North Carolina Trip- Day 1

Daniel's stepbrother and family moved to Greenville, N.C. a couple months ago and the family got together and planned a trip over Memorial Day weekend. Said weekend just occurred (in case you're not up on major holidays). Cat said there wasn't much to do in Greenville and recommended we stay in New Bern, a familiar name if you've ever read a Nicholas Sparks novel. Which I have. We rented a four bedroom house overlooking the Neuse River from 'our' backyard. Daniel, the kids and I made the long trek across the great states of Tennessee and North Carolina along with his brother, sister and their families, though we all drove separate. We arrived late Friday night, the 24th and after unpacking and settling in, we went to bed. Saturday, the 25th we spent some time in New Bern visiting the birth place of Pepsi, a fireman's museum and played in a local park.

After a yummy lunch, everyone went back to the house, but Daniel and I wanted to walk around New Bern a little more to get a feel for the area. Will was more interested in spending time with his cousins, so we walked around with our two youngest for a little while. We went to an antique store and spoke with an older couple who told us about the area and that Nicholas Sparks lived nearby. Their directions were very general so we didn't find his house, but enjoyed walking around the quiet town. I loved the colonial houses and considered knocking on some doors asking for a tour. "Hey, I'm on a walking tour of New Bern and I would love to tour your home as part of your town's rich history." It could have worked.

We headed back to the house where we grilled out for dinner and after the kids bedtime the women sat by the dock while the guys fished. We were all wrapped in blankets, surprised by how chilly it was. We all made good use out of the screened-in porch (I'm starting to agree with Daniel about adding one onto our house) and the tree swing down by the river. Anyone else just hear Chris Farley in their head? Just missin' the van.

another great photo of Maggie & her daddy

the guys- grillin'