I don’t really have any cohesive thoughts, so here goes!
1. It’s here! It’s here! My big birthday weekend is here! TC and I are leaving this morning and driving up to Asheville, North Carolina to stay at the Inn on Biltmore Estate. We’re so excited to have a fun, relaxing weekend away. I’ve never been to Asheville as a destination in the fall- I’ve only driven through. I know that it is going to be absolutely breath taking with the mountains and the gorgeous colors of the leaves. We have some fun outdoor activities and dinners planned– and I’m sure my sweet husband has a surprise or two for me. I’m so excited!
2. Of course I will miss my little munchkins while we’re away. They’ll be here with their grandparents and I know they’ll be spoiled rotten while we’re gone. I know that the grandparents will have gotten their fill by the time we return!
3. I’m super excited to be taking my camera with us this weekend. I have gotten a lot better at shooting in manual mode and I got a new Canon lens (for a steal on Amazon) that I want to try out in fun, gorgeous, outdoor settings. In case you’re curious, I got the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 lens. I’m loving it so far. It is a great lens for an amazing price.
4. This is a little bit disgusting, but I had to clean my Uggs before we left. I was “anti-Ugg” for a long time, but ended up buying some when Hudson was a baby because I was spending so much time at home and they’re great shoes for lounging and hauling a baby around in the winter. Well, last winter, when I was pregnant with Hayes, Hudson got the stomach bug. And he got the bug all over my Uggs. (That wasn’t supposed to rhyme. I’m a poet and didn’t know it.) So I just didn’t wear my Uggs again last winter. I had tried to clean them with water, but it didn’t work. So I bought the Ugg cleaner and cleaned those boots up so I could wear them this weekend in Asheville.
5. Putting together outfits, schedules, bottles, formula and gear for two kids to be left in someone else’s care is really overwhelming! This is why we rarely go anywhere without them.
6. I got a birthday gift yesterday from my Mom, Dad and brother and I’m so excited! Mail doesn’t run on my birthday because it’s Veteran’s Day, so I was really excited to get my present. They gave us a Keurig! I have been wanting one for so long and I even thought this morning how much I want one. And now it’s here! Yay for Keurig!
7. That Keurig came at just the right time because I. Am. Exhausted. Seriously. I have always loved the whole “fall back” and gain an hour thing, but I am pooped! I have gone to bed by 10:30 every night this week and we’re usually going to bed at midnight. Both boys caught on to the time change after three days (just like Moms on Call says they will), but I am just tired. Every day around 3:30 or 4:00 I start to fade. So I think having my little one cup instant coffee maker will be fantastic as a little late-afternoon pick me up!
8. I had to share this picture of little Mr. Hayes sitting up on his own. He’s such a happy guy! And I just love those Stretchies from The Children’s Place. Nina and AP recommended them to me and I really love them! I think Hayes is a fan, too.
9. Have y’all seen the Chevy truck commercial with the little boy who’s driving his toy truck around the living room? His dad pulls into the driveway in the same truck and the little boy runs out to greet him. Totally makes me cry. I love it!
10. When I go out of town, I insist on getting my house spick and span before I leave. All the laundry must be washed, folded and put away and things just need to be in their place. So I spent a good bit of time last night packing up our stuff and tidying up the house. Now when I come home everything will already be ready for us to unpack our suitcases and start more laundry. Yay for vacations and tidy houses!
Have a blast! We got engaged at the vineyards just behind the Inn! The Biltmore in the fall/ winter is just stunning! And be sure to make it into downtown Asheville, it is a great city. And if you’re up for hiking, Montreat, NC (just up the road) is BEAUTIFUL.
Have a great weekend! The Keurig is great! My mother in law has one, and I love using it when we are there. You should get the K-Cup at bed bath and beyond, and you can put your own coffee in it if you have your favorite and don’t want to keep buying the premade cups.
Yay for weekends away! (especially when there is a birthday to celebrate)
I am impressed that you are already shooting in manual mode! So that class taught you how to set the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc?…wow! I still only shoot in automatic or aperture mode. Can’t wait to see the pics you take this weekend! Have fun and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Have a wonderful trip! I agree, taking a quick trip can be exhausting when making sure the kids are fully taken care of (food, outfits, diapers, etc). We don’t travel as often anymore – I figure we’ll get back to that frquency again one day!
Have a wondeful Birthday!!!!
