Family and Friends

Just returning from a week in Atlanta visiting the family, which also included a little side trip up to Asheville to visit friends. Venturing to the deep south in the middle of summer isn't the best laid plan, but it's a great opportunity to spend time with the kiddos without school interfering.

Here are some photos from our time together..

A trip to the Atlanta Zoo, and Aiden agreeing to be photographed- a feat all unto itself.

A day trip with Jasmine to the Martin Luther King Jr, Museum in downtown Atlanta- I had not been there since I was a freshman in college, and it's changed so much. I wish Dylan could have joined us, but he had a field trip to the water park already planned for that day. The changes made the the museum were such an amazing contrast to the small, and frankly sad, museum I had once visited- I was happy to see the rich history so prominently displayed.

The exhibits were full of historical events and newspaper articles, and were quite moving. It was nice to have an afternoon alone with my girl, and hopefully it's something that she looks back on fondly.

The new babe, Collin- I couldn't keep my hands and lips off this little baby. He's so very mellow, lovey, squishy and sweet. I could have easily stolen him away, brought him home to Seattle so I didn't have to share doting time. It's hard being the aunty who lives so far away.

My two days in Asheville went by so quickly and were full of catching up, delicious dining, and an afternoon at the Biltmore House. I had such a lovely time hanging out with Karen and Carl, and so happy to have a few days with them these past few summers. The Biltmore House was grand- built in the late 1890's, on something like 800 acres in the heart of Asheville. It's the Amercian version of a castle, with 250 rooms. The most interesting fact for me was that it only took 5 years to build. Five years is still a very long time for construction, I will grant you- but this property is massive, unbelievably ornate in its detailing and architectual style and constructed during a time without our modern building tools.

It was a fantastic time with those I hold dear to my heart. Time and space may make connecting a challenge sometimes, but I love that I can visit, with an ease and comfort guiding us together as if we all just saw one another last week.