04/17/22
As you can imagine, after our 3 mile hike, everyone slept like the dead. But, eventually we got on the road to Charlotte.
It was such a beautiful drive. My sister, Jenna, basically decided to move to North Carolina someday after she had only had a short visit (like really, she’s planning on it, she’s looking at land). And honestly, I can’t say I blame her. What a beautiful part of the world.
All the same, we were very happy when we finally made it to our Airbnb. We got somewhat settled and then took the rest of the day easy.
04/18/22-
The first rattle out of the box, we got to experience a legit thunderstorm. Everyone was delighted. We’re used to Seattle’s misty rains; this was a very different experience.
In fact, I took the three youngest kids to Costco for provisions, and we got SOAKED on the way in. Fortunately, by the time we came back out, the rain had basically ended, which I was grateful for.
Naturally, the ground was very wet. And there were puddles of water everywhere. And so our ridiculous children decided to roll around in the mud like little piggies. 🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️
They had a great time. Until they got too cold to continue. And then they REALLY didn’t like the process of cleaning up afterward (I sprayed them down with the hose before allowing them to come in.)
04/19/22- Random
Honestly, for most of this week, we kept things fairly low-key. We went on lots of walks. And the kids played in the backyard a lot. It’s so nice to have a yard!! We’ve missed the freedom of just sending the kids outside to play.
The table situation is less than ideal at this place. So we’ve had to improvise by having the twins sit on a footlocker and bringing in some patio furnitutre. 
It has actually worked really well. 
The Airbnb is in a really cute little neighborhood. 
We’ve gone on several walks this week. 
The boys have been attempting to learn how to cross their eyes. 
I’m so proud 
Other silly faces have also been documented.
04/21/22- Chantilly Park
We decided to go check out a local park. Unfortunately, the first park we went to was under construction. But it was actually a good thing, cause otherwise we wouldn’t have ended up at Chantilly park. And man, oh man, it was such a cool park. We’ve become park connoisseurs. This was one of the best we’ve been to.
The park was beautiful with lots of tall trees (yay shade!) And there were two big play structures and a bunch of swings. There is also a beautiful greenway.
And just a short walk away there was a little creek which the kids found their way down to and they had an amazing time playing there too.
The word that comes to mind is idyllic.
Bad guys
We came home, did naps and chores. And then, for Mom’s Night Off, Jonathan took the kids to the movies. The Bad Guys book series is one of Jonas’s favorites and it was just released as a movie. Everyone loved it. I’m pretty sure this was the twins’ first movie theater experience. And they got a little bit antsy, but they did great.
I spent the evening at the Airbnb. Alone in my aloneness. And it was glorious. Quiet is rather in scarce supply around here. And so I positively reveled in it.
04/22/22- Date Night
It has been a while since Jonathan and I have done anything resembling a date. And so, we decided that we should do something about that.
Jonathan is on a quest to find the best BBQ in all the land; naturally, we had to experience Charlotte’s offerings, specifically the Midwood Smokehouse.
And it was awesome. Everything was so delicious; those were some of the finest ribs I’ve ever had. And surprisingly, the hush puppies were one of the standout items as well. We left full and happy.
After eating, we decided to drive through the downtown area really quickly also. And it was just lovely. Maybe it was just the section that we saw, or maybe the street-sweeper had just been through, but that was seriously the cleanest downtown I’ve ever seen.
Eventually, we discovered that there was a Trader Joes. (I love that guy!) And so, of course, we stopped to pick up a few of our favorite things: Sparkling strawberry juice, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, butter chicken, and soup dumplings (for Clara, she’s obsessed).
And then we headed home.
It was so nice for Jonathan and I to spend the evening together, having a conversation without constant interruption.
Thanks for watching your siblings, Clara. You’re amazing ❤️❤️❤️
