Auntie Carrie is here!!! - Part II

This post title is misleading because Auntie Carrie is gone. Her visit was so fast despite being 6 days long. I miss her already. Very few people in this world are blessed with a friend so close that even the word sister doesn't begin to describe their relationship. I thank God constantly for her.
We enjoyed our last few days immensely. On Sunday, we cooked and baked after church. We have been baking together since high school and love when the opportunity presents itself. Over the visit we made:
- Earl Gray and Cranberry Ice Cream (from Jeni's Ice Cream cookbook)
- Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream (from Jeni's Ice Cream cookbook)
- Strawberry and Rhubarb Oatmeal Bars
- Pad Thai (recipe created by a college friend)
- Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing (from The Pioneer Woman Cooks book 2)
- Cheese Fondue
- Chocolate Fondue (just Ghirardelli chocolate chips and butter)
- Cheese Enchiladas (these are the jam--it's all about the chili gravy)
- Mexican Street Corn on the Cob
- Mushrooms Stuffed with Brie (good but not amazing - better the next day).
 Lets just say Chris enjoyed having Carrie here as well.

Monday we we headed back to NC and drove a piece of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Unforunately, it is still too early for the rhododendron to be bloomong, but we enjoyed a beautiful day with some short hikes and great views. Chris joined us, which was both a lot of fun for us and really good for him. Being outside really revitalizes him.

Craggy Gardens Picnic Area

Craggy Gardens Pinnacle Trail

Mount Mitchell

On Tuesday, Carrie didn't leave until 650, so we got to hang out some more. She helped me figure out how to sew a blind hem. Sewing is not my thing but thankfully it is hers (she hand embroidered several onsies for Lottie. They are amazing.) We also gave Lottie a bath, which turned into more of an adventure than usual. Lottie chose to impress Auntie Carrie by pooing in her bath water right as we were finishing up her bath, so we had to start all over. The picture below is taken in between baths and about 30 seconds before Lottie peed in her towel. Her clever Auntie Carrie was prepared though and had a second towel under her bum and was holding her a couple inches away just in case. Lottie sure knows how to shake things up.

 

Carrie also had personalized tattoos made to commerate our week together. We thought they would be a funny surprise for our hubbies.

 

Dropping Carrie off at the airport included teary eyes on both sides, and I must admit I am still a little sad. We did have an incredible visit though, and I got to share my sweet baby with my best friend. Lottie gave many sweet smiles and good cuddles to Auntie Carrie, and Auntie Carrie showered Lottie with lots of kisses and squeezes just as any incredible aunt should. It was 6 days of realizing how incredibly blessed I am.