I just love taking road trips. I love them even more with my family in tow. Now that our kids are older and can go without naps it is so much easier. This new phase is quite nice! We’re finding that exploring new paths and places, trying new foods, and seeing more of our beautiful country makes us want to hit the road more and more.

A couple weekends ago we decided to do a semi-spontaneous trip down to visit my Aunt and Uncle in the hills of the Black Mountains of North Carolina. We’ve been wanting to visit them for years since they moved from Cincinnati, and we purposefully left a free fall weekend open in the hopes of getting away. Spending time with my Aunt & Uncle, and breathing in the fresh mountain air made for a great weekend, even if it did rain most of the time.

We took a day and explored around nearby Asheville, and also visited the “Old Timey Festival” in the town of Burnsville. We went to the town square and listened to Bluegrass music which included a 90 year old gentlemen playing the guitar! We drove up Mt. Mitchell and the kids made the quick hike up to the highest point East of the Mississippi. We got to see my Aunt’s art, and watch her work in her studio (post on this to follow!).

Here are some photos from our iphone (1st half) and then our bigger cameras:

Perhaps it will be as simple as a cup of hot tea, the roof over your head, a good meal, or your child’s hand in yours…

Perhaps it will be a call from a friend, the passing thought of a cherished memory, or seeing the face of someone you love.

No matter big or small, today, I hope that you have reason to smile.

(taken by @jesszwo on Instagram.)