First off Happy Early Birthday! You are going to love that coffee machine. It’s like my saving grace sometimes, keeps me from buying too much Starbucks. Ha! Have fun on your birthday weekend, you deserve it. I am the same way when it comes to going out of town. Last thing you want to do is come home to a house to clean and laundry to do on top of the dirty laundry your bringing home. 🙂
have soooo much fun! can’t wait to hear about it. i have to say, E just stared and laughed at the pic of Hazer. what a cutie. we loooooove our stretchies too! xo
We honeymooned in Asheville- 11 years ago this past October and the leaves were so beautiful! We stayed at the Beaufort House B&B; we returned a few years ago for a long weekend when we were stationed at Pope AFB and were able to explore all the new things the Biltmore had built- you’ll have a lovely time, I’m sure! 🙂 Chimney Rock is also a great place for photos. Happy Bday!
Happy Birthday Erin! I hope you and your hubby have an amazing time while in Asheville! I live about 45 minutes from Asheville and it is absolutely beautiful right now! You must try the French Broad Chocolate Lounge will there. There chocolate is to die for! Also, on the Keurig…you must try the Chocolate Glazed Donut Coffee. It is delicious and my absolute favorite! Enjoy! 🙂
Aw you will be about 45 minutes from where I live! ha 🙂 It is so beautiful there! I loove that commercial!! It is TOO cute! Saw it last night, while watching the CMA’s.
Have a wonderful time. Enjoy all the beautiful fall colors.
Also, I love my Keurig. Couldn’t imagine my life without it. 😉
The Inn on Biltmore Estate is gorgeous! You’re going to LOVE the fall colors (one of the main reasons we chose to get married in the Asheville area in the fall were the leaves!) It should definitely be a pretty drive and I hope you guys have awesome weather while you’re there! You’re also going to adore your Keurig! Lee had wanted one for awhile but I didn’t see the need since we already had a nice coffee maker. When we moved into our new house it had the perfect area for one upstairs so I decided to surprise him with one. The real surprise though is that I use it more than he does! Who knew? My favorite mid-afternoon “snack” is either a cup of tea, hot chocolate, or apple cider (all of which are made for Keurig!)
I hope you have SO much fun on your birthday weekend!!!!! I’ll be thinking of you & sending lots of love your way 🙂
That is the BEST birthday gift!! Love the Keurigs! And I love that Chevy commercial also. I like the part when the little boy is acting like the dad is home, and he mimics the mom saying “Hi honey, how was your day?” Random, but that made me stop and think about how to greet my husband when he comes home. Children pick up everything! Hayes looks sooo adorable in that picture! He is your twin! Have a wonderful birthday weekend getaway!!
If you’re a fan of wine, be sure to spend some time at the winery at The Biltmore. We went there for our first anniversary and took a wine and chocolate pairing class and it was so much fun! I’d also recommend having a dinner or maybe even breakfast at Grove Park Inn! Have fun and happy birthday! 🙂
Have a great time! We love Asheville. In fact, my husband and I just celebrated our (belated) 8 year anniversary there at the beginning of October. We stayed at the Grove Park Inn, and it was amazing. I highly suggest a spa treatment there. Our favorite restaurant in Asheville is the Tupelo Honey Cafe…amazing!
Hope you have a great birthday getaway!
I’ve always wanted to see the Biltmore Estate, and this time of year should be absolutely beautiful! I hope you have a wonderful trip and plenty of time to get everything done before you leave! Happy early Birthday!
yay for vacay!!! you deserve this special trip mama!! have so much fun!! hayes looks precious in that pic. he is getting so dang big!
Erin, Happy, Happy Birthday! 🙂 I hope you have a wonderful weekend of celebration! I grew up in N.C. and one of my favorite places to visit was the Biltmore. Must-trys in Asheville are 12 Bones BBQ and Tupelo Honey Cafe (great for breakfast or lunch)! I just LOVE the mountains of N.C. and will actually be there this weekend for a wedding! Safe travels.
P.S. Cute picture of Hayes.
Hope you have a fabulous birthday vacation! Look forward to seeing your pictures 🙂
You will LOVE Asheville – I spent many a “Mountain Weekend” (traditional fraternity mini-break at Wake) there and it is just GORGEOUS. And the Biltmore is stunning… I bet you’ll get to spy on several gorgeous fall weddings!
Can’t live without my Keurig.
