Hiking - another fun day in the mountains

The day after the marathon, some of us decided to go for a hike.  I love to hike and the mountains are truly the best place (to me) to do this.  There is so much beauty there and you just can't beat the cooler temps this time of year!

My Mom and I headed out to Bass Lake with my three little boys.  It's such a beautiful place.



We walked around the lake. 



We decided to hike up the mountain to the Moses Cone Manor.



We took the "maze" on the way up.  It's just a windy path to the top.  There were interesting things to see all along the way.



The trails were beautiful and we saw lots of people (and horses).  We even saw one of the marathoners!!! 



This ended up being a longer route than Isaiah was interested in, so he and my Mom headed back down while Joshua, Daniel and I headed up.



We made it to the top and the view from here is spectacular.







The home is also lovely.  I hope we can come back soon and go on one of the ranger tours of the house.



I love days like this.  It was beautiful outside - the weather and the scenery.  I was spending time with people I love and doing something that I love.  Thank you God for creating days like this and places like this just for our pleasure.

Thanks Mom and Dad for taking good care of Christopher and giving him a quiet place to rest and prepare for the marathon.  He enjoyed being with you.  Love you both!



Blessings

Leslie

Marathon

Marathon.  What does that word conjure up for you?  An impossible task?  A dream?  Something that you want to get to some day?  An accomplishment you are proud of?

This word took on a whole new meaning for our family last week-end.  Christopher started running last December.  He set the lofty goal of running a marathon this summer.  He has run in 5ks and 10ks.  He signed up for a half marathon, but wasn't able to run as he got sick the day before.  Well, last week-end was the marathon.  Did I mention that he chose to start with "one of America's toughest marathons"?  He did.

The Grandfather Mountain Marathon was held on Saturday.  We arrived at the ASU stadium in light rain at about 5:30am. 



There were lots of people milling around, stretching, focusing, getting ready.   The brisk, damp morning led way to a beautiful day.



The race started with a lap around the track.





Christopher was the youngest runner in the race!  Most of the runners were in their 30s and up.  We drove to one of the points that was a little over the half way point.  As we were driving, I spotted Christopher on the Blue Ridge parkway ahead of us!  We pulled over at one of the parks, got out some chairs and waited for him.



We cheered the runners as they passed and waited to see Christopher.  We cheered loudly as we saw him approach.



Way to go Christopher!!!



As he ran by, his brothers ran along beside him for a short while to encourage him.  Or maybe to tease him.  You know how brothers can be!



We then drove to Grandfather Mountain to the finish line.  The race was completed at the gathering of the Highland Games!



This was our first time attending.  It's something I had  hoped to do for years and we were blessed to get a great price on tickets due to being there to watch the race.  I loved hearing the music, seeing the costumes and experiencing the culture.  I also loved the appreciative crowd that cheered for every runner that finished the course!



While we were waiting, we talked with some of the people there.  My boys loved learning about the clothing - and were very fascinated with the knives that most of the men had in their socks.



Mostly though, I just wanted to see my son.  We waited and waited - not knowing when he would arrive.  The runners came up the mountain and then entered through the circle of tents to get onto the track in the center.  There was a constant cry whenever runners would approach so that people would clear the way so the runners had a path to the track. 

I was surprised at the emotions I felt waiting for my son.  My heart was full with pride for what my son was doing.  I was also at times worried and wondered where he was and if he was alright.  I often found myself fighting back tears.  I reflect on the man he is becoming - one with purpose, goals and determination.  And yet, he is still my "baby".  I was elated when I spied him rounding the corner and heading up the last hill.



"Runner coming!"  "Ropes up!"  We cheered - as did many others as  he approached the finish.  And yes, I had tears of joy in my eyes.

P

He did a lap around the track and finished the race.  26.2 miles.  Wow!  He did it. 



(I'm hoping the professional photographer got a better picture of the finish than I did.  They moved the finish line and I didn't realize it until it was too late.)

I heard people doubt him.  Doubt that he could finish.  State that he had bitten off more than he could chew.  I didn't believe that though as I know what he is made of - determined, dedicated and focused.  He did it!  I'm so very proud of him!!!



When he finished, we all had a lot of questions for him.  He answered briefly, but really just needed time to rest. 



While he rested, we went to get lunch.  I met him back at the marathoner's tent.  As I walked with him to meet the others, I asked him if he planned to do this again and he emphatically stated "No!".  He also said that he was crossing the Ironman off his bucket list.  A man overheard our conversation and said just give him a week and he'll want to try it again.  We'll see.  For now, he can relish in knowing that he set a goal and worked hard to achieve it.  He is a marathoner!



