Galzinbrad 2010: weekend of luxuriating in good company while gazing at the NC mountain view

At the Martin cabin in Bat Cave, North Carolina one looks out at this.
I attempted to define Galzinbrad last year on the blog. This year, I'll try again. Galzinbrad: a group of fabulous ladies who happen to be Furman graduates, class of '95, beautifully complimented with the addition of one Brad Fugate. Say it with me. Gals and Brad. Galzinbrad.
We spent the weekend cooking, eating, chatting, loving on each other and even doing a little yoga. I am a bit surprised and amused how often diet and digestion were the topics of conversation. I guess we are really approaching the big 4-0. We went out in Black Mountain for lunch and my heirloom tomato, melon and arugula salad with mango dressing was picture perfect (above). Brad and I were picture perfect too:) (below).
Dear Galzinbrad- thanks for remaining my friends for almost 20 years. You inspire me!
Laurie

Trip to Maine Part 1: en route

Let's call this post and future posts about our trip to Maine retrospective. Over a month has passed after all. Anyway, we picnicked in NC during our first day's drive. With 3 hungry kids this is undoubtedly the best way to eat on the road! You can eat good food for cheap. :) Mama like.
I think the kids like it too!
Our first night on the road was spent in Charlotte. Family friends, the Gambles, treated us to dinner. Claudia Gamble above. Eric Gamble below with Rob and Kirk Hall.
The next day we drove to Lynchburg for our annual pilgrimage to Chez Mortemousque. Sienna Mortemousque is the chillest dog EVER.
Moving right along, our final night on the road was spent with Mike, Meredith and Jack Sterner. They even got a cake for Rob's 40th.
Jack Sterner and Esther.
Mike and Jack bidding us farewell.
Dear Gambles, Mortemousqes and Sterners, letting 5 Burlingtons stay with you is not for the faint of heart. You have shown yourselves to be brave and very very kind. Thank you!

More Estherisms

"Mom, it's almost time for Communion right? Snacktime!"
After using hand sanitizer she urged me to smell her hands and said, "Mom, the smell fills your nose with sparkles!"

A letter to mom complete with theme music

Esther strikes again. If only she could express herself more clearly. . .

The Blurb blurbs again

As you may have noticed, the Burlington Blurb has been on hiatus for about 3 weeks. You see, the Burlington family has travelled (via Honda Odyssey) to Maine and back on a fabulous vacation. I will post about the trip in due time. But for now, here is some Burlington kid eye candy. Mom and dad got German soccer uniforms on their recent trip to Deutschland. The kids love 'em!

A visit with Claire and Nadjia

Gloria and I visited our 2nd cousin and her daughter at Scottish Rite today. Claire (3) is being getting treatment for a malignant tumor on her spine. Her treatments seem to be going well. We sisters got a treat hanging out with these 2 lovely ladies for a few hours this morning.
I made a fort with Claire under her table that we raised really high and covered with a blanket. See above.
And underneath the blanket is Claire!

She pretended to sleep.
And charmed me with her blue eyes.
Here is Nadjia Kitchen, Claire's mom, and second cousin to Gloria and me. That makes my children third cousins to Claire. Claire had the idea to make some videos. So without further ado, I give you. . . Claire!





Please pray for Claire and her family to have strength, energy and healing during this time. We love you Kitchen family.

Summer 2010- random shots

Let me introduce you to our magnificent magnolia tree at All Saints'. Notice in the background: the North Ave. Marta station. This tree is rarely without occupants of the young sort. When my kids are climbing there I try to imagine the generations of kids who have climbed here. I love this tree.
My sweet friend from college came through Atlanta this week and graced us with his calming and vacationing presence. We had lunch here at Chez Burlington and then he baked lemon cake tarts with the kids. I loved Brad already, but now that he has been in the kitchen with my kids our bond is even stronger. :)

The tarts, pre-glaze.
Another tree pose. Yoga humor anyone?

Finally, Esther and Robert spent a week with my parents in Canton for VBS at their church. They had a GREAT week learning, singing, eating out at every meal and sleeping with their grandparents. Thanks to Granny and Papaw! At the post-VBS reception.
Outside their church.
Esther.
Again.