Jennifer

Yeti Or Not Here We Come! {SMALLFOOT}

September 23, 2018 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

My oldest daughter, M, has a close group of friends. This group consists of four including two girls and two boys. They all lift each other up and push each other to live the best life. Each day on group chat, conversations are had about their faith, school, food, group outings, and etc. The bond is special between the four and it is a bond that is needed through the crucial teenage years. All four of them traveled across the globe this summer and I find it only fitting that they would all make plans to go see SMALLFOOT this week.

An animated adventure for all ages, with original music and an all-star cast, “Smallfoot” turns a myth upside down when a bright young yeti finds something he thought didn’t exist—a human.

News of this “smallfoot” throws the simple yeti community into an uproar over what else might be out there in the big world beyond their snowy village, in an all-new story about friendship, courage and the joy of discovery.

Friendships make the world better. This is a family-friendly movie that releases in theaters on September 28. Common Sense Media reports “Fun, feel-good animated musical offers positive messages.”

For tickets and showtimes in your area, please visit the Fandango website.

Take a Fall Road Trip Through Western North Carolina

September 18, 2018 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

My favorite time of the year is just around the corner. The leaves are starting to turn in Western North Carolina. The fall foliage is a beautiful scene and one that I do not want to miss each year. Pack a picnic and take a road trip to Jackson County in North Carolina to experience all the fall beauty. We have the perfect trip itinerary for you!

Bear Shadow

Jackson County is the only place in the country to see the fall phenomena known as the “Shadow of the Bear.” From mid-October to mid-November, when the sun sets behind Whiteside Mountain, its shadow casts the perfect image of a black bear over the mountain’s colorful landscape. Visitors can enjoy the shadow from a premium viewing spot at Rhodes Big View Overlook off Highway 64 between 5:30-6:00 p.m.

Panthertown Valley

Known as the “Yosemite of the East,” Panthertown Valley is a hiker’s paradise with more than 30 miles of backcountry trails and 12 waterfalls to discover along the way. The hiking trails offer rewarding views of the fall colors with stops overlooking valleys and 360-degree views of the stunning landscape coated in red, orange and yellow. Mountain bikers can also navigate the designated trails throughout Panthertown.

Whiteside Mountain

Whiteside Mountain is said to be one of the oldest mountains in the world, between 390 to 460-million-years-old, and is one of Jackson County’s most recognizable peaks, with its sheer, vertical cliffs that tower above the valley below. Scope out the fall foliage from a two-mile trail that crosses the Eastern Continental Divide, providing incredible views of the Appalachian Mountains with vibrant autumn shades. Hikers have a choice of reaching the summit via the gentler former roadway or using the more scenic, but steeper, trail, which includes lots of Forest Service-constructed stairways.

Blue Ridge Parkway – Waterrock Knob

Bordering 45 miles of Jackson County, the Blue Ridge Parkway is the must-see scenic drive in the fall with an explosion of color as far as the eye can see. The Waterrock Knob Overlook at mile 451.2 provides another spectacular view, offering a four-state panorama of the Great Smoky Mountains painted in fall colors. Leaf-seekers can also take the 1.2-mile hiking trail to the top of the knob, gaining 412 feet in elevation, to find even more breathtaking views.

Lake Glenville

One of the highest-elevation lakes east of the Rocky Mountains at 3,500 feet above sea level, Lake Glenville is also one of the largest lakes in the county. With an expansive 26 miles of shoreline, seven islands and three gorgeous waterfalls, the lake is a great stop along a fall road trip to see the colorful leaves’ reflection over the water while fishing or boating.

Watch Disney World’s ‘Mickey’s Boo-To-You’ Halloween Parade Live Sunday, Sept. 9

September 6, 2018 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

We have exciting news! Any time at Walt Disney World is magical but the fall season brings extra magic with all the fall decor and Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom!

“Mickey’s Boo-To-You” Halloween Parade will be shown live on the #DisneyParksLIVE stream series this Sunday, September 9 at 9:25 p.m. ET.

The parade, which can only be enjoyed on Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights and is a highlight of the event, features Haunted Mansion-themed floats, appearances by Disney characters in Halloween costumes and much more…it’s really “not-so-scary”!

To tune in, simply return to the Disney Parks Blog the night of the event. A fresh post will appear at the top of the blog for viewing – or you can watch on our Disney Parks Blog Facebook page or @DisneyParks on Twitter.

Horse (Equine) Therapy Brings a Smile to L’s Face!

September 5, 2018 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

Do you see that smile on our L’s face? That smile is priceless! We are coming up on the three-year mark of L’s diagnosis of eosinophilic esophagitis. The last three years of living on formula only and failed food trials have caused great anxiety to L. This past Spring, she was diagnosed with sensory processing disorder. Our sweet girl’s body is going through so much. Before her diagnosis, horse therapy was not even on my radar. If you do a quick google search, you will see horse therapy has been around for ages. The therapy works for patients dealing with chronic illnesses, autism, sensory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, and the list continues onward.

The progress in L is amazing. She is learning how to deal with her anxiety and sensory issues. The doctors hope that by getting these two things under control, she will be able to tackle food trials better and not be scared to move forward with trying new foods. When I came home from work this evening, L greeted me at the door and talked non-stop about her therapy session. The joy in her voice proves how much the therapy is working. Also, her therapist has created a great bond with L which was huge for us. L does not let her guard down often but we see how she beams with the therapist.

Most insurances will cover this type of therapy under occupational therapy. Start a conversation with your child’s medical professional and then talk to your insurance. We will continue to update about progress, but at this moment, I am a very happy mom to see my daughter smiling so much again. Feel free to reach out with any questions.

We continue to pray each night in our family prayers that L will see a cure soon!

Family Fun at Xtreme Park Adventures (Durham, NC)

August 27, 2018 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

What do you do when a doctor appointment is extremely stressful? You toss the worries out the window for a little bit and drive to the Xtreme Park Adventures in Durham, NC! We enjoy experiencing family fun adventures, so we were happy to accept the invitation from the host at Xtreme Park Adventures. It was the best medicine for us that afternoon.

There are many activities to experience from gem mining to the escape room. Our family experienced three of the activities at the park.

Gem mining was first on our “bucket” list. Each family member received their own pail filled with dirt and sparkling gems. You will be surprised at all the precious gems and you may even walk away with your birthstone. I know I did!

Hubby and M are two very analytical people that love to analyze every situation. This was the perfect pair to experience the escape room. Let me just say, this was their first time in an escape room and now they are eager to try the bigger one at the park. The word on the street is that only four people have successfully escaped the bigger room. Hubby and M say challenge accepted!

Our last adventure of the day was tackling the challenging rope course. Our family of four was all “we got this” until our eight feet stepped onto the first deck. I stood there in awe, Hubby said, what the heck, I’m going, M started tackling one course and then said nope, changing courses, and L said I will just stay right here with my feet firmly planted. You will have to watch the below video to check out Hubby owning the course.

Pack the family up for a morning or afternoon and explore the park. Just a warning as there will be many laughs, smiles, and family bonding!

There is so much more to experience at this park nestled off the main road. You will forget you are near a big city! Schedule your family for a great adventure soon at the Xtreme Park Adventures!

Jennifer

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