Biltmore Field Trip

Last week we were given two free tickets to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.  

Hello sister.

 I was feeling a field-trip in the works.
Another homeschooling friend, Viviana, and her three girls joined us since all children under the age of nine get in free.
We couldn't have asked for a better set up.

We got up really early, so as to make the most of our day in Asheville. 

I treated myself to a steamy cup of joe to get the day started.
One tall with a dash of cream, please.

Nothing like the smell of coffee on a trip. 

Always takes me back to family road trips, smelling my Dad's coffee in the wee hours of the morning when 

he'd scoop us up from our beds and carry us to the truck.

Sweet memories.

 I was so excited!

I was also wishing Hugh was with me.

One and a half hours later, after soaking up the beautiful North Carolina mountain views, 

we arrived.

We then hopped in the shuttle van and rode to the "Castle."

The girls were stoked.
As we came around the corner...

Boom.

There she was.

What a beauty

and

a beast.

I was surprised at how interested Laney and Mattie were into the audio-tour. With map in hand, we walked from room to room, each room having its own number. On the player that hung around their necks, they punched in the particular room number, held the player up to their ear, like a phone, and listened intently.  Laney couldn't wait to tell me which room number we were headed to next.  

The part of the house that interested me the most was the servant's quarters area:  the kitchen where countless feasts were prepared, the separate meat and vegetable rooms, the humongous pantry, learning how the washing and ironing was done, etc. I couldn't help but think of it very much like Downton Abbey's servant-ward. Such incredible history held in the walls of that mansion. 

History never captured my attention as a youngster, but it sure has me now.   

After we ate lunch, we encouraged them to run and set those little legs free. 

Front of the Estate
Can you see the five of them down there?

These girls had so much fun together!

Mattie & little J



One of the reasons why I was hoping Hugh could have gone with us, was because the last time we went to the Biltmore, we were on our Honeymoon. In three weeks, we'll celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary.  A family trip would have been a perfect early celebration for us.

Here we were nine years ago, as newlyweds.

And here are our two beautiful children standing 

right in the place we stood, nine years later.

Kinda crazy to ponder how much has happened

in the last nine years. 

So cool.

Off to Antler Hill Village to see the animals and journey through the wine cellar.

Snacking on a little sweet treat

Petting "Holly" the bunny

Wine Cellar Walkway

I did a little wine-tasting, and the girls did a little grape-juice tasting.
Cheers! 

Children's Maze: the girls absolutely loved this maze.
I, on the other hand, couldn't see them at all times, so after a few minutes,
I was ready to head to the next adventure.

The Gardens

On our way out of Asheville, we visited the Haen Gallery, where my brother Clayton
is one of the featured artists in that gallery. He had a few pieces on display.
Quite incredible to stand  in front of your Uncle Clayton's
artwork in a gallery. So proud of my brother.
He is one talented young man.

Top artwork is Clayton's work

We didn't quite make it home in time to eat at home, 

so without thinking twice,

we grabbed a very unhealthy, DELICIOUS Five Guys burger & fries.

No regrets. 

Loved every minute of this day!