DYKSTERHOUSE NEWS: September 2012

Gary and I had plans to head to North Carolina for our 10-year college reunion and I decided to visit family along the way since all of our Dyksterhouse family lives along the east coast. Since Gary could only get away from work for a few days, the kids and I packed up the car and headed out, and Gary conveniently flew in and out just for the reunion. It was a very packed trip, but so great to get a chance to see all of our friends and family. Sadly, I took very few pictures: a sign that I was having far too much fun to stop and click. Here are the few that I did get (most with the phone, so they are a bit grainy).

Our first stop was a quick night in Atlanta with the Galbreaths. Didn't get a single picture there. We were literally only there for 12 hours, but we made the most of each of them. Mary Laine remembered our last trip to see them and told me on the trip there where she was going to play and where she planned to sleep. She and Kelsey slept in the playroom together, although I don't know how much actual sleeping was done.

The next stop was to visit my aunt in Lynchburg, VA. It wasn't a long stay, but we had a blast! They definitely know how to entertain and make you feel at home. We were spoiled with gifts, good food, and Ygondine took the kids for a walk after dinner so that I could put my feet up. She better watch out, or we may be moving in soon. The kids had a great time playing with my cousin Carson, but she is a bit busy with her six AP classes this year, so we tried to stay out of her way after dinner so that she could get some work done.

From there, we headed on to Richmond to visit our Foca cousins. Mary Laine and Gabby are only 4 months apart in age. There is nothing like having a cousin close in age to share things with . Aunt Catherine got them matching PJs to wear. Mary Laine slept in Gabby's room with her, but again, not sure how much actual sleeping was done. And I didn't get a single picture of big cousin Ainsley. She was at her horseback-riding lesson when I had the camera out. :(

I also got to go and see one of my best friends from college who also lives in Richmond. Sadly, I hadn't seen her since we were pregnant with Langdon and Sutton (who were born only a week apart). The best part? She had her twins two weeks before I got there, so I got to see all three kids and get my baby-fix.

Hadley and Claire

Sweet baby Claire

Hanging out with adorable Sutton

Next was onto Raleigh to drop the kids off with the grandparents (sadly, no pictures there). Then Gary and I headed down to Winston for our reunion.

Feels like home!

Gary put our initials in some wet cement about 12 years ago and it was still there :)

Gary attempting to sway the refs before the game

Some of my favorite people after a Wake win

This is a terrible picture, but I wanted to document the place where we had drinks and dinner on Saturday night. We ate outside under a gazebo in a rainstorm. Very, very fun and one of my new favorite Winston dives.6th and Vine.

My original plan had been to go through Charlotte on my way home in order to deliver some baby gear to Gary's younger brother and his wife who were expecting their first child in October. Nella decided to come a bit early, so I had a chance to meet my newest niece on Monday! She is beautiful!! I can't wait to get back and get some more snuggle time with her!!

Finally, we stayed with Gary's older brother's family while we were in Charlotte. We didn't get a chance to see them this summer, so we were long-overdue for a visit.