It has been a busy summer for us so far! In addition to having quite a few visitors, I’ve been working on crossing items off my summer bucket list.
Our summer started early this year. Last summer (our first summer in Raleigh), it didn’t get REALLY hot until July. This year, it was in the 90s in June. The NC locals say it has been unusually hot, so fingers crossed this is not the new normal. I might reconsider living in the south if our summer is 3 full months of 90+ degrees.
I just have to mention that the Washington Capitals are STANLEY CUP CHAMPIONS! It was an unbelievable playoff series. We FINALLY beat the Penguins in Round 2 — which I would argue was a better feeling than winning the Stanley Cup itself. Then we beat the Knights in the championship. It was the best we ever played, I had never seen the team so determined. As a fan, it was the greatest post-season ever. It’s been sad to see team changes in the offseason, but I’m super excited to see what 2019 brings for the Caps!
Bobby and I getting ready for the Stanley Cup championship
Over Memorial Day weekend, we received a phone call that completely stopped us in our tracks. Bobby’s brother went rock climbing outside for the first time and had fallen about 45 feet. When you get a phone call like that, life stops. The unknown of his condition was gut-wrenching. It was one of the longest days of my life. Long story short, Bobby’s brother walked(?) away with a broken ankle and some minor cuts and bumps. He was so lucky. We are so lucky. Bobby has been rock climbing for over 10 years and stories like this don’t end the same. On the bright side, Bobby’s parents and I became much closer. We were communicating in group chats, we were encouraging and supporting each other. In times of crisis, you have an opportunity to step in or step out. Fortunately, Bobby and I were in a place where we could step in. I’m so grateful for Bobby’s brother’s health and for the growing relationships with Bobby’s family.
Since we’re only 2 hours from Carolina Beach, we’ve taken two day trips! And since it’s a dog friendly beach, we took Mowgli! He loves being at the beach and playing in the water. We even invested in some nice Tommy Bahama beach chairs. Our next investment will be a big beach umbrella or canopy. If you have any recommendations, please let me know!
Mowgli loves going to the beach!
A few months ago, when we were in VA visiting family, I found out that Bobby’s littlest sister Claire had never been to a concert. I jumped at the opportunity and decided that I was going to take her to her first concert! We decided to see Luke Bryan at Coastal Credit Union Music Park in July. It felt like the hottest day of the year! High 90s with 90% humidity, but we had a great time! We were dancing and signing at the top of our lungs! It was a great memory to share with Claire. We’re already scoping out our next concert (when the weather cools off)!
Claire and I at Luke Bryan
Bobby’s stepmom drove down with Claire for the concert, so they decided to stay a few days and tour Raleigh and Durham. Bobby and I compiled a list of our favorite places as well as a few places we have yet to see. They managed to see nearly all of the items we listed! They powered through the Triangle! We took them to a few of our staples (Pooles, Videri, Bond Brothers) and tried a few new spots (Pizzeria Faluisi, Blue Moon Oyster Bar). Because Bobby’s family is so large, we rarely get one-on-one time so it was really nice to spend some quality time with his stepmom and sister.
Claire posing at the “All Are Welcome” mural in downtown Raleigh
Claire playing with some kittens at a local rescue
Bobby and Claire grabbing a bite to eat on her last night
Our friend Adam was passing through on his way to Charlotte, so he stayed a night with us. Adam’s older brother Ricky is one of Bobby’s best friends (and our wedding officiant). Adam is like family to us so it was great to see him! It was a short visit, but I think we showed him enough of Raleigh to convince him to come back!
Bobby and Adam
Lastly, a few weeks ago I visited Dorothea Dix’s Park to see the sunflowers fields. SO COOL! Thousands of sunflowers cover several acres. And of course, BEES! There were 2-3 bees on each sunflower. After looking at the sunflowers, as I was walking away, I wondered “what do they do with the sunflowers after this?” I found out that they harvest the sunflowers to create thousands of gallons of biodiesel to fuel tractors and farm equipment. How neat!
Sunflowers as far as you can see!
As you can see, it’s been a memorable summer so far! Our August is packed with trips and more visitors, and there are a few more items on my summer bucket list that I’d like to accomplish, so stay tuned!
Lauren