Road Trip to the Carolinas

The past week, we have been on a family road trip to search for a new place to call home. We have spent hours and hours in the car and despite the fact that the kids just traveled over 5000 miles in an airplane, they have been great travel buddies. Derrick and I shared the driving, so it wasn't too exhausting for us either. And while he drove, I  crocheted some scarfs. 

The farther we drove north, the colder it got. We went from sunshine and 70F degree weather to temps in the 30s. Thanks to a couple of winter storms moving across the Northeast last week, we even had temperatures dipping as low as 18 degrees and snow and ice on the ground. It made this trip a real adventure. 

The first day we made it to South Carolina and spent a night there before completing our trip the next day. It's approximately 740 miles (11 hours) from Pembroke Pines to Mooresville, NC. Mooresville is a suburb of Charlotte, around 25 miles north of the city. When we got to Mooresville, it was cold but no snow or ice yet. This allowed us to explore this small town of approximately 35,000 people. Mooresville seems to be divided into two parts: an old downtown area, with small shops, government buildings and older homes; and the newer part with shopping plazas and newer constructed homes. 

Between touring houses, we made sure the kids get out and about. They loved playing on the playground or running around on empty grassy fields.

And then it started snowing on Monday and at night the snow turned into ice. The kids enjoyed seeing the snow and gliding/ eating icicles.

Amelia definitely had more fun in this winter weather than Elliot did. After a few minutes, my little boy usually had enough of being cold and wanted to take off all those layers and layers of clothes. As you can see, my handmade scarfs came in handy.

Since the weather forecast predicted more ice and snow for Wednesday, we decided it was time to head South before we get stuck in the winter storm. And so we made a surprise visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house near Charleston, SC. At that point, we all were tired from driving.

Despite the unannounced visit, Grandma and Grandpa were happy to see us. And Marty the dog was too. The kids loved playing ball with him.

Amelia discovered her love for the electronic piano (keyboard) and was constantly playing on it. Her musical talent must come from her grandfather, who once played with BB King in a band. He can play the saxophone, guitar and the drums. Also, her Opa (my father) plays the keyboard.

And while we were there, we celebrated Grandma's upcoming birthday with her. HAPPY 77th BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!

Me and my boy.

Uncle David stopped by to see us too.

On Friday morning when we left South Carolina, it was 23F (-5C) but it was balmy 67F (19C) when we arrived in South Florida in the late afternoon. We sure enjoyed our trip and also the cold weather. It definitely was a change from the usual winter weather here in Florida.

Now, we are waiting to hear from the Realtor to see if we got approved for one of the 3 houses we toured. If all goes well, we will be back very soon to the Carolinas.