New Hampshire vacation

This year our Gorney family vacation was a trip to the beautiful white mountains of New Hampshire.  The Thomas family generously opened up their incredible mountain house to our entire family - we are so thankful to them!  The trip started at the Charlotte airport where Dad recognized and eventually spoke with retired Steeler's football player, Rocky Bleier (this was after we watched him endure a pat down in security).  We flew to Boston and headed towards the mountains by car, guided by Ang's trusty GPS.  Well, that is until Dad demanded the GPS be turned off, then proceeded to take a wrong turn, pointing us straight back to Boston.  The mistake delayed us only about 30 minutes or so, and from there it was smooth sailing.  Thomas luckily slept through most of this ordeal.  I must say, he is overall an excellent traveler!

This trip was actually an exciting time for Thomas.  He had been on the brink of walking for a while but finally managed to take his first steps during the week!  Early one morning, mom and I were sitting in the living room with him when he just stood up, let go of everything, and took 3 steps.  It was amazing, and so hard to believe that he was actually starting to walk.  A few days later he took a few more steps...he still seemed pretty content to crawl and therefore walked sparingly, as he could move around much faster on 4 limbs (and we all know how important speed is to Thomas!). 

We spent the week tubing down the Pemigewasset River, hiking, relaxing in the hot tub, eating, and seeing the local sites.  Our first family hike was up a Loon mountain ski slope.  Thomas rode in his backpack, giving Trey a double workout.  Somehow, the two of them still beat everyone else to the top!  Once we all made it up, we ate lunch at a delicious cafe, checked out the views, and rode a gondola back down. 

On top of Loon Mountain

 The next hike was a biggie - the famous Mt. Washington - a cold, wet, difficult hike straight up a 6288 ft mountain, well beyond the tree-line.  Fortunately, we did not take the babies on this hike, but Mom, Dad, and Ang met us at the top with Thomas, Jack, and Olivia.  Despite the 30 degree temperature and raging winds, Thomas preferred to be outside - he is truly an outdoor kind of kid.  Unfortunately, due to terrible weather conditions, there was no view from the top of the mountain.  This truly saddened me, as everyone, and I mean everyone, should really see that view once in their life.   

Mt Washington...only "1 mile" to go!

Mt Washington...still only 1 mile to go

Mt Washington...really only 1 mile to go!

Our third hike was at the Flume Gorge - a gorgeous park!  We ended the week with a trip to Clark's Trading Post, well known for its bear shows and train rides.  Thomas loved the train ride, even when the crazy "wolf man" appeared ranting about NH politics.  The bear show was not quite as entertaining for him, although Trey and I enjoyed it!  A great time was had by the whole family on this vacation - we'll have to do it again sometime!

Flume Gorge

Train ride, see the wolfman?