Biltmore Getaway

We just spent a wonderful couple of days at the Biltmore Estate. We stayed at the Inn at the Biltmore. They provide a shuttle to take you anywhere over the 8,000 acre estate. It was great! We drove over to the Grove Park Inn one night and ate dinner at their fabulous Terrace restaurant. The weather was beautiful and all the food was divine. Now I want to go back at Christmas when the entire estate is decorated for the holidays.

Special thanks to Nonnie and BB for keeping our boys!

Dinner at the Bistro at the Winery
The Estate
Sunset from the Terrace at the Grove Park Inn
The Gatehouse

Top Dog

Look at that face! Last week Uno won the Westminster Kennel Club dog show. He is the only beagle in history to ever hold that title. I watched it briefly last week while I was sick. (Not much on TV during the day.) I do love watching dog shows because I love seeing all the different breeds. But, who doesn't love a beagle? They are kind of the all-American dog. I am so proud of Uno and what he will mean for the beagle breed.

While on the dog topic, I must include this picture of Greta and the boys. She hopped up there while they were "camping out." Greta is such an angel. So fiercely loyal and protective of the boys. She doesn't even like it when the kids next door come in our yard. We couldn't have asked for a better dog. I don't think I will ever be able to live without a schnauzer again. If it weren't for JW, I would have 10 (or more) dogs and end up being one of those crazy old dog ladies. Thankfully I will have JW to keep me grounded!

Belated Valentine Wishes

I had planned on posting these pictures much earlier in the week, but my week did not go as planned. The horrible stomach virus hit our family and we are just now all recovered. I may not go anywhere again until Spring!

I had the boys picture taken at Portrait Innovations a couple of weeks ago. I thought they turned out pretty cute. Well, I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day. Stay well!

Our Day at Sprout

I took the boys to the Sprout Studio yesterday.http://www.playatsprout.com/ It is a huge indoor play center. They had a blast. I think I might have Ryan a birthday party there (even though I said I wasn't having him a party because I am in severe denial that my baby is turning 2.) It is just too cute of a place to pass up having a party!

Fireman Ryan

Pirate Will

Ryan attempting to climb the rock wall

Will successfully climbing the rock wall

Ryan at the huge train table

Happy Groundhog Day!

Will's class made groundhog hats at school. Of course, Ryan had to wear it too.

Ryanhog

This is how I found them yesterday afternoon. Will giving Ryan a ride on his back through the house. They both thought it was the best thing ever. They play so well together now it makes my heart just overflow. And, of course, sometimes they fight. But, I remind myself that is normal.

The most famous groundhog in the world, Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning. So that means 6 more weeks of winter. I didn't need a groundhog to tell me that this morning when I went out to run and the temperature was 30 degrees. He does look like a rather intelligent groundhog, doesn't he? Stay Warm!