. Maybe one day.

Last stop was The Grove Park Inn. This has become something of a tradition for us. We drive up around sunset, buy an over priced beer or coffee from the bar and sit on their terrace, enjoying the view while watching the sun slip behind the mountain ranges ahead. This picture simply does not do justice to the view at all. My camera, combined with the lighting, just couldn't pick up the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. We have never stayed over night at the Grove Park Inn. It is just a tad out of our price range. The people who stay here? These are the folks who buy the $75 organic onesies we saw in the boutique window.

And this is what we love about Asheville. There is literally something for everyone and we have found a way to enjoy pieces of it all. Maybe one day we will be able to enjoy more than pieces at a time. But for now? We are thankful for the day trips! And for Grandma's and Nonnie's who make them possible.

Just kidding, Just kidding! We aren't going anywhere. But if we were and I got to pick, James would pastor this church.

It sits on a ridge in Valle Crucis, about 5 miles outside of Boone, NC. And we would live in this house, just down the mountain.

Picture ferns hanging between every other beam around the porch. Black Eyed Susan's and Shasta Daisy's growing wildly around the foundation. A tire swing hanging from the big oak. The boys running around playing, throwing frisbee. Fresh squeezed lemonade and homemade cookies awaiting them on the porch. Laundry hanging in the back yard absorbing the fresh mountain scent. Screech! Okay, I have taken this little dream of mine a bit too far.

Anyway, a girl can dream.