HOME!

We were SO excited to finally get to take a trip home! It had only been 6 months- aka an eternity.  

Saturday we got up around 5 and were on the road by 6am. We were so tired! But so excited at the same time. John and I took turns driving and of course stopped for Bojangles as soon as possible ;D. We also stopped got some peach cider (I didnt like it, John did), peach salsa (add cream cheese and it was good!  A little sweet though), and Cajun boiled peanuts (YUM). At one of the rest stops we got out at it, our themostat actually read 121. Of course, it was in the 100's the entire time we were home. I thought it was supposed to get a little cooler the more north  you went? Oh well. When we finally got to NC we dropped our car off at John's cousins so he could fix it. It wasnt broken, just needed a little TLC. Then we picniced with southern style BBQ in John's grandma's backyard with John's parents. They were kind enough to meet us there so our car could get worked on that week. Afterwards, we headed to his parents house and crashed.

Proof!

Mom and pup napping together :D

Sunday we got up and went to Asbury for church. It was really  nice to see some old faces :D Like my sweet godson! Then we went to O'Charley's for lunch with his parents. We hadnt been there in YEARS! The rolls, oh the rolls...After church we went and took a traditional Sunday nap. haha. Next, we were off to see my family. We decided on bowling to also celebrate my daddy! A new yearly tradition :D John kicked all our butts. My dad would have been proud. haha. Then we split up and the girls went shopping and the boys played disc golf. I still had a gift card to Charming Charlies and my mom and sister and never been, so we went! It was fun. Then we went to Panera for dinner and headed back to my mom's to play some games. Brad and Jenny ended up coming up there and played too! By the end of the day- I was pooped. haha

Blurry- but Rick and his godparents!

 Love this little boy!

Monday we were lazy around the Martin's house :D We played games- ALL DAY! It was so much fun. I love playing games with them. For dinner, we were invited to the Moore's house for Phil's birthday dinner. Meg really outdid herself with the food! Timmy and Meg also joked with Phil all night that he was now in phase 2 of his life. haha What?! We had a really good time catching up with them. 

Birthday boy, Carolyn, Carlos (Carolyn's boyfriend)

Tuesday we were lazy again (that's what vacation is for, right?!), played more games with mom and dad Martin and then headed to my mom's for dinner. She made enough food for an army! Burgers, hot dogs, corn, baked beans, potato salad, etc. It was insane and delicious. After dinner, I helped my mom make potato salad and banana pudding for the next day. We also made some brownies to nosh on. We spent the rest of the evening playing games and hanging out. I love family days :D

We kind of made up the recipe and it was so good! It was pretty too, so I had to take a picture:D

John also picked me a flower from my mom's rose bush! Such a romantic<3

Wednesday the Martins had invited the Fisher side of the family and my family to a picnic at the park. We usually go to the farm, but the Martins decided to invite everyone to their house this year. It was really nice of them- i didnt want to get in the car and drive again. lol. Everyone brought something (hence the potato salad and pudding) and we all shared. It was nice to catch up with everyone, but it was SO hot. 

Carter loves his Aunt Julie!

The expecting parents- Gretchen and John Ryan

 Jessica, Mark, and Maynard

 Sarah and Bobby- just bought a house in Raleigh!

 So did Japeth and Katie- so jealous!

 Of course this is how my mom and brother acted- cant take them anywhere;D

Afterwards, we headed to his parents house for some relief. We talked and hung out some more and of course it wouldnt be the same without a board game with John Ryan and Gretchen! :D 

Carter was in love with Maynard. He followed him and played with him all afternoon. Maynard would ask for puppy kisses by walking up to Carter and sticking his face in the dogs. lol TOO CUTE!

Thursday John and I woke up and drove out to Kentwood to go play some disc golf with Brad, Jenny, and Mitch. I did really well considering I hadnt played in forever! Afterwards, we headed to Chris's to spend time with him and swim. It was SO hot out. I know I have said that few times, but goodness it was sweltering! We ended up hanging out in the pool for the rest of the day/evening. We did leave to get bojangles- YUM. but then kept swimming :D 

Friday we got up and hung around the house and did some laundry. Then we went to Chick-fil-a to meet up with Jennie Baker and Jordyn! We ended up being in Chick-fil-a for 2 1/2 hours. It was really nice catching up with her and spending time with the little one! Jordyn did not want to have anything to do with me, but LOVED John- little flirt. lol. She was beyond good for being there so long too. After lunch we went back to the Martin's and played more games- haha. Kind of addicted :D When it was about dinner time, we called it quits because we were meeting people for dinner. We had wanted to go to the Pit downtown, but downtown was pretty much off limits since it was First Friday. We ended up deciding on sushi. We met my brother, sister, Hutch, and Steve there. It was pretty good sushi too! Next we all headed off to Big Boss and hung out for the rest of the night. A TON of friends came out- Kristen, AJ, Josh, Spence, Hutch, my brother, sister, Brad, Jenny, Steve, and some of my sisters friends. I mostly spent my time with Sherry and Chris and Kristen catching up. The guys were doing their own thing- haha. 

Jennie B and Jordyn

 Yes, yes he is wearing children's sunglasses...lol

 Me and Kristen at Big Boss

Saturday we got up and met my mom for lunch. Then we went to see the house she is thinking about buying! Hers hasnt actually been built yet- but we saw a similar one. They are really nice and just the size she needs. I hope she is able to move! After that was the big pool party that Hutch always does for the 4th. Tons of more people came out and Carter and Bailey got to play all day. I got to spend some time with Krystal, see their new car, and made some mac and cheese. We pretty much ended up swimming the rest of the day and catching up with different people. The Chases came and I got to spend a lot of time with Rick. Such a sweet little boy. He would bark at the dogs and they would play with him- SO CUTE. Carter LOVED the pool this time. He would jump in himself off the deck. He was wiped out when we got back to the Martins and slept the entire next day in the car.When we got back to the Martins, we hung out with them for a bit and then headed off to bed.

Sunday we got up early, packed, and headed off. We said our goodbyes to his family and mine and then were on our way. I really didnt want to leave. I would have been fine if we had someone pack all our stuff up and ship it up to us. lol But, that's not the way the world works. We did stop at the Smokin' Pig again! Always a perk for the ride back :D 

The "Get me out of this car" look

Our trip was amazing and too short as always. I cant wait until we live there again! It was so great to see everyone- both family and friends. And a HUGE, GINORMOUS thank you to Mom and Dad Martin for taking care of us and Carter all week. Y'all were more than hospitable and spoiled Carter rotten. We love y'all so much!

Until next time, Raleigh!