Second Stop- North Carolina

After we left Missouri we flew to Raleigh, NC and rented a vehicle to drive to New Bern. We would have flown right into New Bern if we weren't flying Southwest. (They were a great airline to fly with and you can't beat free bags!)  We arrived in New Bern on Thursday evening and stayed with the Steel family. What a blessing to spend so much time with them during our visit! Staying in a family's home maximizes a visit. Thank you again Steel family!

First thing Friday morning we met up with friends at Baker's Square, our favorite breakfast place in old time New Bern. The french toast was as good as ever. We were so happy to see Keri and meet Miss Kenley June for the first time. She is a precious little one. (Can't wait to meet the next one!)

Keri and Kenley

Here is our group shot out front. Rosa met up with us as well. We were so happy to see her and meet the sweet baby she has been caring for for the past few months. Christy came with sweet Lily also, so we were quite the full table with our little ones!

Later after walking around downtown in the sweltering heat and humidity, Daniel and I drove around our old neighborhood and saw our house. It looks great. The renters are taking care of it nicely. We are so thankful for their care of the home as well as our relationship with them. It has been a blessing having them as renters so far.

Daniel dropped Vi and me off at the Steels for afternoon nap time and he met up with a few people at Cherry Point.

 Later that afternoon we went over to the Klingensteins house to visit with them. It was so good to see them. We chatted in their lovely home for a little while then went to 37th Street pizza for a big pie. Bill's birthday was the following Sunday so we celebrated early. There is some fun video of Violet eating on a lemon at the restaurant in my flickr photostream. Eating the lemon barely phased her for the first 30 seconds or so then it all of a sudden hit her and she made the sour face. It was our first time trying the lemon with her. We are not cruel parents. We just feel she needs to experience a wide array of flavors. :)  And her face is hilarious!

After the yummy dinner we headed back to their home for a little more chatting and some good pictures. Here is Sandy holding Violet. Vi got quite used to being passed around during our vacation and as long as we were visible she stayed content in the persons arms.

Bill, Sandy and Tansy-pup in front of their fireplace.

Daniel with Bill And Vi Pie.

We had a great evening with you all as well! Thanks for the yummy ice cream with blueberries!

Saturday rolled around too quickly, but we enjoyed the day hanging at the Steel house. They planned a big Berean get-together for that night so the day was busy with preparation for the evening. (Berean was our home church in New Bern.) Daniel met up with our renters in the morning and saw the inside of our house. All is well. Again, such a blessing.

  Christy made all kinds of yummy desserts for the party and Jesse worked his tail off outside making the yard ready for the little ones to play in. Jesse set up the baby pool and play stuff to enjoy. It was Vi's first experience in water apart from the tub. She was really timid at first but warmed up to it until she got splashed in the face. After that point there was no turning back...She was done. No soothing the little one when she got splashed. :) It was okay. People wanted to cuddle her outside the pool.

Here she is looking all coy. 

 And here she is enjoying all the lovin' and watching the busy big kids.

Saturday night was such a great night. We were able to chat with people for a good length of time and really enjoy the company of our old church. We were so thankful so many people made it out. Although, having the Saturday party made Sunday even more difficult.

Sunday morning we went to Berean and everything felt natural. Sunday teaching, fellowship and the service all felt so normal. We really have a special place in our hearts for that church. Sitting in the row we used to always sit in was a treat, but so was seeing all the new faces. What a joy to see God blessing Berean with new wonderful families!

Leaving that afternoon was hard, but we knew we had a sweet visit ahead of us as well. Thank you to everyone in New Bern that made our visit so dear. We are so glad we were able to make it back!

Next stop, Richmond, Virginia!