A Quick Trip Around the World

Ok--so technically it wasn't all the way around the world, but it was halfway around and then back again so that counts, right??

We just got back from our 2-week visit to the States and my head is finally feeling back to normal after a few days of weird sleeping and eating patterns.

We landed in LAX and had an awesome 8-hour layover--score! We bought a day pass into the Delta lounge, but it was even with that it was a crummy experience. Then we caught the red-eye back to Raleigh and neither one of us slept a wink; instead, we watched Love Actually on my iPad. We got in at the crack of dawn and Charlie was waiting for us at the airport. We kicked off the trip with some Chik-Fil-A breakfast...what else?! When we got home, Raleigh was still sound asleep so Charlie had to wake her up so the lovefest between her and Drew could begin! Drew and I both crashed hard for a few hours that morning and then I woke up and went and did some errands with Becky. That night, all of the Peters came over for a yummy dinner of Mellow Mushroom. It was great to get to see everyone all together!

The next day, we got up and my parents drove over to Raleigh to see us and go with us to see some houses! Even though we're not at the buying stage yet, it was really fun to get to go see some places and figure out what neighborhoods we like and don't like. Then, we grabbed lunch before they had to head back to Greensboro. Later that afternoon, I dropped Drew off to hang out with Ken and the girls while I went to a bridal shower for my friend, Zandy. She's getting married in 2 weeks, so I obviously we won't be able to go to the wedding (which I'm very sad about), but it was great to get to celebrate with her a little bit! That night, we got to go by Nick & Megan's house and meet their new puppy, Fat Amy!!

For the next few days, Drew went into work a little bit...I got to visit with my friend Cameron and her sweet baby...we went on multiple Target runs...I had dinner with my mama...we got some Cooper's BBQ and got a tour of the new Red Hat building...I got to go to the dentist...I got a haircut...and I got to catch up with Laura when she came to stay with us for a night in Raleigh. All great things!

On Thursday, we woke up and headed down to the beach! We started off the trip right with Trolly Stop hot dogs, then went by to visit Maz for a bit. Afterwards, we stopped by the yacht club to catch up with Jennifer (who did our wedding) a little bit. We went for a nice long walk on the beach before heading out to dinner with my darling friend, Maggie, and her husband. It was so great to see them and I can't believe the next time we see them, they'll have a new little baby!!

Friday, we got up and had breakfast at Causeway Cafe before heading back to the beach to sit in the sun all day--it was glorious! Late that afternoon we met Becky & Charlie over at Porter's Neck for some happy hour drinks before heading back to the house for dinner.

Saturday we got to go out on Charlie's new boat (well...it was new to us since it was our first time at the beach in months!) We then camped out on the beach, waiting for Kurt, Haley and Densay to arrive. Once everyone got there, we enjoyed some drinks out on the beach before relocating to the back porch for some more drinks :) Then, we went to dinner at the yacht club with Charlie before meeting back up with our friends down at Wrightsville Beach. We hit up a few of the beach bars and are still amazed when beers only cost $2!
                                     

Sunday, we went out for another boat ride (complete with a dolphin show out in the intercoastal waterway) before grabbing lunch at Two Guys...another staple! We were supposed to leave right after that to go pick up Leigh from the airport, but her flight got delayed. So, instead, we headed back to Raleigh, stopped by Catey & Ken's to say hi, then stopped by to see John D & Lisa's new house--so cute! Then it was finally time to pick up Leigh and head to Greensboro!! My parents had PieWorks hot dog pizza waiting for Drew when we arrived--how great are they??


The next few days we just got to enjoy some great family time. Monday morning, I ran some errands with my mom...including another trip to Target--woo hoo!! That night, we grilled out steaks, got slices of cake from Maxie B's and then played board games...pretty great night in my book! The next day, we had lunch with our dear family friend, Buck...who some of you might know as the officiant at mine & Drew's wedding. After that, we stopped by to see Pa for a little bit and then collected all the dogs and took them on a walk in the park. That night, we went to Salvino's for dinner with some of my parents' friends.



After dropping Leigh off at the airport, we darted home to drop off the pup and then headed downtown to see Brian & Caroline's new house which is just absolutely adorable! They treated us to a wonderful dinner at a really cool place called Oro.

On our last full day at home, we ran a lot of errands, picked out anniversary gifts, and had one more pit stop at Chik-Fil-A for good measure. That night, most of the family came over so that we could have an early birthday celebration for Megan. Luckily for her, that was National Talk Like a Pirate Day so Caroline can equipped with costumes for all!

Then, it was time to pack up and head back to New Zealand. As usual, it was a very exhausting day(s) of travel, but we made it back safe and sound. As per usual, we got home and immediately booked flights for our next upcoming trips...a weekend in Melbourne for the Australian Open in January and a very quick 8-day trip back to NC in April! It's hard to believe that the only other flight we have left to book is the one when we move home next August!

Cheers,