We didn't spend much longer at the event.  It is a large event with lots of neat things going on, but Christopher was ready to leave.  (We were all pretty tired by that point - but nothing compared to him!)  The tents around the track mainly belong to the various clans.



We did go by the Maxwell clan tent.  This is my family's heritage.  Joshua was especially thrilled to do this and to learn more about our clan.  He is named for this clan and I think its great that he wants to learn more!  



He also pressed Roger to find out about any Scottish heritage on his side.  After a phone call home, he found the family name from his Dad's side too.  He and Roger went back in the afternoon to spend more time there.  He is hoping we can go back again next year.



Tonight, we celebrated his achievement with the "red plate".  I also bought him a few things - a black cap and white magnet each with 26.2 on it. 





Christopher, I'm proud of you.  I'm proud  of you for desiring to try something new, for setting goals and having a training schedule to meet that goal.  I'm proud of you for working hard and for finishing this race even when it got really hard!  I'm proud of you for the man you are becoming and pray that as you run the race of life that you will continue to set goals and that you will run in a way that is honoring to God.



Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:1-2


I love you!

Mom

Camp - Day 3 - Birds

Rebecca hosted her third day of camp on the topic of birds.  She used the same format and began the day with devotions and reading a book.



They made bird feeders from small orange juice containers.  They painted them and then later Rebecca sealed them, punched a hole and added string to hang them up.  They were also given a baggie of bird seed.



Snack today included a bird's nest made from rice krispy treats.  For the eggs they could put in blueberries or jellybeans.  They also had some seeds to eat - popcorn, sunflower as well as raisens and nuts.



I just can't resist pictures of this sweet little face.



After reading a book about bird nests,



and learning some facts about bird nests,



Each child made their own nest.  Rebecca had scattered some ribbon and feathers in the yard.  They could use this as well as any natural items such as mud, twigs, leaves, etc.





Isaiah was excited about his nest and went to get a bird to put in it!



They also played some games to round off the day. 



I'm proud of the hard work that Rebecca is putting into these days.  She has dealt with challenges and is learning from them.  What a great experience this is for her and the children!  I love seeing how she is willing to use her gifts and talents and to stretch herself.  She has two more days of camp left - ice cream and science are the topics coming up.

Hope you have a great week-end!

Blessings

Leslie

More 4th week-end happenings

We arrived early for our week-end so that we could go on a college tour.  Roger, Christopher and I went and toured Appalachian State University.  We were all very impressed with the school and all that it has to offer. 

As we were watching the dvd about the school at the beginning of our time, I wondered if I was the only parent there feeling emotional.  The thought of my child being in college soon is just hard at times.  I don't think that it is because I'm resistant to change - but that may be part of it.  I think its much deeper than that.  I've spent most of the last 17 years hanging out with my son.  We've learned together and grown together and I really love spending time with him.  He is fun and interesting and enjoyable.  When he leaves, it will leave a hole - for all of us.  I know change is necessary and is often good.  I know too that for me, this is going to be hard. 



I know I mentioned before, but we had beautiful weather!  The view from my parents' back porch is lovely. 



We enjoyed eating and just sitting outside relaxing on the deck.  It was nice to just hang out spending time together.



It was also a great place to watch beautiful sunsets.  My camera would not capture the intensity of the colors.  The sun was a bright orange and hung low in the sky for such a long time.  God's designs are amazing!



Roger went on a hike with the two little boys.  Hopefully more of us can go the next time we are up!





Playing in the park was fun too.



Some of us also went to an outdoor drama called Horn in the West.



There is an area with interpreters and buildings to explore.  We didn't arrive early enough to do much here, but hope to come back again to see more.



This is a true story about the history of Boone.  It was wonderful!!!  We loved being outside.  The sets were lovely.  This is the left side of the stage.



This is center stage.



The story was intense, funny, sad and encouraging (all at different times). 









Next time I hope we'll convince more people to join us.  It was really worth it!

Blessings,

Leslie

Free Summer Movies

I just wanted to pass this on to any of you who may not have heard of it.  Today I took 6 children to the movies - and it was FREE!!!  How can you beat that on a hot summer day?!

It was Eliana's first time in the theater (and free was the right price when I didn't know how she would do!).  She sat in my lap because she is so light she couldn't keep the seat down.  LOL  She did wonderfully!  I think we have found a neat outing to do for the next month or so that it is available.  My children are very excited about going again.  This is a treat that we don't enjoy often and it's so nice that they are offering it for free!

Here is a link in case you want to see if it's available where you live. 

Free Family Film

I hope you are able to go!

Blessings

Leslie