We tried to keep the day low-key - just the 3 of us, opening 1-2 presents per day - but Isaac was still a bit overwhelmed by the end of his birthday. I think he was also wondering what the big deal was - why we kept saying "happy birthday" and telling him how big he was. But he did discover that he really likes opening presents. The first one came after breakfast, a starter train set from Mama and Dada. The only things Isaac likes more than trains are firetrucks, and it's a close call.
While at Yellow Mountain, we got out every morning for something fun, and we let Isaac pick today. I'd been trying to ask him all weekend what he wanted to do on his birthday, but with little response. Today when I asked, he said, with no hesitation: "Go Bald."
Oh, what better answer is there...There's certainly no place I'd rather be. And he even said it again for emphasis. As we were packing our backpacks, he did add: "Go Bald, eat crackers." But I'll take it.
Below, pointing to the short trail up to the mountaintop.
And coming out of the woods, into the clearing...
It poured rain every afternoon, and this morning the clouds were already building. Most days there was lightning and that beautiful rolling, long thunder that echoes off the mountainsides and through the valleys.
But there was no lightning yet. In the distance, Adam was far ahead of me even with a 29-lb kid on his shoulders.
But then again, I was taking my time...gathering material for future paintings or just staring at the view and feeling that utter peace that comes to me in this place.
Cracker stop.
Just over this mountain is Tennessee.
Exploring, as the clouds leave a patchwork of shadows across the hills. This spot is at about 5500 feet, so pretty similar to where we live.
There's no place in the world like this.
We made Isaac a special treat for lunch: real grilled cheese (with tomato). Adam cooked one for each of us - yum.
Hiking on the Bald, a new train set, a special lunch, and this strange day called a birthday - exhausted already.
Isaac likes cake pretty well, but he loves pie. And his very favorite fruits are melons (not so good in pie) and peaches. My mom got us a whole peach basket full of dripping, juicy, impossibly sweet SC peaches. So I made Isaac peach pie for his birthday. It was only my second attempt at a double crust, but it's actually pretty easy, just a little time-consuming.
Pouring rain outside, peach pie and a big candle inside. Isaac managed to blow it out by himself!
Below, the view from the deck after the rain...like a cloud forest.
