Howes do NC

With a brother in Oregon, one in Minnesota, and parents in Iowa, the little time we all spend together is precious.  But with eight kids under eight, we must learn to embrace the chaos and roll with it. This years trip to NC hit all the marks of an exciting trip; cabin stays, boat rides, pool swims, dock jumping, a birthday party, unpredictable sleeping patterns....mixed in with some puke and a robbery.

First stop? Chapel Hill. We all convened here to stay Saturday night. The men woke early to hit the golf course while the ladies took the kids swimming next door and prepared for our three-van caravan to our next stop. With a 1-1 kid/adult ratio, we took full advantage of the "kids eat free" lunch at Nantucket Grill and then set off to Summerfield, NC where we had an awesome version of an exclusive summer camp set up for us. 

Shockingly, I have few pictures, but the place is amazing and beautiful and besides the scenic beauty, has a arcade that are children could and did play to their hearts content. 

 

 

And a pool! 

 

And Christmas photo opportunities.

 

On to the lake house, where Eric's parents generously let us invade. The kids (and adults) had lots of fun swimming, jumping, shooting, jet skiing, tubing, and skiing. 

 

 

Want to know what happens when you go from retired life to grandma life? 

 

Second half of the trip (where puking and robbing enter in the mix), up next....