Back to Charlotte (and Asheville)

When the girls and I pulled into Charlotte after a long couple of days of traveling, in some ways it felt like we had never left Charlotte and in others it felt like we'd be gone a long, long time.  But regardless, it was so nice to be back for a visit!  Plus, Jake joined us there after a week and we were thrilled to be reunited after a four week absence.  The girls and I had been houseguests or in hotels for over a month and thanks to the true generosity of friends who offered us their house while they were on vacation, it was the first time we had a little downtime as a family together.  


Our week+ there was busy with fun stuff like visiting old friends and playmates, getting to go back to our old church and some not-so-fun stuff like doctor, dentist and eye doctor appointments and sitting in a line a long time at the DMV.  We loved our time in Charlotte though - all the greenery, big trees and shade - things we don't have much of in Abu Dhabi.  I also celebrated my actual 40th birthday with a fun cocktail party at Vivace.  


Regan really loved seeing many of her old friends and was sad to miss a few who were on vacation during our visit.  Meredith really didn't remember a whole lot - but she was thrilled to see her old preschool teacher.  Jane is quite attached to Regan's friends and was glad to see them as well as her old buddy Clark (Jane is known as "my-friend-Jane" at Clark's house) and loved getting to meet their new puppy.


I didn't do a great job of taking pictures during our visit - I was single-parenting it much of the time and just got too distracted!

The girls with a favorite neighbor Currie

A hug from Ms. Ginny (Mere's old preschool
teacher) still makes Mere feel better after a fall.

Regan thrilled to see old friends Carlisle and Sadie

Hot sister hugs (it was HOT during our Charlotte visit)

Reading with special friend, Mr. Bob

Mrs. Beth (who also introduced the girls to Mancala) is now
teaching Regan backgammon

Anna has discovered the joys of Little People!

Regan thrilled to be reunited with friend Kennedy

Uncle John was in town for work and joined us for a fun
game of HeadBandz (this is a great game!)

Jane watering our hosts' garden

Beloved sitter and neighbor Hannah came to babysit and visit

All in hospital gowns for a doctor's visit (this picture was PRE-shos
so we still have a lot of smiles!)

So happy to see Merrill and her clan again!

Carlisle and Regan

Anna bossing another dad around, too
(she talked Ashby into taking her to the swing!)

Ash came to visit before camp

Good-bye hugs