We returned from skiing on Tuesday, had co-op on Wednesday, David took off for a work trip Thursday, and the girls, Finley and I drove south on Friday. We arrived mid-afternoon, and the rainy day lent itself beautifully to inside activities like baking a carrot cake from scratch.

We filled the afternoon with party prep, then picked up Indian food, played a few rounds of Rummikub (we recommend the large print), then all snuggled on the floor with Finley, braiding hair and watching the Winter Olympic opening ceremonies. It’s was like an old school slumber party… but with martinis!

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Saturday morning we got in a walk, iced the cake, made veggie burgers, set out the cards and gifts, and awaited family!

By noon, everyone poured in, dish to share in hand. It felt like a mini Thanksgiving, minus the turkey. Times like this make me miss living in Georgia because I’d love to see my family more often. My cousin’s kids are close in age to mine and they all run around together outside like a wild summer camp!

This left the adults free to chat and relax. My brother grilled burgers, and we all enjoyed catching up and watching Nannie open her gifts (many puzzles, herbal tea, and a new wallet).

It was a beautiful, though cold, day and after lunch we all bundled up for a walk through a neighboring lot. The dogs ran, the kids got dirty, and it was just one of those good days.

I’d like to hope I inherited a little of my Nannie’s talents. She could grow the most bountiful gardens, sewed everything from doll clothes to my mom’s wedding dress, can cook anything from scratch, and sometimes has a blunt way of putting things that makes us laugh. She lives a peaceful life in rural Georgia and visiting always makes me want to move away from it all, too. We are all grateful for her and loved getting to celebrate her how she deserves!

Everyone filtered out by the late afternoon. Kris, Cara, Mom, and I ate leftovers, watched some Olympics and just enjoyed eating leftovers, chatting, and relaxing.

After a Sunday morning walk with mom and Finley, we packed up and headed back to North Carolina. David and I got in a workout, I knocked out some laundry, we fit in a chapter of Harry Potter, watched some speed skating, and all tucked into bed early. This week brings the great sports overlap (soccer, basketball, Tae Kwon Do) plus co-op, where I’m subbing for Spanish. Anyone that speaks it fluently want to come help me out?! 😉

Happy Monday, friends! I hope today is filled with a calm yet productive energy for you. Those are my favorite kinds of Mondays. <3