Wake Forest, North Carolina

I never dreamed that our travels to the little town of Wake Forest would go as calmly as they did. Tucker only protested the riding situation twice. Once on the way there, about a hour out. The second time was about a hour from home. I suppose I can't complain with that now can I? All the pictures in this post are from the park we visited on our first night in Wake Forest.



Main Street runs through such a beautiful part of Wake Forest. The homes are all old, and each one has a distinct character about it. There were at least two or three that I've already told Travis if we ever uproot from Cow Bird Lane we will go to Wake Forest to have the plans of those exact houses drawn up. The street itself is welcoming. Lined with beautiful trees and flowers. Young families riding their bikes, moms pushing their little ones, older folks just enjoying the beautiful weather while taking a stroll. It was seriously something out of a movie.



Just down from their house was the Souther Baptist Theological College, where Kyle will start classes in May. The campus is absolutely beautiful. Old oak trees, beautiful flowers, birds chirping, and the architecture of each building is amazing. Even I could probably attend school there, and we all know I'm not one for school or anything to do with that word!



We had such a wonderful time visiting Kyle and Jessica. It's amazing to me that you can take eight people and still enjoy your time together in a two bedroom, one bath apartment. Granted my boys sounded like a classroom full of toddlers, it was still a good time. I am sure Jessica and Kyle enjoyed the company but I'm also sure they enjoyed getting back to the norm as well. When we arrived, we took over. I brought in a pack'nplay, two bags of toys, a suit case, a duffle bag, a cooler, a bag full of snacks. They thought we were coming to visit but when they saw me they probably thought I was moving in or either leaving the kids!!! They welcomed us with open arms. Jessica made us a delicious homemade lasagna for dinner that evening.



After dinner we went to this beautiful park down the street. It was more of a walking area, no swings or toys for the kids but they didn't care they still had a wonderful time. When I tell you it was beautiful, that doesn't begin to describe that place. The trees all their gorgeous shade of Spring green, the flowers so vibrant with color, the hills and paths all so welcoming. There were several families there walking. I could see why, I'd be there every evening if I had a place like that. We started the trails and I was falling in love with the simplicity and beauty of this little town.



While walking a couple with their little one walked up behind us. I made comment about the Dad carrying their youngster on his back. The mom looked to me and said, "you look so familiar". I told her I was from Florida so it was doubtful that she probably knew me. She looked at me and said, "Is your name, Jennifer?" I stopped and just stared at her. At first I was thinking, umm... how in the world did she know that? I finally snapped out of shock and answered her with, "yes, I'm Jennifer." She said, I'm Cindy, I follow your blog!!! Talk about floored. I'm still shocked that our paths crossed. I actually follow Cindy's blog as well. She is a friend of my friend Jessica that blogs. When I saw that Cindy was from Wake Forest, I made comment on her blog about my sister living there. Never once did I think on our trip to Wake Forest would I actually meet her, but I did. It was neat to know that those blog friends you meet on your computer, are really out there. Silly, I know. I mean I know people are out there, but I actually met one of my followers. How cool is that?!  ....Hi Cindy! After our walk, I don't know who was more exhausted, the boys or me. I gladly welcomed my comfy bed back at Jessica's.



The next morning we were up and at 'em pretty early. My boys rise with the sun, each and every day of their little lives. Being in Wake Forest was no different. Just as I expected, they woke everyone else in the apartment as well!  Jessica and Kyle fixed us a lovely pancake and bacon breakfast. From there, we were off to some local antique shops. The first was the Old Magnolia. I could have purchased so much from there but I refrained knowing that there were more shops to follow. The next stop was just two doors down and I was unable to refrain. The stuff in that place was just what I've been looking for and more. I've mentioned I'm redecorating my kitchen and living room, well this little honey hole had it all!  Plus, everything that interested me was on sale 65% off! That's what I'm talking about!  I walked out with an old milk crate, and several pretties for my kitchen. We then had lunch at the Over the Falls Deli. We ordered pizza and it was y.u.m.m.y!



After our delicious lunch, we headed back to the apartment to drop Jessica off so she could finish up some school work. Knowing that the apartment would not be the quiet haven she would need, the rest of the crew headed out to the local mall. After the mall we met back up with Jessica and enjoyed dinner at her place of employment, Texas Roadhouse. It was a fun evening with my family. I miss us all doing things together. There's nothing sweeter then family.



Saturday morning we woke up, and there were a few more places Jessica wanted to take us too. They were all antique shops, so you know there were no complaints from me. The day was spent just hanging out, enjoying each others company, and thankful for the time we had with my dear sister and brother in law. Our trip was quickly coming to an end, and that saddened me a bit. Carter absolutely enjoyed the time with Kyle and Jessica. Each time we came in our out of the apartment, he would take the stairs with Kyle or Jason and thought it was the greatest thing to beat us to the second floor, mash the button so that those of us on the elevator would have to stop! His giggle was one I'll never forget, and his "how was the second floor?", it never got old!



Sunday morning came sooner then expected. Bags were packed, now they needed to be loaded. Carter helped me. We were all packed, and around 9:30, we loaded up and said our good byes. I was ready to be back home, but truly hated to leave my sister. She is such a joy to me. A blessing, an inspiration, and a treasure. I love her more then she knows, and her better half, Kyle, well he's not so bad himself!  They really made our time in Wake Forest a wonderful one. We hope that we can visit them more while they are there. We look forward to Jessica's next trip home. Carter is so excited to pick her up from the airport. We backed out of our parking spot, Carter was crying. He said he hit his head, but when I asked him about it he said, "momma, I want Jessica to come with me." He has such a sweet, tender heart. It's always sad to leave family behind and return home. Carter yelled good bye as far as he could around the building. I watched through the rear view mirror as Jessica waved goodbye. I miss her already but I know God has great plans in store for their lives in Wake Forest.



Our journey home took us about 7.5 hours. We stopped for a bit at a South Carolina rest stop and then there was no stopping us until we hit home. Well, I fibbed we did stop for gas and a hot fudge sundae at McDonalds! I was glad to turn down the dusty Cow Bird Lane. I missed the old homestead. Travis met us at the door, and I was glad to see him too. As I entered the house the aroma overtook me. He had all my candles going, and a fresh pound cake had just came out of the oven. What a sweet fella he is!

In this picture mom asked Carter, "what you looking for?" He replied, "Wal-Mart!" we had promised him a trip to Wal-Mart, and he was tired of waiting.

Finally all the bags were out of the truck, baths were over with, and we were on the couch about to be out for the count. I enjoy visiting, traveling, but I really enjoy coming home. There's nothing quite like the feel of your own couch, the echo in your own four walls. I'm glad we made the visit to see Jessica and Kyle. It was one we'll never forget, another chapter in The Days I'll Remember.