North Carolina Memories Made

This past weekend we went to visit my brothers and their families in North Carolina.  The kids were so excited...on the drive up Mary Anna kept asking if we were in Norf Caroline yet.

We stayed at Ben & Anna's house and had fun playing on the 4 wheelers, shooting guns, rafting on the river, getting a babysitter and enjoying a double date, the guys going on a midnight 4 wheeler adventure, visiting Ben & Anna's church and meeting Charlie & Maggie on their land to see their new house and play around on their beautiful piece of land.

What a fun weekend enjoying our family, investing in and creating stronger relationships, letting the kids enjoy each other and simply taking the time to play together.

Now I'm going to overwhelm you with waaaay too many photos from the weekend but this is how my family gets to see them so this is where they go!

Uncle Ben always puts the swing up when our kids visit and we are so fortunate to say 

there is NEVER an argument over who gets to swing.  :)

Ready for 4-wheeler rides with the Daddies!

The Mommies took off for a bit of antiquing after the 4-wheelers took off.

Uncle Ben talking to Doster and explaining a bit 

about the bullets they were going to use in the gun.

Jason took both of the guns that used to be his Papaw's (Archie Doster Housch).

So neat for Doster to shoot his namesake's gun for the first time.

Doster went inside and Jason & Ben decided to have some fun.

Caroline making a hair clip.  Anna and I had great aspirations to jump in and make some too but our beds were calling us to take a nap.

I didn't get much sleep because this little button woke up.

After naps we went out on the Tuskeegee to raft.  We had so much fun and

it was a great experience for the kids.  The exciting snags on rocks and gentle rapids

were a big hit....after we convinced Doster that all rivers don't end with a huge Disney-like 

waterfall that we will have to save ourselves from.

Ella looking for Nemo.

Love this family picture!

Bath time before a hot dog supper and bedtime followed by the arrival of the babysitter 

and the parent's night out.  Wonderful plan!  :)

Getting chocolate milk ready for Bible story time.

The next morning we went to Ben & Anna's church, which was so neat to be able to experience as we met their pastor and his wife along with some sweet friends.  Afterwards we headed toward Franklin to meet Charlie, Maggie & Gavin to grab some lunch and head to their land to see the new construction!

All the kids in Charlie & Maggie's new house.

Mary Anna and Ella do not like it when the driver holds onto them while driving.

The independent little girls they are...they don't want help.  That includes help from each other.

I love Ella's face as she tries to hold onto Mary Anna.

I'd say that's a pretty good shot!

Love these three pictures...

What a fun weekend full of memories!