While we were in Europe, the boys together with my parents called it “Grammy and Pea Camp.” This is all the fun things they wrote by my mother!
This post was written by my mom, Barbara!
When the maze asked us to stay with us this summer in Hillsboro for two weeks, I said, “Yes!” Of course, Birch will also be there. Cass hears the plan and immediately suggests that she and Thomas head for Europe.
As the visit approached, I began to worry about entertaining 6 and 12 years olds for that long, especially in the summer, as North Carolina is so hot. Thanks to the enormous help and plans of my husband, Cliff and good fortune, the visit disappeared spectacularly.
Harry Potter theme
This summer, the maze had a bit of a Harry Potter theme since reading the book! Every summer I had my maze choose a LEGO set for him to visit. Birch has also got one. The maze sailed quickly. Soon, Hogwarts appeared on the coffee table.
The maze found a way to make Hogwarts shine on the living room wall at night.
He demanded ingredients to make butter beer. Sweet but tasty!
I saw four Harry Potter movies during my visit. The maze was quite patient for me, explaining the plot and more complicated characters.
Grammy toast
Birch loves what he calls “Grammy Toast.” He has loved pushing vintage happy faces since his mother’s childhood.
Art Share
Birch enjoyed reading David Perham’s creepy bug pop-up book, Vintage, showing him his kindergarten art collection.
Enoriver State Park
Our first adventure was a visit to a few Fords at Eno River State Park. The rocks at the bottom can be difficult, but with the water shoes the boys managed pretty well. There are also some great hiking trails.
Life and Science Museum
The Life Science Museum in Durham is perfect for kids. The boys loved insects, especially cockroaches.
Train rides, dinosaur trails, tree houses, streams, butterfly houses, fog pads, and animals were also big hits.
Durham Bulls
The next night we cheered on the Durham Bulls. Both boys wore the shirts they chose before the game.
The Bulls lost, but the Maze and Birch could see the bull ringing as the home run left the park.
Visit to Charlotte
Cliff and I had the fact that in our home the straight might tire us all, so we planned an adventure in the mountains of North Carolina. Along the way we stopped by Charlotte with Cousins Emerson and Avery overnight. The kids went wild until I called out to my boss grandma. Here we are in Resident Culture, a brewery not too far from Laura’s house where we had dinner.
Blowing the North Carolina Rock
The next day we set out to blow the rocks. The cabin cliffs that were rented were just the right size for the four of us.
Birch loved the swing on the pouch.
The maze was pleased with the cool 2nd floor loft.
On our first night we had a delicious dinner at Mellow Mushrooms in Downtown Blowing Rocks. We then visited a playground in the town centre.
Tweetsie Railroad
The next morning we set out for North Carolina legend: Tweetsie Railroad.
I took Cass and Laura to Tweetsea in the 80s and loved to be back with the next generation. The boys were immediately taken to prison.
Birch has become brave enough to ride some of the kids’ rides himself.
The petting zoo was a lot of fun. In particular, we met this goat who managed to slid down the fence and greeted us on a flag rock path.
When asked what his favorite part of the day was, both boys answered: Get on the train!
Jewelry bread
The next day, upon request, we went to the playground again. We then set out for bread for a jewel in Prospector Hill Gem Mining. It’s not cheap, but this is a great kids activity. The boys left with beautiful rock bags.
When we returned to Hillsboro, our final activities included a film and a fun visit with Grandma Bonnie. Bonnie is the wife of Don Monson, the late great grandfather of the maze.
Before we knew it, Cass and Thomas were at home. Birch welcomed them in front of them with a wonderful stick he found in the woods near our home.
Sorry I didn’t take any photos of European travelers. We loved hearing about their adventures and talking about our adventures.
The next morning we said goodbye as they were all back in Charlottesville. The boys seemed really grateful for the time we spent together. And what an honor we had such a happy day with them!
