Tents & Mansions

Last weekend we took a camping trip to Oconee County and Sumter National Forest in the Northwest corner of SC. We were a few miles from the NC and GA borders. The first night it poured rain all night. We were able to set up the tent, fix a quick meal, and start a little fire before the heavens opened up on us. So we retired to the tent earlier than we had originally intended. The next day was filled with hiking in the beautiful Sumter National Forest searching for waterfalls. We found two gorgeous falls during our trip - King Creek Falls & Blue Hole Falls. It was pretty hot that day so we took some time to play in the water and cool off!

King Creek Falls

Blue Hole Falls

Tired dogs after a day of hiking

Cara's boyfriend ( & now fiance) joined us in Greenville for the 4th of July weekend. Thursday night we went to a Greenville Drive baseball game and showed him around downtown. On Saturday we took a trip to Asheville, NC and visited the Biltmore House. The Biltmore House is the largest single family dwelling in the United States - 175, 000 square feet, 250 rooms, 99 bedrooms, 42 bathrooms, indoor swimming pool & bowling alley, library, observatory...you get the picture! It was built in the early 1900s by the Vanderbuilt Family when most people didn't have indoor plumbing or electricity, the Biltmore House and both and much more! Needless to say, the house and estate grounds were immaculate and it was a very memorable experience! The 8,000 acre grounds also include many beautiful gardens, ponds, walking trails, a farm, and a winery so it was definitely a busy day to see it all! After such a busy day, we took Sunday to just relax at the pool, barbeque, and watch fireworks with some neighbors. As we celebrate this 4th of July, we want to thank all of our friends and family who have served or are still serving in the military and help us maintain our independence in this great country! God Bless you All!

The newly engaged couple! Congrats Matt & Cara!

View from one of the Biltmore House's balconies

Matt, Cara, David, & Cori in front of the largest house in America

We have also found out last week that David got a job as an Industrial Engineer with Michelin and will be starting in August. He will be working at a different plant than Cori and his plant will be supplying the rubber products used in the tire making process. We have been very blessed and appreciate everybody's prayers and support. David is still working to finish his PhD but the opportunity for a position at such a great company was something that he couldn't pass up.