Matthew and Kari live in Greensboro. Matthew's family lived across the street from my family when we were little. And Kari and I have known each other since middle school. They have a daughter Anna that is one month older than Rylan and are about 3 months pregnant with their second. Matthew was working out of town so we only got to see Kari and Anna.
Matthew's twin brother Steven is married to Steph, they have a son Luke who will be 2 at the end of October, and they live in Durham. They are due with another boy next month. Steph had to work on Saturday but it was great to finally meet Luke!
Matthew and Steven's parents Cathy and Bob live in Clemmons and they drove over as well.
I was also friends with Kari's sister Katie (we even played JV basketball together in high school). She lives in Raleigh but was planning to spend the weekend with Kari since her husband was out of town so they also joined us. Katie and James have three kids - Josie (who was born a few hours before Carter), James (who is close to Rylan's age), and John (who is 5 months old).
I didn't get a picture of Katie when getting family photos because she was feeding John, but here are Josie and James.
And a picture of baby John.
I also grew up with Jason (we've known each other since preschool) and he came with his wife Katrina and their daughter Olivia (who is 3 1/2). They live near Winston-Salem. Like Kari and Matthew, they are about 3 months pregnant with their second.
Anna was the only one of the kids we had met before so it was great to finally meet all the other kids.
Everyone had about an hour drive from different directions. We met at the playground and let the kids who didn't know one another, get to know each other. I didn't take many pictures on the playground, but here is one of James, Carter, and Olivia.
Then we hit up the amusement rides at the park. First were the cars.
Carter and Rylan rode in the back of a firetruck.
Josie and Anna were in the car behind them.
Next were the boats. Rylan, Carter, and Olivia ...
With Josie, Anna, Luke, and James behind them.
We had a little drama when Rylan didn't think Carter was sharing the bell with him enough and he headbutted Carter in the back several times. Carter was not happy about it at all.
Carter rode on the next ride without his brother.
I think cousins Anna and Josie were attached to each other all day. They are so sweet with each other.
Then we rode the historic carousel. It was the longest and fastest carousel ride ever!
We picnicked in one of the shelters before riding the train and a few of the other rides again. Cathy had fun corralling the kids.
The train ride went over a stream a couple of times and through a man-made tunnel.
Both our boys said this was their favorite part.
A few more cute pictures of the kids on the plane and helicopter ride ...
It was great to see so many old friends and meet all their kids. Hopefully we'll be able to do it again the next time we are in Raleigh.
Before leaving City Park, we found a letterbox ("Dentzel Dreams") that was close to the amusement ride area.
In the letterbox we found a "hitchhiker", which is a separate stamp and log that when you find, you place in another letterbox.
We brought the hitchhiker back to Nashville and are going to place it here sometime this week. It originated in New Jersey in 2007.
(I know I'm a total dork, but I think it's fun to hunt for these and Carter talks about it all the time.)
The kids took a nap on the way back to Raleigh and were ready to go again. After dinner, we went to a Carolina Railhawks soccer game. They are part of the North American Soccer League, which is a Division II league, under MLS.
On our way in, the Carolina Soccer Club was giving away free t-shirts to kids so both boys got one. They are a bit big but Carter had to wear his (and GG's hat).
Rylan wasn't too interested in sitting still at first but has a nice modeling pose.
Once the game got started, the boys did a great job watching (especially after I got some popcorn for them to eat!).
One section over from us was the "Standing and Chanting Section", or the section for the crazy fans. Our favorite guy was the one that lit up orange and blue smoke canisters on his hard hat when Carolina scored. It was cool until the smoke drifted our way and we had to breathe it!
Carter and I went down to visit the mascot when he was coming by. Carter was so stoked about this!
Carter also provided the half time entertainment and danced for everyone :)
Brian's parents got the kids Railhawks shirts. Again they are a little big but Carter had to put it on and has worn it a few times already since we've been home.
There were several open seats around us so the kids were able to roam some. They did great though.
Carter actually watched a lot of the game.
Carolina tied the game with less than 15 minutes left.
And then scored the winning goal during stoppage time. Go Railhawks!
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