Shauna and the girls in North Carolina

Just got back tonight from another trip down to Brian and Whitney's in North Carolina.  Shauna and the girls were headed home from an east coast visit and were flying out of Charlotte so we drove down to 'see them off' so-to-speak.Debbie and I drove down on Friday morning leaving about an inch and a half of snow in Williamsburg (see, I told you it snowed every time we leave town) and got there in time for Debbie and Brian to drive off to meet up with Shauna and the girls (Shauna's parents drover them half way to Brian's).  Other than the below freezing temps we had a great time with everyone.

The highlight, besides seeing the west-coasters, was the trip to the Discovery Center in Charlotte. This is a children's hands-on museum of sorts so there was plenty to do (even us big kids). We rode down on the metro (train) which dropped us off only two blocks from the museum.

 

We had intended to go see a 3-D movie but got there too late to see the whole thing so we just did the museum part. There was a lot to do of course and there were a lot of folks there with their kids, I think trying to stay out of the cold more than anything else. A lot of what was there was science-oriented and was even fun for us big kids. And even son and Mom got to re-visit their better youth and enjoy the museum as well. 

I (Dave) was especially fond of the infra-red view - notice all my hots spots (not)! The hot is indicated by the lighter colors; and the cold is indicated by the darker colors - what can I say, it was a cold day!

After we got back from the museum we scoured the town for ice cream and sprinkles - despite the 20 degree temps we were determined to get the girls their ice cream. First stop was Trader Joes but apparently you can't shop at TJ's if the store is crowded so off we went to Harris Teeter (grocery store for those of you not in the know) and I suppose the crowds were manageable as Brian was able to acquire everything needed at HT.

Soooooo, after an excellent pork roast dinner we had our ice cream.  Well, the kids did anyway, oh yea, and Brian, and Whitney, and Debbie, and Shauna - so I guess that means only I didn't partake of the ice cream and sprinkles (have to watch my stunning figure you know).

Of course, with ice cream comes the very good chance that you might get some of it in your hair, especially if you have long blonde hair.  But alas, the 'great grey arm' will always come to the rescue if such an evil thing befalls one of the ice cream princesses.

One more thing before I sign off ...... we left Charlotte around 2:00 and only made two stops, one for gas ($2.59 a gallon) and once to stretch at the Virginia state line.  Anyway, we got here just under six hours - just in time to see the OT period of the Packers and Cardinals wild-card playoff game - and sorry I saw it!  Oh well, now at least I don't have to worry each weekend to see whether or not Green Bay's Dr Jekyl or Mr Hyde defense is going to show up.  Now, if only the Vikings and Cowboys lose, everything will be all better.