Troutman and Matthews

the kids, my sweet friend gwen, and i took a road trip this weekend to visit my sis and her family (Troutman), then gwen and my friend amanda and her family (Matthews)! it was a very fun trip with a couple of long nights...claire had to sleep in the room with her aunt and uncle, not bad unless you like waking up a couple times during the night, know that your child is keeping others from getting their rest, and then yes, getting up at 5-5:30am for good!! (well, one morning i was able to go to their living room and snuggle sleep with her for a little while, thank goodness!) we figured the fact that the time changed sunday, meaning we lost an hour, didn't really help matters!! but, other than the/my lack of sleep, we really had a great time! the only thing we'd change would be to add another day, it went by so fast. here are a few pictures from our visit.

me, claire, andrea (my sis / "auntie ree") and eli on our "hike" at Lake Norman.
such a nice park.

gwen trying to hold wyatt still enough for a picture!
he loved being able to walk on the trails!

wyatt, andrea, eli and gwen

gwen and claire on the swing set at our friend amanda's house.

bella, amanda's oldest, was such a sweet helper and was so cute how she watched over and took care of wyatt while we were there. this picture was taken right after her youngest brother accidentally tossed wyatt out of their kid sized John Deere gator. he had landed right on his face in the dirt! thankfully no major injuries!

the kiddos taking a rest while watching a show.
notice how they are all under a blanket!!
gus, max, wyatt and bella (who is making sure wy is comfortable)!! too cute!