Raleigh/Richmond

After Mena left, we left for Richmond for a short weekend trip. Unfortunately I only have one picture from our weekend in Raleigh. But at least it's a super cute one! We did enjoy our time at Uncle Kyle and Aunt Jenn Jenn's house. And our whole reason for going was to go eat dinner with some special couples. We enjoyed a yummy Firebirds dinner with Chris and Karen and Jeff and Brooke. Jeff recently became an operator like Ian. Jeff, Ian, and Nate (who was also supposed to come eat with us) all worked for Chris in Raleigh at Chick-fil-A. Chris has played an integral part in all three becoming operators, so Ian wanted to take him and his wife out for dinner to thank them for helping all of us in so many ways! It was really an enjoyable dinner. We had a great time, and we truly are thankful for everything all of these men have done to help Ian on his path!

A couple of days after we got back, we drove up to Richmond for a big Chick-fil-A dinner. We went to another operator's house since it was a little bit of a drive for us. They were gracious enough to let us spend the night, and we were all able to share a babysitter. We had so much fun staying with the DeVriendt's, but I think Cayman had the most fun! He gets along so well with their son Jonah, who is a few months older than Cayman. It was fun to see them playing together. They also have a daughter who is a little younger than Charis, but Alice was still a little unsure about the new people invading her home. :) The guys had a meeting the afternoon we got there, so the kids and ladies enjoyed an afternoon of fun together. Kate's mom, brother, and brother's girlfriend all tag-teamed to babysit for the four kids. Mom first, brother and girlfriend for the 2nd part of the evening. They were so gracious to watch our kids for us even though we had never met them before! For dinner, we went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (which, if you've never been to one, is an AMAZING restaurant...very pricey, but well worth it!) Mmm!!!

The next day Eric and Ian went to Eric's store to work on some things, which left the ladies and kids at home! But we didn't stay home for too long. Richmond is an very family-friendly city, and I must say, I was quite impressed (and a tad bit jealous!) We decided to go to Maymont--a historic estate that has a "children's zoo." There were also a lot of hills. Big hills. Something that this mama is NOT USED to anymore after moving from FL to Elizabeth City...two of the flattest places in the United States of America. But it was absolutely gorgeous, and Cayman and Jonah were able to get all of their energy out running all over the trails looking at all the animals. We saw lots of goats, a bobcat, horses, cows, hawks, eagles, and a black bear. We also enjoyed a yummy picnic! Until a little mouse or baby mole decided to come break up our little party. I think it's safe to say that both Kate and I are easily disgusted by tiny rodents. I'm very glad that she was able to keep Jonah from stomping on it because I may have just thrown up in front of everyone and moved our friendship to a whole new level! :) After Maymont, the kids all went down for a nap (short naps, but naps nonetheless) and I may or may not have fallen asleep for a bit while trying to get my kids to fall asleep at the same time in the same room. (Charis gets really excited when Bubba's in her room...)

We had such a great time visiting Richmond! There really is so much to do there - if you ever need an inexpensive, family friendly get away, check out Richmond!

The one picture from Raleigh