Good times, sunshine and summertime....

The second half of May took us from the coast to the mountains, two of my favorite places. 

The weekend before Memorial Day we drove to Wilmington to visit a friend I have known for over 20 years.  We have kids who are the same age and had a very nice, relaxing weekend hanging out together enjoying lovely meals, some laughs and their awesome view of the intercoastal waterway in Wilmington.  We spent early Saturday eating donuts (if you have read this blog, you know that our family has a thing for them) and had a view of the dolphins swimming just as we arrived on the beach.  We also got to spend some time at the pool.  The kids had a great time pulling crab pots and loved playing with each other.  It was an awesome weekend that we hope to repeat often.

Memorial Day found us in Asheville, my favorite town in the wide world.  I have been going there since I was a kid to visit grandparents and have seen it change from a place where "old people lived" to the eclectic town with excellent restaurants and a character all its own.  We always stay with my aunt, who I love so much.  Unfortunately, my cousin and her family were not able to come and they were truly missed. Scott managed to get a half day of vacation and the weather was just right Friday night for us to head into downtown for a great dinner and the drum circle.  I love that all kinds of people come together, play instruments, dance, listen and enjoy themselves every Friday night.  Lorelei had a great time dancing and that independent, uninhibited spirit is something I hope she holds on to her whole life.  Luke had a good time too but he worries more about what people think and gets embarrassed.  I'm working on him...

Saturday, we went to Hot Springs which was VERY relaxing!!  We had a lovely roadside picnic and were lazy at the house until my parents came for dinner, which was excellent. Sunday we visited my maternal grandmother and took her out to lunch.  She will be 82 this year and is shrinking every time I see her.  We agreed that getting old stinks.  For the late afternoon, we were back with my aunt and her neighbors for a Davidson River picnic.  It's one of our favorite spots because the kids can wade in the freezing river, throw rocks and enjoy themselves while the adults sit and talk in the shade of the trees.  We also took our fishing rods but didn't catch anything.  We are getting really good at casting though. 

Monday afternoon brought us home and back to the end of the school year. Only seven more days.  The kids are looking forward to the different summer camps they are doing this year and we are counting down the days until our Yellowstone trip.  It was snowing over the weekend at Old Faithful so we are packing for winter and summer.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!


*Yellowstone blogs should start June 17th.