Bare Beaver Weekend

Last weekend was a Bare Beaver weekend. Sis and Mike came down for a long weekend and we had the greatest time. I didn't get nearly enough pictures but it was so great to have them in. We packed in as much as we could. We picked up Karla and Mike at the airport this past Friday and then cruised on over to Maddi's Southern Bistro for their 30th Wedding Anniversary. I forgot my camera so no pics there. I feel compelled to make a comment though of just how much I miss the freedom of being able to wait at the gate for loved ones to depart the plane. I miss the joy of finally seeing the faces of the ones you are anxiously waiting for with great anticipation. Of the feeling you get when you finally see their shining eyes and everyone is smiling like a fool. And then the hugs and backslapping that begin when you are finally in each other's bubble at last. OK, so I got a little sidetracked. Back to the story of the Bare Beaver weekend. Sunday, we went to Raleigh to the RBC Center to see the Carolina Hurricanes play. We went to eat first and then to the game. See pics below!

Getting ready for the trip to Raleigh. Was Karla dancing? :)
Ready to go!

Eating at Applebees in Raleigh. The company was so much better than the food or the service!
Me thinks Mike just saw his food! Uh, ewww!

Awwwww! Aren't they cute!

Getting yet more food at the game! Game food is so good!

We had great seats!

And now, the game!

Playing Tampa Bay. Go Canes!

We won in the second overtime shootout! It was awesome!

Departing!

On Monday, we had our family business meeting. Dean took a half day off work and came home to meet with our new Edward Jones, Financial Advisor. Mike of course! We were very impressed by his presentation and he is taking very good care of us. We take great comfort in knowing that Mike is now watching over our financial portfolio.

The visit was bittersweet. The sweet part being that they are actually here in person and the sad part is that when they are here, you start imagining what it would be like to live in the same neighborhood (heck, even in the same state) - to be able to stop in at Sis' house and have a hot cup of tea with her. Of our families getting together on the weekend to grill steaks. Of chilling out on the back deck around the fire and chatting, joking and laughing about anything and everything. Even of sis and I going Christmas shopping together and then stopping at Starbucks for a hot drink. Then we go home to our cute little Craftsman-style houses and sit on our front porches and look at each other because our houses are next door to each other (or you could come to my house for Taco Night - inside joke, lol). Well, I can dream, can't I! Maybe someday. Sigh.....