Raleigh

After being away from North Carolina for over 1.5 years, I had the chance to go back for a quick weekend visit to see my best friend. Was awesome catching up where we left off and hitting our hot spots. 

Duke Gardens

Azitra

Some axe throwing

I hit a bulls-eye on my last throw and it's even captured on video

Raleigh in the rearview

So a few weeks after moving out of our house, into a rental (gross AirBnB), many farewells, the kids finishing school it was time to hit the road. First stop was DC for a family wedding. This first leg of the road trip, Jeff drove with us, having flown back from SLC the night before. Goodbye Raleigh. It's been real. 

Friend farewell

Today we also had to say "bye for now" to our dearest friends in Raleigh. We've had loads of fun together in the past 2 years. Amazing how it seems like we've known them much longer than just these 2 years. But I am thankful that we met (connected with them via Kari) them on nearly day 1 and just clicked. 

Tough chick! (don't worry, it's a bb gun)

These 2 have had loads of laughs and fun together. Writing this now (nearly 2 months later), they have fun facetime calls together and it's as if they are in the same room. 

Aaron was spent. 

Raleigh farewell

Our last meal in our house in Raleigh. Similar to our first meal in our house, we ate picnic style. Instead of pizza, we had ramen.

We hit Duke Garden's as well on Mother's Day. Nice way to spend the day. 

Stud Bear

Preschool Mother's Day

Amidst the crazy of moving, Aaron's preschool class put on a nice Mother's Day program. It was very sweet, complete with kid made muffins for us. Was certainly a nice break from the hectic move and to get away from that chaos. Love this sweet little dude.

We moved out of the house on Mother's Day. A bit rough. We will miss this house. 

Moving

Moving day is upon us. Seems a bit surreal that we are actually moving after 2 years in Raleigh. But it's happening. And quickly as the movers pack up and load up in very short order. Whirlwind. 

This is what was left under the couch in the living room. Many, many marbles courtesy of Aaron. 

Staging ground

Empty and clean

Biking Raleigh

We took the whole family on the horse farm bike ride today. This time we were ready with carrots and apples to feed the horses. Unfortunately, the horses were far off in the fields and not close enough to feed. Scenic nonetheless. 

And Aaron with a chocolate croissant because we have little food in the house these days as we prep for moving so Whole Foods by school has been an easy stop for food / snack. 

Pullen Park Christmas celebration

The kids and I went over to Pullen Park for their annual (our first time) Christmas celebration days. They had a train ride, visits with Santa, crafts, reindeer food making, games, and all kinds of winter Christmas fun for the kids. We started off with a talk with Santa. And you can see the kids didn't cry at the sight of Santa. Aaron was very much like Ralphie on "Christmas Story" because he had to tell him that he wanted a "double blaster popper gun" (it shoots foam balls - but hey, you can still "shoot your eye out!"). We rode the train, went sledding, rode the carousel, played games, played on the playground, and had a good time getting in the holiday spirit. 

Springtime in Raleigh

Spring has arrived in Raleigh. 

Aaron's school had their jog-a-thon preschool style. 

Kyle and Aaron having a fun water gun fight in the yard. 

Aaron driving the digger

Emily driving the digger

Mom's visit

Mom & Mike came to town for a few days during their tour of the south. We had a great time with them during their brief visit. The kids especially loved having Grandma here. They barely left her alone for a second except to go to school.