Dow Family Vacation 2010

All of the Dows packed up & flew east to see Dorothy (Aunite D) for a few days.

I was slightly nervous about Kaden on the plane, but he did really well overall. He slept the majority of our flights & my only complaint was that I couldn’t get comfortable enough to take a nap.

After a brief layover in Memphis, we touched down at Raleigh-Durham airport, hopped into our Acadia rental and found our way to our Hampton Inn in Chapel Hill.

We had dinner at Vespa Ristorante in Chapel Hill.

Kaden and the owner became instant friends.

On Friday, Dorothy had to work so we took the beautiful 2-hour drive to Wilmington Beach.

Unfortunately the sun disappeared as we approached the shore.

Ben & David were able to get in the water for 15 minutes or so before dark clouds rolled in and lightning cleared the beach.  It was still beautiful but I can't wait to see it again someday...

Kaden & Shanny feeling the Atlantic waves on their toes.

The Benjamin Dow family, August 2010

 

Throughout our trip we seemed to time our dinners just right where Kaden calmly looked around the restaurant for a while before drifting off to sleep in his car seat.

On Saturday afternoon I got a chance to attend a yoga class with Dorothy. 

Afterwards we visited the Durham farmers' market.

The Dow clan.

Dorothy gave us an extensive walk tour of Duke, where she is currently doing a fellowship in infectious diseases at the University Hospital.

Pictures around campus

2010 NCAA Basketball Champions.

Practice facility next to Cameron indoor stadium.

The lawn in the background is where undergraduate students literally camp out for DAYS in hopes of getting floor seats

to be a part of the Cameron crazies. 

Posing in front of Duke's chapel.

Tired of bending down to pick up Kaden's pacifier.

Kaden & Auntie D

Shanny & David at Duke's botanical garden.

 Later that night, relaxing on Dorothy's porch swing before our final night on the town.

It was a great trip and I can't believe how much we saw, did and ATE in the span of 3 ½ days!  

Maybe next time the beach will be sunny or we can experience the mountains of North Carolina.