travel recap (sorry, it's kinda long)

So, I kinda forgot to update you on our travels.  The trip a couple of weeks ago was definitely a whirlwind.  We started our trip with a 7-hour delay in Boston.  Yikes.  Let's just say that 7 hours in Logan Airport...not my favorite thing.

Once in Raleigh, we got our rental car and headed to Archdale.  From there, it was dinner with my parents and grandparents.  We went to barbeque, of course.  It's #1 on our list of foods we must eat everytime we're back in the South.  Topped off with banana pudding, blackberry and strawberry cobbler and ice cream...yum!  Hanging out with my grandparents was nice.  They've been married 62 years this year.  Isn't that awesome?  I love them.

The next day, we spent with my mom on our first venture into the world of maternity clothes.  I admit, I was a little skeptical.  I kept picturing moo-moos and tent-like flowy fabric.  I'm glad to say, I was wrong.  I never knew that clothes with no buttons, no zippers, and elastic waists could be so nice!  Next it was dinner with more family and then a minor league baseball game.  The Hi-Toms won, but I have to say the highlight for me was watching my 6-year-old niece roll down a hill over and over.  Ah, to be a kid again.

Saturday, we headed to Winston to meet up with Justin's parents who came into town for a night.  We eventually found ourselves in BabiesRUs where we checked out carseats, strollers, and baby furniture.  The more interesting thing was talking to all the salespeople who were men.  I had no idea there were so many males in the baby stuff world.  One of the guys is the father of the largest twins born in NC a few weeks ago.
Two babies totaled 23 pounds!  Double YIKES.

That night, we went back to First Pres for our friends' wedding.  

It was so fun.  We saw tons of old friends and loved watching Austin and Erin commit their lives to each other.  Their wedding was full of personality, a favorite part being Austin's rendition of "When Love Comes to Town" as the bridesmaids walked in.

Sunday, we had breakfast with the folks (notice how we eat alot when we're with family?), then we were off to church.  Lunch with friends who were all back in town for the wedding, then a nice visit with the Hamers and we finally got to meet Kathleen!  It was so great to see them and to hear how life is with a newborn.  Later, we headed over to the Ledford house and had a little time to catch up.

And just like that, our time in NC was over.  We got up the next morning and drove to Raleigh, boarded a plane, and landed in Orlando all by 1:20pm.  We went to lunch and headed straight to The Gathering to meet with Larry to talk about the possibility of starting a ministry in NC.  Dinner was with Mary Beth, a longtime friend from Winston, and her fiance, Eric who live in Florida.  They're getting hitched in October, so we had to check out Eric to see if we approve.  Fortunately for him, we do!  :-)

Okay, I'm getting tired and thinking you're probably tired of reading this, so I'll speed it up.  We spent the next day at a men's ministry luncheon, in meetings (Justin) and working (Holly).  A dinner party graciously hosted by the Sterchis, Lindsay and Elliott's parents, was thrown so we could see some new and old friends from the Orlando area.  It was great to stay with Kent and Michelle and to meet E & L's puppy, Ridley.

He's a few months old and has humongous paws. They're planning on taking him down to the DR soon where he'll have fun chasing chickens and little kids, I'm sure.

We also got a chance to see Nick and Sarah who have been married all of 5 hours now.  Since we couldn't be at their wedding, we were at least able to spend some quality time talking about the ins and outs of marriage.  After that, we were back to the airport and on our way home.

2 states, 3 cities, 3 beds all in less than 7 days.  Whew.  I think I need a nap y'all.