Biltmore Estate with Mom

When my mom was here (was it really only two weeks ago?!) we decided to go to Biltmore Estate in Asheville.  It's only about 1.5 hours from where we live and my mom hadn't been since I was a little girl...I think I was 8 or 9, maybe? Strange to think about since my oldest is now 9 going on 10! =)

Back in February when my hubby and I came together for a day, he decided to just get season passes, since at that time it was not much more than regular ticket prices.  I'm so glad we did too, because it's the perfect place for a day trip!

Since the Estate restaurants can be a little pricey when you've got four kids in tow, we decided to take a picnic lunch.  There are so many beautiful places around the Estate and we chose a spot by a large pond.  (Or is it a lake?  I'm not sure!)

We had a really beautiful view of the house from there!

 At first there were just a few geese interested in our lunch.  But then they alerted their friends.  It was hilarious!!  They were coming from all over, speeding on the water like this.

She sat on a rock to eat her apple and here comes little brother to sit with his arm around her.  Loved watching this. =)

 Miss Lucy LOVES animals so she was ecstatic about all the "kickies" (she kept calling them chickies) around.  

And by the way, this is my favorite outfit of hers right now.  These little leggings with pink buttons on the side slay me.

 It's against the rules to take pictures in the house, but this was on the balcony and we had permission so of course I had to whip out the phone.

 Do any of you get as much of a kick as I do from your parents trying to be tech-savvy?  There's just something about watching my mother take pics with her smartphone and then with her camera that cracks me up.  Watching her text makes me laugh, too.  

Sorry, Mom. It's true.  But you know I love you. ;)

 I just love that she put matching styles of hairbows in her and Rosie's hair.  (Rosie is her AG doll she got for Christmas)  I'm so thankful that she's still 9 going on 10, instead of 9 going on 16, you know?  

The gardens at Biltmore are amazing.  I could have taken pictures of flowers and plants for hours!!

A sweet Russian woman asked me to take her picture on this bench and then offered to take ours. (This is in the greenhouse.)

I seriously could take pictures here all. day. long.  There is so much beauty.  But most of these architectural pics throughout this post are just things I was able to snap as we walked along.

There is a place on the estate called Antler Village, which has a barnyard for kids, restaurants, and other neat attractions.  This blacksmith shop is located near some of the old stables.  We were able to watch this man make a keychain from start to finish the old-timey way.  He explained everything he was doing and it was SO neat.  We all really enjoyed watching it.  

Wish I had a better picture, but this is the keychain he made. It's a curled leaf with a tiny detailed pattern on it.  Very, very beautiful!

They were prepping for a wedding reception in one of the old stables.  Wouldn't you just love to have a party in there?

 The old tractors and wagons are always a hit, and of course, Lucy was over the moon about the animals.  This was a 6 day old baby goat named Otto. 

That was such a great day...the time with my mom and family, the beautiful weather, and all the kids were sweet and well behaved. Just hoping it's not another whole year before I see my mom again.  Goodness, it is hard living far apart!

But I'm still thankful for the time we had and the memories made and bazillions of pictures taken. =) 

And if you're ever close to Asheville, just GO to Biltmore.  Hope you love it as much as I do.