Weekend Update

Our 4th of July fun started on the 3rd of July.

It seems that when Dan has a long weekend, he is usually on his way to or on his way home from a trip and never gets to enjoy the extra day off.  But not this weekend so we decided to go on a family hike.

We headed to Crowders Mountain which is about an hour and a half from here.  We stopped for lunch in Charlotte at a place called Pinkie's Westside Grill to fuel up before our hike.

We stopped at the ranger's office to get some information on the trails.  After a quick chat with a helpful ranger, we decided to hike the Pinnacle Trail.  She said it was 2.2 miles up and 2.2 miles back and that people of varying degrees of athleticism could handle the trail. She did mention that the last .2 was strenuous.

The trail was rocky and rooty in a lot of places and we were definitely going up but it was definitely doable.  When we reached the top Dan and I were both drenched in sweat but it was worth it because in addition to the beautiful view there was a fantastic breeze!

Saturday was filled with chores and errands and ended with a big cookout at my parent's house.  They fired up both their smokers and put together quite the feast! 

They had 5 racks of ribs, 100 chicken wings, and 30 jalapeno poppers smoking when we arrived.  And my mom also had baked beans, corn on the cob, potato salad, watermelon and canteloupe.  And you can't forget her famous chocolate cake and a big old banana pudding!

The whole gang minus me because I'm taking the picture and my Uncle David because he hadn't arrived yet.

RIBS!

Me and my Bestie!

Sarah and her Bestie!

Ribs and wings!

The sides!

The kids table!

The grown ups table!

Jennifer and her family brought sparklers and some fireworks so when it got dark we headed outside so some fun.

On Sunday, we went to church and spent the rest of the day relaxing.  And that's what I call a perfect long weekend!