Weekend in the Mountains

We took a weekend vacation with some friends to Helen, GA to celebrate Oktoberfest 2009. We stayed in a 3-story "cabin" which had 3 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, 5 flat screen TVs, a basement with air hockey & pool table and a hot tub on the back deck. It was perfect for the 9 of us.

Our friends, Rob and Diane have 3 kids. The oldest (Kaden & Kylie) played so well with Lauren and Tyler that we've decided to always bring K & K along on all our vacations. =)

Here the kids sit at their own table and (reasonably) behave themselves

at the Old Bavaria Inn Restaurant.

At night the couples had their own bedroom and the kiddos all shared the third. Lauren and Kylie had the bed while Tyler and Kaden shared an air mattress. This arrangement was amazing. Matt and I got to sleep in until 8:30! thanks to 8-year-old Kaden who entertained the younger three when they woke up. Thank you Kaden!

Saturday we explored the Main Strasse and enjoyed the beautiful, "warm with a touch of crisp" Fall weather.

Tyler and his flower balloon

Lauren, posing like always
Kaden with sword, and Tyler with flower--
ready to defend.


Lauren in the sky

We found a super cool park during our exploration of Helen.

see Tyler running up the path?

Although I'm not a fan of the Fall (solely due to my strong aversion to Winter) I have to admit we saw some beautiful and breath-taking views this weekend.

Saturday night we hung out at our cabin. Dave and Susan also happened to be up in Helen this same weekend so we invited them over for some conversation, drinks and a couple games of pool. 12-month-old Eric had fun playing with 11-month-old Karter (Rob and Diane's youngest.) I wish I had some pictures of those two toddling around.

That night we took advantage of the full kitchen at our cabin and made Baked Ziti, Caprese Salad, Green Salad and Garlic Bread.

On our way out of town on Sunday we checked out Anna Ruby Falls.
Anna Ruby...here we come.

Karter naps for part of the hike.

Lauren requested a picture.

our vacation companions

beautiful Anna Ruby

Tyler was so excited at the Falls he gave me nose kisses.

and some snuggles for Daddy

Lauren and Kylie

After Anna Ruby Falls we parted ways with our friends and started to head home. On our way we stopped at Brasstown Bald. We parked in the parking lot and then hiked the 6/10 of a mile up to the top. Tyler insisted on piggy-backing with Matt while Lauren walked 3/4 of the way all by herself. (This was quite a steep trail.) The last 1/4 of the hike Matt had Lauren on his back and I chugged along with Tyler on mine.

Here we are when we made it to the top. The Forest Ranger let Lauren wear her hat for the photo.

views from the highest point in Georgia

you can see the parking lot below

the family and a view to the NorthWe had a fantastic time this weekend and I highly suggest the Georgia Mountains as a weekend get-a-way. Or a seriously long get-a-way for all of our out-of-state friends and family.