Yay! Happy early birthday! I adore my Keurig- it’s a total game changer. Have fun in Asheville- can’t wait to hear what y’all have planned. I am so disappointed- Hubs is opening a Ruth’s Chris there- the project has been super intense and exciting, and I have been super pumped about the grand opening party. That is in the middle of December now, when I really can’t be traveling. Sigh. Anway, sorry for the random rant! Hayes looks so much like you in that picture! I really need to see this baby in person- who does he look like?
Happy Birthday! Have a great trip. What a beautiful time of year to be traveling through western NC. The trees should be beautiful (if they haven’t all blown off the trees already!). I have that camera lens too and I don’t think I’ve taken it off my camera since I got it. You’ll love it!
Happy Birthday, Erin! You and my little one MAY just end up sharing a birthday. (seriously, hurry up, kid!)
You will love that Keurig. We get K-Cups for a great price at Costco – I really like the Tully’s French Roast and I think it’s $30 for 90 K-Cups. Great deal!
Hope your weekend is fab!
Happy birthday and have lots of fun! It looks beautiful! it’s also my birthday weekend, mines Saturday! The hubby and I are going to Lake Tahoe for the weekend. First weekend away from the kids, kinda nervous.
You are seriously taking my dream weekend getaway! I have always wanted to go to the Biltmore. Have such a wonderful time! And, you are going to love your Keurig. I just bought some Chai Tea Latte cups and they are delicious! I’d also recommend looking at amazon.com to buy in bulk–you can get some great deals there! Have fun! 🙂
Have a fun birthday weekend! I’m also going out of town for the weekend and will be away for work next week. My three year old is staying with grandparents for part of the week so I can feel your pain on having to pack for them to stay away from home.
Happy Birthday a day early! Have a great time away with the hubs. I hear the Biltmore is amazing!
totally the same way about coming home to a clean house. my hubs thinks i’m nuts, but NOTHING worse than coming home from a fabulous relaxing vacay to a dirty house. have so much fun and happy birthday! we spent christmas at the biltmore last year and it was so wonderful!
Hayes is mini-Erin!! (Do you get tired of hearing that ;)- I think its so cute)
Have a wonderful trip-yay for vacations, tidy houses, and keurigs!! You’ll love your keurig.
Erin-
This is your old JLC friend! If you have time, my brother owns a restaurant in Asheville. Its called The Market Place. Its on Wall St. Its a great spot for dinner! Have fun!
As a warning- do not try the limited edition Gingerbread coffee for Keurig. You will regret it! Have a fabulous time and enjoy a quiet weekend away! I have that lens too and I love it! Takes great portraits!
Have a great trip! Can’t wait to see pics and hear about your surprises. HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🙂
Hey Erin! Have a great time in Asheville! Biltmore is beautiful this time of year! I live about 20 miles south AVL.
Have a wonderful time and Happy Birthday to You!!!
Best wishes for the happiest of birthdays and have a fabulous time in Ashville!
Have fun and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
I LOVE Ashville:) Hope you have a wonderful time and fabulous birthday weekend. Oh, you are going to love your Keurig!!! Now you need to ask for a K-cup carousel for Christmas to put on your counter to store your collection of K-cups. I get my kicks from twirling the thing around every morning and seeing all the different flavors of coffee/tea I get to chose from. Happy Birthday, Erin!!!
Happy Birhtday Erin !
Enjoy the trip. Look forward to seeing the pictures.
Happy early birthday- enjoy your trip! The Keurig will change your life-it’s amazing!!! Oh and the Green Mountain Gingerbread coffee is in stores now, i just picked up some from BB&B
Happy Happy Birthday! I am from the Asheville area! You are going to have the best time! Enjoy it Miss 11-11-11!! 🙂
I have that lens for my Rebel too and love it! You’re gonna get some amazing pictures! Have fun and happy birthday!
Have a great trip! I love coming home to a clean and organized house after a trip too!
We went to Asheville a few weekends ago! It was beautiful! Biltmore had just started decorating for Christmas! I’m sure by now it’s almost complete! Have fun! Definetely eat at tupelo honey. Yummmmmm
Happy birthday to you sweet Erin! You will love the Inn – we’ve stayed there in the fall, and it is fabulous!! I also have that same lens you bought on Amazon and it is great for up-close portraits! May you continue to be blessed!
Have fun! The Biltmore is absolutely gorgeous. Happy birthday Erin, I hope it’s wonderful.
You are gonna love that Keurig!