Spring Break 2013 Pt. 3

And now, the thrilling conclusion to our Spring Break!

After our “leisurely” hike up to the falls, we made our way to Raleigh, NC where Derrick’s sister lives. We got in kind of late so we all just said a quick hello then hit the sack.

The next day was cold and rainy so we all just hung out at home. My darling nieces Hayley and Lindsey had 2 little shadows the entire time we were there…they adored them. And they were so sweet to them, playing with them and even letting them sleep in their beds with them! And my two nephews were just as sweet as well. Just cute and kind boys. Since we had just capable babysitters, we left all 3 of our girls with them and Derrick and I went downtown to eat some authentic NC barbecue at The Pit. HOLY MOSES IT WAS DELICIOUS. We were a little skeptical walking in because it was pretty posh for a bbq joint, but everything was amazing. I still dream of this meal.

The next day we went to breakfast at Big Ed’s City Markey and had ourselves another delicious southern meal. Are we the only ones who plan their vacations around places to eat?? One thing I used to love when I lived in NC was the soda Cheerwine. It tastes just like I remember it!

After breakfast we went to a place called Pullen Park, a little park with a carousel, boat and train rides, and play structures. The kids had a great time, and all rides were only a buck!

Saturday was so nice and sunny so we just hung out at home and sat outside basking in the sun for a bit. It was divine. We went to one of Brandon’s basketball games and had Chick fil a for lunch. We ended with some great bbq pinwheels for dinner at home (Derrick is seriously a grill master) and some of Daneise’s famous chocolate chip cookies. We had such a great time just hanging out and chatting with everyone. The girls had a blast, so much so that we decided to stay an extra day and just drive home in one day, instead of breaking it up into two. Plus, Hannah was sick and we didn’t want to infect the household we were going to be staying with Saturday night, especially since they have a new baby. And speaking our babies, ours was the best. She slept in the closet on the floor and pretty much slept through the night. What a champ.

We drove through 8 states, 2067 miles, and spent 34.5 hours in the car. And it was SO MUCH FUN. Really, there are only good thoughts when I think back on it. The only downer was when I dropped my phone in the toilet the night before we left NC! Thankfully the rice trick pulled through and it’s been fine ever since. The whole reason for this trip was so that Derrick could cross Kentucky and West Virginia off his list, with the end destination being NC. And since they are moving to Minnesota this summer we knew we had to go now or else we’d never go! And now we are thrilled to have family only 4 hours away!!! We already told them to expect us up there a lot! I may even keep a toothbrush up there. :)

Can’t wait for our next family vacay!