Destination: North Carolina

Our drive from Louisiana to NC had a bit of bad/good luck.  The bad luck was that the batteries in our truck needed replaced.  The good luck was that this happened in a Birmingham, Alabama and not small town Nowheresville, USA.  After that was taken care, all we had to worry about was a bit of rain and some traffic in Charlotte. 

 I called my brothers while on the road to make arrangements to see them while traveling from NC to Michigan.  Good thing I did as Dale and his family was at the beach in North Carolina!  After a couple of phone calls we decided that Lester, Golda, Jonas and I would head to the beach for a day and night. We had a great time visiting. Didn’t actually swim but Jonas enjoyed playing in the sand and I waded in the waves.  We had dinner out (thanks Dale!) at a place where the food was excellent but the service was not.  Golda and Jonas skipped the dinner as Jonas was too hungry to wait and was just about to eat at home as we left.  We got stuffed flounder to go for Golda.  Spoiled girl!  It is hard to see in this picture but the tide came in while we ate and part of the parking lot got flooded.  A regular event we figured but a bit funny to us non-natives.  Some of the gang spotted a momma turtle about 3 feet long on the beach when we got home.  No picture though as that is illegal.  Oak Island is a natural turtle nesting ground.  We stayed up past midnight playing games, except for the old men like Lester and Dale, they went to bed early and missed the fun.  I’ve never seen so many games brought on a trip.  Dale’s family has been going to the beach for many years and really knows how to pack!

Back in Kannapolis on Tuesday, we took it easy and basically relaxed.  We went out to dinner for Carolina bar-b-que and that was it.  But on Wednesday, we made a day of it.  First we went shopping in Huntersville for late birthday presents.  I am not one for sending birthday presents.  I prefer to buy them when I am with the person so I get the right thing.  For Jonas, we got a Radio Flyer scooter that converts to a tricycle.  He loves it!!!!  Golda had a hard time being frivolous and choose a large salad bowl, matching serving tray and a snickers bar.  After lunch at home, we had a tour of Jeremy’s office, went to the park, and then the library.  We were glad to come home for take-out pizza after all of that!

We had a great visit and already miss Golda, Jeremy and Jonas.  Jonas is a shy boy and was just warming up to us when we left.  He gave each of us a wonderful hug to say goodbye.

 Will be doing a post with various videos and slides in the near future.  Need to catch up!  But visiting with family is first priority.