Mom visited! & Bryson got shaved!

My Mom came to visit me!  How awesome! She lives 12 hrs away in Louisiana but had a conference in Charlotte NC, so after that was done she rented a car and cruised on over for a visit.  She got in town Thursday night and left Sunday morning.  I was lucky to get Friday off so we could spend a good two whole days together!  We got an early start on Friday and headed to Knoxville.  We found a delicious bakery, walked and shopped Market Square, and had lunch at Tupelo Honey Cafe.  It was so pleasant and Market Square has really taken off lately and is filled with shops and restaurants.

After we were all shopped out we headed to the boat so I could give the grand tour.  Neither mom nor myself grew up around boats so I imagine that I was just as awkward stepping onto Erik’s old sailboat the first time as she was getting on Ragnarok.  I think she liked it.. maybe not for her, but she likes it for me.  It’s great to have support from your parents even if it’s not what they would have done.  Storm clouds rolled in quick though and we didn’t get to spend too much time aboard.  Plus Erik was at home transitioning from night shift back to days so he wasn’t there to check on a bajillion things.  We stopped at The Shrimp Dock on the way home for some sushi grade fish for dinner: homemade sushi!

Yum!  It was so tasty!  It was really great getting to spend some mommy/daughter time together.  And it was fun getting to cook together!  With our location of being in the middle of nowhere, we decided to spend the evenings at home cooking healthy meals.  Mom has always loved eating healthy and taught me how to cook beans (we only have one bowl left btw mom!) and we had a nice healthy picnic planned for our Saturday adventure.  Hummus, carrots, celery, PB&J, leftover sushi.  Our Saturday adventure involved a day trip down to Coker Creek Falls.

Mom said she wanted to do a little bit of hiking and wanted to see some waterfalls.  Well lucky for her that is one of my favorite activities! We drove out to the remote spot and started walking.  Bryson got to come too! Within a short walk we arrived at the gorgeous falls.  It is so serene and tranquil.  I’m so glad I was able to show her this slice of heaven.

Awesome panoramic shot of the falls

And since we were within close proximity we drove to Bald River Falls and Baby Falls.  Breathtaking as always.

Monore Co. finest: Bald River Falls

Mom and Bryson were both exhausted on the drive home.  Mom fell asleep mid conversation with me lol.  We had a great time.

Awesome moss and red fruiting bodies!

Bryson got shaved!!!!!   I knew mom was coming to town and wanted him to get cleaned up and according to the poll he needed a shave! He looks so different and a little silly, but I’m glad I finally did it!  His first shave of his life (he’s officially 5 now).  

It was so nice and relaxing having her stay with us and I am so glad I got to show her the house, the boat, and the mountains.  It’s neat to realize how much you resemble your parent when you spend some time together.  I can only hope I will evolve into a healthy eating, early rising, hardworking woman one day.  I can’t wait until our next visit.