Little Bit Country

Last weekend we headed out to the mountains to visit our family. Brannon is from a small town nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. The air is fresh. The people are honest. And the grass really is greener.

There is room for Abby to run. Zip lines and tree houses for Ben to explore. Space to just relax and take in the beauty of the country.

Brannon took Ben fishing for the first time this weekend. We practiced at Nana's first.

I love the intensity

I was told that we were heading out to a family friend's 'camp'. We drove deep into the mountains, on what can only be loosely described as 'roads'. Our van couldn't make it the whole the way. I spent most of the drive reminding Brannon that I highly doubted AAA would come out and tow us if we got stuck.

We ended our mildly terrifying trek at a lovely little pond filled with fresh mountain water that ran off into a bubbling creek.

No fish were caught but that might have been because Abby kept trying to swim out and eat the floater.

The water was freezing but that didn't seem to bother anyone.

Must be in their blood.

It was a great weekend filled with family. Five generations of family.

 Oldest and Youngest Balsleys.  91 years apart.

The real reason for our trip was to visit this amazing woman.  Brannon's grandmother, Nana, is as kind and thoughtful as they come.  She never ceases to amaze me....she'll remember every anniversary and half-birthday with a sincere card, show up at your graduation with homemade jams, custom made cupcakes and a thoughtful gift all while staying active at church, doing Meals on Wheels, winning trophies in her bowling league and taking care of her 91 year old mother-in-law.  The woman is a force of nature.  We are incredibly fortunate to have Nana in our lives and spent the weekend enjoying her company.

We had a lovely time and will be back for more soon.