North Carolina

With Jarrett taking off on two business trips within a week-and-a-half time period, I decided to load up the car with the girls, Merckx, and myself and head to North Carolina. We left on Wednesday, June 6, after spending that morning at Gabriela's (it was my day to help out -- parents were taking turns during the last two weeks since Grandma and Grandpa returned to Romania for the summer). We arrived to see my parents and brother in Charlotte that evening, just in time for dinner. We stayed there through Monday morning, and had a lovely time. Elsa and Merckx were able to enjoy the newly fenced backyard. Uncle Billy took Elsa out for a cookie and park date, which was nice for both Elsa and for Mommy. There was much jumping into Grandpa's lap. And Grandma only worked a half-day that Friday, so we were able to go to lunch and do a little shopping. My mom and I were also able to catch a movie, which is always a highlight for me (Snow White and the Huntsman, which was surprisingly good).

On Monday morning I loaded up the car again, this time sans Merckx, as he stayed behind with my parents (until Wednesday, when we met for dinner and transferred him back to my car), and we headed up the mountains to Lansing to stay with Kate and James for a couple of nights. It was fun seeing their house now furnished with all of the belongings that had been here in their Decatur home for all of our previous trips. Though they had only been moved for about two weeks, their house was already set up to be cozy and welcoming. We had a great time visiting... we were even able to visit with Grandad and Grandma Susan, who drove up and were there Monday when we arrived. We cannot wait to make it up there again in the future. I will have to be honest, though, and say that Kate and I are already planning our next girls' weekend there without children. We love them to pieces, but boy do they tire some mamas out.

Bouncy castle!

Feeding the fish.

Gardening.

It is rare to see the girl look so serious.

There we go!

Look at those teeth!

Sidewalk chalk -- Kate's drawing of Elsa and my drawing of Daddy.

Self-portrait and Elsa's drawing of Avie in my arms (or on my chest).

Fishing.