There's so much to update here, but we'll start with NC. As I type this, I'm sitting on our balcony at Shell Island Resort, enjoying the morning. The shore birds are chattering, waves are lapping against the shore, two dolphins just poked up out of the water - no, make that three.... More? Actually, I think there are a lot of them out there right now! It's such a sight. I'd grab my camera, but they're too far away to get a good shot. Two more surfers just arrived at the beach. The sun is just finishing its morning rise and there's still some gorgeous red sky off the coast.
Our vacation started with the drive from Philly to Raleigh on Sunday the 27th. That evening, we were able to meet up with Teri, Jordan, and kids. Had dinner and a wonderful visit with them. They're looking forward to us moving down here so they have family around. We feel the same! They're such great people and the kiddos are adorable. The girls love playing with each other and I can see the little men having a LOT (and getting into a lot of mischief) in a year (get them out of the baby stage first! LOL)
Monday morning, we went to Pullen Park - the first public park in NC. It was a lot of fun! A train ride, 1915 carousel, kiddie boat ride (the kind they sit in and go around in circles) - allfor a buck each. We could have gone paddle boating for a half hour for $5. Cheap entertainment! The playground area was divided into two sections - on was well shaded and the other had an old rail car and swings.
After the park, we drove to Holly Springs, where we stayed with my parents' friends, Pat & Wayne. Pat was a gracious hostess! She fed us lunch after our arrival, and then took us on a tour of Holly Springs. Dinner that night was grilled chicken, grilled veggies, beer bread, and a delicious salad with blueberries and strawberries in it. It was so nice to visit with her and Wayne that evening. Mike and Wayne got along well and most of their evening after dinner was spent lounging in the recliners with a drink in their hand. :)
Tuesday, she took us on a tour up to Apex, just north of Holly Springs. Another nice town. Main Street was charming and there were a lot of new developments around. We also were able to see some of Fuquay-Varina on Wednesday, which is the town Mike & I think would be the right spot for us. It's still pretty rural, but it's growing every day. The homes in the developments were wonderful and a great price.
Michaela and Ava made some new friends, too. Three little girls next door to Pat & Wayne. They had a nice time playing together, between rolling the balls on the pool table around to playing with the American Girl dolls Pat had to "cooking" with the play dishes to running across the front yard while the sprinklers were on.
Wednesday afternoon found us driving to Wrightsville Beach. We arrived around 4pm (2 hours from Raleigh to the beach). Got settled in our suite and then drove into Wilmington to have dinner at Scott & Michaela's house. Michaela, Ava and Soen were very excited to be reunited and had a great time playing together. Logan smiled whenever he saw Sadie - you know how he is when he sees a pretty girl!
Since our arrival here, it's been pretty much beach or pool time, with some time set aside for that necessity - food. We've gotten to see Scott & Michaela every day, with a lot of time for the kids to play together. It's our last day here, so we're going to enjoy it as much as we can. Tonight will be dinner at a local bbq place. Mmm... NC bbq... Who wouldn't want that??
Tomorrow morning, we'll check out of the hotel and start our long drive to Ocean City, MD. We'll be there through Friday, when we leave to come home.
Overall, the trip has definitely encouraged us with our move. We love the area and it was nice to see the home you can get for your money. Hopefully, we can get it all planned out and move down here soon.
I'll post pictures later after I download them onto the computer.
