Eight Years and Counting

February 20, 2003. That is a date I will always remember. As corny as it may sound, I married my best friend on that day. Eight years later I love and respect him even more that I did the day I married him. Can you believe it has been eight years! Really! Where does the time go? Cameron and I have had our ups and downs, but I guess that is what keeps things interesting. Right!

So Cameron and I decided to take a trip this year for our anniversary (maybe I decided this, but he did not complain. LOL!) I have wanted to see the Biltmore Estate for years. After hinting, subtly and not so subtly, I decided that now seemed like a good time to take a trip so I made it happen. We had a wonderful time in Asheville, NC, we ate lots of great local food and to our surprise got in a workout.

First, we visited the Biltmore Estate, built by George Vanderbilt, on Friday. Wow! How impressive is this place. I mean it was built in 1895 and this guy thought of everything! Even an indoor pool and bowling alley! Can you imagine growing up with this place as your home? How about having this home as part of your family legacy? Just to run around and play on the grounds of this huge property is an adventure in itself. There are so many rooms in this house, 250 to be exact, that a kid could go wild with imagination. This property was originally 120,000 acres until 1915 when Edith Vanderbilt sold nearly 87,000 acres of land to the federal government in order to preserve the forest. This place is very extravagant and so very impressive, but I guess when you've got it, you've got it! Sadly, it was not very pretty out as it is winter time. Nothing was in bloom so we did not walk through the garden, which is impressive all on its own. I would love to go back in the spring or fall just to enjoy the gardens and views of the mountains. Maybe one day.....

As you can clearly see the wind was not kind to my hair! It was an ongoing issue! LOL!

This house is built in stone and each carving was done by hand! Can you imagine the time it took to do all these carvings. Every corner is filled with intricate details. Very impressive!

On Saturday we ventured to Chimney Rock (not to be confused with "chimney rock" at Lake Martin) with the intention to hike up to the highest point. However, Chimney Rock was closed so we just hiked to Hidden Falls. That was a workout! I think maybe I should hike more often to boost my endurance! My leg muscles hurt for like three days! It did not seem to effect Cameron. It was a nice day, but still quite windy.

All in all, we had a great time and made memories to last a lifetime. I am so thankful that Cameron and I had the opportunity to celebrate our commitment to each other. So here's to many more years together and all the memorable moments in our future. I love you, Cameron!

XOXO Pamela