On Friday morning I woke ready for an adventure and, boy did we find one! It was really cold – not getting out of the 30s! – so we bundled up and headed to hike Chinquapin Mountain. It was a steep hike 2 miles up and then 2 miles down. There were several times we had to cross over the creek and then lots of zig zagging back and forth near the top. My crew were absolute troopers and handled it all like champs!

The views at the top were worth it!

Best way to spend Black Friday!!

One of my favorite hikes we’ve done. Thumbs up all around and they for sure earned the burrito we went and got after!!

That night Robert and I met my childhood friend, Frank, and his wife for a drink and then had dinner at Wild Thyme with Mary Beth and Holland. The kids stayed home and played Clue!

Saturday we met up with Patrick and Henry to hike Satulah…

and had lunch, complete with milk shakes.

That night we watched a very exciting Iron Bowl game. Roll Tide! That one was a little too exciting and we were all exhausted by the time it was over. Glad it ended up the way it did though!! We got up and headed back early Sunday. It was a wonderful break and we are so thankful for so many things, including the fact that the state trooper that pulled Robert over on the way home let him off with just a warning! Thankful indeed!!

We headed up to Highlands last week on Tuesday to celebrate Thanksgiving. We were all excited about a few days of rest and relaxation!

Samantha was especially ready for some fun in her new hat that perfectly matched her jacket!

On Wednesday we got up and attempted a hike. Unfortunately, the road was closed and then the trail was really overgrown so we basically got a nice walk up the road. But, the sun was shining and the company was good so that worked out just fine!

We then headed into town to grab lunch at Market Fresh and then hit up the ice skating! The kids were so excited and I think it lived up to the hype. I was pretty impressed with their skating skills by the end! They were making loops around the rink without the blue plastic things!

Santa wasn’t out yet but we hopped in his sleigh for a quick pic!

That afternoon the boys got their Thanksgiving prep on…

On Thanksgiving morning, we did our traditional Whiteside hike and it did not disappoint! Lots of icicles to see!

It was cold but sunny and a perfect day on the mountain.

Samantha had fun getting icicles and eating them like popsicles!

That afternoon we had a great meal. Thanks Lulu!

We then worked off our lunch with a walk to the waterfall and more icicles! Can’t beat it!

A very happy Thanksgiving!