The Cliffs

One of our favorite trips of the year so far was this April when we were able to travel to the Cliffs in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ben's dad's company has become the sole owner and manager of the Cliffs communities and we had been dying to go see some of the properties we had heard so much about. 

Nan and Pops had every bit of our weekend planned out so that we could get as much out of our time there as possible - and they did NOT disappoint! 

When we pulled in on Friday, we spent the evening at an amazing outdoor pavilion overlooking a lake where we cooked dinner, went fishing, paddled in the canoes, and made s'mores. Grandmerle and Pop Pop even made the drive to hang out with us for dinner :) 

The next day, the boys got up bright and early for 18 holes of golf. Pops came through with an awesome surprise at lunch - Matt Kuchar in the house! 

While the boys played golf, the girls and the kids drove to Greenville, SC where we went to the zoo! The kids were in heaven!

While the kids napped, Nan had arranged for me to get a massage!! Who am I am what life was I living? 

After lunch and naps, we headed to the indoor pool where Liam went NUTS. He loved the water and thought he was hot stuff after Nan taught him how to put his head under for the first time! 

That night, the treats kept coming. We had dinner as a family in our very own private room at the club where we were spoiled rotten. I'm not sure we looked the part, or that the kids were on their best behavior, but we had so much fun being together! 

The next morning, we made a big breakfast at the house before heading to the chapel at Glassy Mountain. It was gorgeous and such a great way to end an amazing weekend together.

We took a picnic up to an outdoor patio beside the chapel and got to take in the beautiful mountain views one last time before heading home.

Thank you, Nan and Pops for such an incredible weekend. We can't wait to do it again soon!! 

Easter 2014

The Branch family had high hopes for a sunny Easter weekend with the whole clan at the beach this year. Sadly, much like last year, the beach weather disappointed and after staying for a day of rain and a bored 1 year old, we decided to call it.

We loaded up and headed home to Raleigh where we regrouped.

Well, it was raining in Raleigh too but thankfully my parents came through with a plan to go to their country club for a big Easter celebration which included horseback riding, an Easter egg hunt, hay rides, and a big buffet lunch.

On Sunday morning, we were able to go worship at our church and afterwards meet with family one last time for a big lunch before the Cravens and Jamie had to head out of town. 

We had one happy boy - even if the Easter bunny did leave him toothbrushes and toothpaste :) 

backyard babes.

:: a preview of summer ::

At the end of March, we finally escaped the freezing cold winter for a glimpse into summer time living with a trip to Atlantic Beach!

The first day and a half was a girls trip with my mom, Julia, and I running the show for the 3 kids. Well, really my mom was the only one any of the kids were interested in, which was FINE by us :)

Ben was the first dad to arrive and the next day we spent all morning playing on the beach in our pajamas!

Liam felt like such a big boy trying to keep up with his favorite girls and even sat still by himself for a picnic lunch date! 

Before we said bye to my mom and welcomed Ben's parents, Austin, Braxton, and the Andrews - we had a little more play time on the beach. 

It got pretty serious: 

The next morning, Ben and Ann briefly lost their minds and decided to run in a half marathon that neither of them had trained for, on a freezing cold rainy day. Austin and Big Rob went to support while the Albrittons, Andrews, Liam and I headed to the NC Aquarium. 

After some good naps for the kids and some major recovery time for the 2 runners, we all headed to dinner at the Ruddy Duck. 

The Wright brothers have charmed their way into these 2 hearts forever:

And Liam has developed some SERIOUS heart breaking crushes on 2 older Albritton women. If I had to choose, I'd say Maggie was in the lead right now...this happened a lot:

A long weekend with some of our favorite people in the world was perfect. We had so much fun and can't wait to do this trip again when it's actually summer!