Vacation, part 1

Our family took a vacation to North Carolina, with a few stops along the way.  It has been a while since we've been to NC as a family, so it was good to see family & friends.  But before we left town, we had an early birthday dinner to celebrate our dear friend, Kaitlyn.  Kaitlyn  has become a part of our family whom we all love so much.  She has been a great friend to each of us & most importantly, a sister in Christ who encourages us in our faith.

Dessert with Kaitlyn

Jared & Kaitlyn joined us by a night around our firepit.

Brook also had a choir performance at church right before we left for our trip. 

She did a great job with her singing part. 

Our family stopped by MTW's office outside of Atlanta

We were able to meet with Stephanie, who was Isabella's small group leader from our church.  She & her family just moved to Greenville, SC.

Isabella, Mammie, & Brook all got pedicures

Isabella with her newest cousin, Fiona

Brook & Fiona

We were able to have dinner with some dear friends who now live in Winston Salem that we met right after we were married & moved to NC.  It was great being back with Sandy & her family.  I also got the chance to spend a few hours with some other sweet friends, but didn't get a picture of Gwen & her girls.  It is great to reconnect with so many people dear to us in NC.  

This was our first home & where we were living when Isabella was born.  

And this is a side view picture of the hospital in Concord, NC where Isabella was born.  We try to go by there when we are in town.  

Fiona & I

Fiona Bridges

We attended a crawfish boil at Avery's parents house.  Good for the Louisiana crowd.  

We went to a dress fitting for Avery's sister who is getting married later this year.  Isabella posed by a dress she liked!

We stayed with Avery's sister & her family in Ft. Mill, SC.  The girls, our nephew, Gavin, & Avery celebrated William & Kate's 2nd Wedding Anniversary by having tea.  Isabella also wore her Will & Kate earrings!

Avery on a bike ride

Here I am with one of my dearest friends, Heidi.  She is such an encouragement & mentor to me.  I am thankful for her friendship & we love catching up when I come into town.  

It was a great trip, but there will be more to come in a second post of our vacation to the Carolinas!