Trip to Durham - and good-bye to Freys

Wait, what's this, we live a half day's drive away from family?! And we can just zip over for a long weekend?! (Thankfully, Jim had accrued enough time off by now.) It was only a week to go until Craig & Rachel move out of their house and load up their moving truck for the move to Gainesville, FL, so we figured it would be great to get over to Durham to see them one more time. Life is going to change radically for them as they move to Florida and Craig starts graduate studies in botany; not to mention how much life will change for Grandpa and Jaja without these three grandkids around!

It was lovely to be in Durham in the springtime (despite the fact that I came down with a sinus infection and was feeling very out of sorts; thankfully the extra hands helped give me a break to get some more rest), and spend a lot of time on the front porch or down at the park with the cousins.

Mattias LOVES to sweep.

Now for the younger brother's turn to push the big brother.

Stopping on the road to watch a garbage truck go by.

Of course, we were also glad to have some time with Mawethu and Lisa! Even though our transition to new homes and jobs has been very different (over the last year), there are still many points of connection and it is always helpful to step back from daily life and reflect together on what we are experiencing.

Mila and Timo (Lithemba was busy jumping and running around, I think.)

Highlight: the trip was worth it for these two hours right here... drinking a beer outside at a new brewery - what is with Durham these days?! - and having time just for adults to chat. (Thanks for watching the kids, Mom and Dad.)

One evening we had dinner at Pete and Rita's, who continue to set the neighborhood record for the biggest, most beautiful azaleas. The boys had a blast playing with Samson and we all hung out in the backyard for a meal.
 

Legos in the basement, of course. Note the telltale dehumidifier in the background.

Off to another park, for one last playtime!
 

these are some seriously wonderful parents and grandparents right here!

A barred owl has taken residence in Mom and Dad's backyard!! There has been one a few doors down for years, and this spring suddenly a companion took roost, and the two owls call back and forth to each other and fly between the trees. What a beautiful, awe-some, intimidating bird!! And with a loud call, almost like a monkey at times. Unfortunately it has scared away all the smaller birds that we enjoy seeing at mom's birdfeeders... We'll have to see how long it stays.
 

I love seeing this joyful cousin moment. The last few months these two have learned how to play together well (they are 10 months apart but just about the same size).