Blowing Rock

We went to the mountains for a little family vacation, primarily to see Thomas the Train at Tweetsie Railroad, but also just to enjoy the beauty of Blowing Rock, NC.  We've only been there twice in our few years here.  We definitely need to visit more.  The last time we went, summer 2009, Drew was 2 1/2 and really into Thomas.  It was so sweet to go back with David at the same age.  We went to Grandfather Mountain the afternoon of our arrival and then met my cousin Stephen for dinner that evening.  He is a student at Appalachian State University and lives just minutes from where we were staying.  The boys adore him so what fun to see him while out of town!  The next day we went straight to Tweetsie Railroad.  We had a reservation on the first train ride and then hung around the park for a few hours before heading home.  It was a short trip but a great one!  Lots and lots of photos to share...

Getting started at Grandfather Mountain.  

A few minutes later (and a tad higher up), had to add
hoods and more layers.  Brrrr.  

The boys did such a great job hiking.  

SO windy up there!

Drew and George were brave enough to keep hiking past
my idea of the "save zone."  I couldn't even look.
They took some nice photos though.  

Beautiful view but I'm glad David and I weren't there.  The
wind was whipping like crazy up there and these two are
standing at the edge of a cliff.  

My guys on the Mile High Swinging Bridge.  

Sweet cousin Stephen.  

Arriving at Tweetsie Railroad.  David was timid so I had to get
in the picture too.  David is still hanging on tight to my leg.  

Thomas!!!  With tickets to "A Day Out With Thomas"
you ride the train for 30 minutes or so and then have
tickets to the park.  

Taking the chair lift to the other section of Tweetsie.  

There were lots of rides for tots.  Fun for sweet David.  

Petting zoo.  

Drew screaming for a change.  He always asks why I scream
on rides - this time it was his turn!

Having fun!

Love this photo.

The boys got weapons at the gift shop.  

We had to have one more yummy barbecue meal on the way out of town.
$3.99 for this kids meal, drink included!  Unbelievable.
Won't find that kind of bargain in Cary.  

What a view.  We stopped a couple of times on the road to
enjoy the gorgeous scenery.