Life of the Wades: North Carolina

I really wish I would have taken a picture of ALL of the stuff we packed for our first weekend away with Bellamy to Estes Park. It was obscene. Since we were flying to North Carolina I knew that we would have to streamline our packing, and that I did. We made it with 3 checked items; 1 suitcase (clothes for the entire family) Bellamy's pack & play, and her car seat. We only had 2 carryon items; a small suitcase and my purse. I am still amazed. We brought more luggage for our trip out there over the summer; and there were only 2 of us!

Since it was our first time ever flying with our baby girl we were a little worried. Whitcomb told Bellamy she 'better behave or there will be no more vacations.' Well, little miss B must love to travel- she understood what her Daddy said and did AMAZING! She fussed for maybe a total of a minute the entire flight out to North Carolina. She slept most of the way then played and looked around the rest. We were so happy we celebrated with an in flight cocktail!

Our flight landed at about 10pm EST and we had to get our rental car, and drive about 45 minutes to Whitcomb's Grandparents house. We made it to their neighborhood just fine, then spent about 15 minutes driving around in a circle looking at the same houses over and over again saying- I know this is the neighborhood, but these don't look like the right houses. Whit called his Grandfather, DeDe and he came to the rescue. We had a quick visit then were off to bed.

The next day MeMe cooked a delicious breakfast while Whitcomb & DeDe took Prince Albert (their dog) for a walk. Bellamy had just begun eating rice cereal right before our trip, so I was still making it like soup. She was doing ok, but eating it more like a cat. MeMe suggested thickening up the cereal and fed Bellamy, she did sooo much better with a thicker cereal. It was a very 'duh' moment for myself. MeMe and DeDe very generously put us up in a model home in their neighborhood. After breakfast we left to go get settled in. Bellamy stayed with her Great Grandparents, and was a little fussy when we left. We returned to their home and Bellamy was having the time of her life playing with MeMe.

Later that morning Bradford & Beth arrived, it was a surprise to see Bradford. He originally had other plans for the weekend, that unfortunately (but lucky for us) fell threw. We had a great afternoon talking and visiting with MeMe & DeDe's friends Patsy & Park. Then had a nice family dinner and relaxed the rest of the evening. After dinner, MeMe was telling Bellamy all about her future wedding; how she was going to meet a very nice man, and wear a beautiful white dress. Bellamy ate it up, she was laughing and loving every second of it.

DeDe & Bellamy

Bellamy laughing with MeMe

MeMe reading to Bellamy

Bellamy loves reading!

Saturday morning all of the girls went off shopping and the boys went to visit a log cabin ( I think?). MeMe took us all to a baby boutique for Bellamy. My oh my, they had the cutest clothes. We left with a few adorable outfits for Bellamy, I cannot wait to see her in them! After lunch we went to visit Bellamy's other set of Great Grandparent, Mama & Papa Wade. We drove to Greensboro and spent time catching up and watching some college basketball.

Mama & Papa with us

Bradford, Beth, Mama, Papa and Us

We then set off to meet up with one of Whitcomb's closest friends and his girlfriend to have some afternoon drinks. Aaron suggested we pick up some cheesecake at one of 'the best' cheesecake places in town. We did, and all enjoyed it for dessert after some Southern bbq for dinner. At dinner Bradford & Whitcomb were sharing stories of their childhood. I just don't know how Cindy dealt with 4 boys, especially the 2 oldest. My hat is off to her!

Beth & I

Bellamy's Godparents

Aaron & Monica

On Sunday, Mary Mack, Whitcomb's cousin came over to meet Bellamy. Mary Mack and Bellamy share the same birthday, and everyone in the room reminded Mary Mack that about 100 times. I'm sure I said it myself about 5 times. She will never forget they are birthday twins! We had a great time hanging out and catching up with her. We took a few pictures, then Mary Mack, Bradford & Beth had to leave. =( Whit and Aaron hung out for the afternoon and I did a little bit more shopping. MeMe, DeDe, Whitcomb, Bellamy and I all watched the Superbowl together and enjoyed the last night of our trip.

Birthday Twins-Mary Mack & Bellamy

Bradford & Bellamy

Beth, Bradford & Bellamy

We had such a wonderful trip and are so thankful that we were able to go out there and see Bellamy meet both sets of her Great Grandparents. Such wonderful memories! We hope to make it out there again in the fall!