This past week, for a few days, I was able to make a trip to North Carolina to see my parents. Last time I saw them was when we went to DC last June, and that is way too long to not have a hug from my parents. I was excited to go out, a little nervous to travel alone, but couldn't wait. I didn't realize just how much I needed a little work break and to see my parents. I've always been close with them, and over a year without seeing them was a lot. The flights were good and easy. Going to a two hour time difference is semi harder than I thought. I wasn't there long enough to get used to it, but the weird sleep schedule was totally worth it. I can't wait for January to see them again when they get home.
This was at the Charlotte airport. It felt like the most Southern thing; white rocking chairs just looking out a window, and most were full of people.
They had a meeting near-ish to the airport, so my flight worked perfectly. This isn't the day they got me but still good pictures. Mom and I stayed up until 11 or 12 their time talking. I love long talks with both of them. Dad and I talked the whole way from their house to my hotel the day I left.
We went to Blue Ridge Mountains and Cone Manor. Boise is known to be the 'city of trees', but they are miss named. There were trees here with a few houses and building added where they could. I'd love to see the fall colors in person, but the green was SO perfect. Pictures don't do it justice at all. All of the look outs you can see for miles and miles. Unlike in Idaho, the trees go to the top and over. We have peaks here and they have rolling mountains filled with green trees. There were a few spots you could see houses, but until winter when the leaves are gone, you can't see most of the houses on the hills. My kind of living.
This is Cone Manor. This guy had a lot to do with some of the development of Boone, and he did an amazing job. He created 3 or 4 ponds around his property too. Once he passed, he donated it to so everyone could enjoy it.
This is the house he built.
Right around his house are the Blue Ridge Mountains. They look blue when off in the distance. And again, pictures don't do it justice. I don't know how far you can see, but its a long distance.
It was cut out but elevation there was 4356.
A member of their ward carves these for a park near and for people to buy. He does it all with a chainsaw. How? I'm not sure, but they are all impressive.
Their backyard, and front yard is just wilderness. Really everyone's yard is, and you see deer a lot. These were pretty much right outside their side door.
This day we also went to Bolder Rock, a little town with a lot of fun shops. One was a jerky shop with some interesting and not appetizing types of jerky.
Mom and I had a girls pampering night. Snacks, movie and spa. Don't we look cute?
The next day we went to OZ. There is a sort of theme park that is based on the Wizard of OZ. The cast was really talented, the scenery was really nice and put together well, it was built with the mountain, but too many people going through at once made it hard to hear and see some of the acts. And it was a lot of walking, I didn't get a new knee 3 weeks ago and it was a lot. It was a fun experience but don't think I'd do it again.
Even the shuttle drivers got into the spirit.
You pretty much go through the movie on this walking path.
This was added as a memorial to Judy Garland.
Walking down hill on a new knee was not the best feeling for mom. It was nice to be able to help her a little, after all she's helped me my whole life.
You start in Kansas and move through each place.
Dorothy sang her song, talked to the Professor and then the storm started. You went through the house and then down some stairs to the tornado. It was really cool to walk through. Once out of that you walked back through the house but it was put through the storm.
You walk into munchkin land and meet the 3 friends she meets. The lion was my favorite.
The Winkie guards were my second favorite. They stayed in character so well. Mom had her own sword, they tried to recruit her, but she declined.
After you made your way to Oz. When it was first opened, you could actually ride a balloon, but that no longer is there.
Before you go to the final part, you can go on an observation deck. It was 127 steps. Dad and I did that, save moms knee a little bit. It was beautiful, and again, you can see for miles. While not as bad as the steps of DC, it was still a decent climb.
I did not notice the wizard of Oz walking up behind us. So for me it was just me and mom, then I turn around and he is there. It startled me a bit, but was also funny.
The end was good as well, she gets home if you didn't know. We were all tried after walking all afternoon, but it was still good.
On the way back to Charlotte we stopped at Hwy 55 for dinner. Rosey brought out dinner out to us. It was pretty cool to see.
I wish I had more PTO to use and time there but really it was the best time. Lots of talking and seeing around what they are doing. I went to RS with mom and every ward member told me they are keeping them and not letting them leave. They loved all they are doing for the YSA group and the ward members too. Funny story to end it. The first morning I go to shower, turn the water on, get ready and get in, close the curtain and a spider, I'd say about the size of a 50 cent piece falls into the tub. I am not a spider fan at all, and can't help but freak a little and so I make a noise and get out of the tub, shower still going. I didn't know what to do and my body was not going near the bath. Thankfully dad heard me and had mom check on me. She asked if I was okay and told her what it was. I put a towel on and went to another room while dad got a paper towel to kill the offender. It was one of the quickest wash and dries I have done in a while. The next day, before locking the door, I checked for another friend. Thankfully none were there. I for one can't wait to see them again in January when they get home.
