A January Parade

Last weekend my students got the opportunity to dance in the NC Inauguration Parade. It was a beautiful day - 65 degrees, sunny with a slight breeze. We were the only dance studio representing the state of North Carolina that was chosen to perform in front of our new governor and newly inaugurated heads of state. What an honor! After the parade many of my students got the opportunity to meet all of the dignitaries at the Governor's Mansion, one of my little boys even threw the football with our Governor in the front lawn of his new home. 

Not only was there a lot of patriotic songs and red, white and blue on Saturday - but I also got to see my favorite pirate!

Spark a Fire in My Soul

After the ECU game last Saturday I was able to finish my Labor Day weekend with a trip to Wilmington. Living two hours away from the beach is convenient, except I haven't been to the beach all summer! With Labor Day officially ending the summer season I guess it was perfect timing that I went. My college roommate Allison lives in Wilmington so I was fortunate to continue spending the weekend with her before returning to the "real world." After going with her to Port City Church Sunday morning we spent the day at Topsail. Taking in God's beauty we enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds of the beach before the fall weather brings us indoors. Being in Wilmington was the perfect way to rejuvenate and relax after an exciting football game. 

Snapshot Sunday!

One thing I love about North Carolina is the beautiful beaches. Cape Lookout is one of the beaches that is part of North Carolina's Outer Banks. Because you can only get to Cape Lookout by boat or ferry, there are not a lot of people on this beach. Some of my most favorite road trips in college were to Cape Lookout. We would spend all day on this beach with not a soul in sight!

Snapshot Sunday!

Nothing compares to a Southern summer night!

Mountain Getaway

This weekend my Mom, Dad, brother, sister-in-law, nephew and myself had the perfect weekend getaway in the mountains of North Carolina. We rented an adorable cabin on the outskirts of Boone, NC in the community of Foscoe. We had a great opportunity sit back, relax and of course get to be tourists! Since my brother attended Appalachian State University he lived in Boone for 4.5 years and was the expert tour guide. We were able to mark a couple of items off of our NC Bucket List such as enjoying an RC Cola in the rocking chair of Mast General Store, eating at a Boone favorite MacAdoos, driving the Blue Ridge Parkway, taking in the views of Grandfather Mountain and of course partaking in a little hiking to some of Boone's hidden secrets.

Mast General Store

Listening to the live picking on the back porch of Mast General Store

My brother took me and my Dad to two of his favorite spots in the North Carolina mountains. The first was a hidden watering hole off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. We pulled off at an overlook location and hiked down a steep hill to a secluded spot where the water trickled through the rocks and boulders. It made for some great photography moments and you will definitley be able to find me there on my next trip - curled up on a rock, shoes off and reading a book. It was so peaceful and serene and escape from the hectic world that surrounds us, just above that steep hill.

Little did I know that our first hiking experience was training for our second hidden secret - The Hebron Rock Colony! After hiking almost a mile we arrived at the river with these large boulders. By large boulders, I'm referring to boulders that are the size of cars or tractor trailers! In order to make your way up to the top you need to jump boulder to boulder. Planning each step carefully not to slip on the mossy or wet rocks. It took us awhile to climb this "mountain of rocks" but the views were magical. During our trek my mind kept wondering how this natural wonder was created. I took my fair share of Earth Science and Geology classes in school but I still have no idea. The monstrosity of the boulders and the water that blanketed them down the hill was truly mesmerizing. Needless to say, my brother and I were exhausted after our trek and were thankful to make it back to safe ground.

The huge boulders of Hebron Rock Colony that we climbed

To put in comparison how large these boulders are

Sunday's hiking trip up Grandfather Mountain was a breeze (literally) in comparison to Saturday's two hiking trips. Being a mile above sea level at the famous mile-high bridge made for much cooler temperatures and some strong winds that left you holding on to your balance.

After crossing the Mile-High Bridge at Grandfather Mountain

What a view from Grandfather Mountain!

 This weekend is one to remember. A relaxing weekend to escape the record hot temperatures and our busy world.

Snapshot Sunday!

North Carolina's beaches are home to wild horses. Whenever you attend a North Carolina beach, keep your eyes open as you never know when a wild horse will walk right past you.