Raleigh - Oct 2014

Both of us had to be on the east coast for work - Shawna in Hartford and Keith in DC/Philly - so we decided to extend the week and spend a couple of days in Raleigh/Durham to see the gang.  Shawna flew in the Thursday night and worked from John's house on Friday while Keith arrived on Friday afternoon.  John was gracious enough to do all the airport pick up / drop offs - as well as dropping Shawna off at Trali to meet Lisa and Beth for a few drinks on Friday afternoon.

The initial plan was to head out locally for dinner and drinks on Friday evening, but after a couple of beers at John's place on Friday afternoon, we found that the neighbors were having a party and we were invited.  So we joined the neighbors for brats, beer, and handing out candy.  We were able to give away some candy to the kids trick or treating in the neighborhood while consuming a fair amount ourselves.  Keith faded at 8:30 while the rest of us hung out longer.  Shawna and JoAnna ended the evening at a neighborhood bar with a few of the neighbors - yet again the girls outlasted the boys!

Shawna and JoAnna with Neighborhood Friends

On Saturday, JoAnna had to help set up at a work event in Durham, so we dropped her off at 10:00 am and then headed over to Keith and Kate's house to see them and the kiddos.  The original plan was to go out for breakfast but we decided to stay in when Keith offered to make breakfast - pancakes and cheesy eggs with bread bought at Gugelhupf.  It was a blast to see the kids - as always amazing to see how quickly they have grown.

Goofing Around with the Artin Kids

Phoebe's Observations of Keith

We headed back to Chez Douglas for a nap and a bowl of John's famous chicken tortilla soup before heading back to Durham for dinner with the old Suppa Club gang.  Shawna had made a reservation for 14 of us at Local 22 Kitchen and Bar.  We were able to catch up with John/Jo, Keith/Kate, Phil/Joyce, Julie/Brian, Kim/Jonathan, Steve, and Stephanie.  It was a really good dinner - Keith and Shawna shared a few small plates (mussels and pork belly), the spinach salad and a lamb flatbread.  Following dinner, we all had a few nightcaps at Parizade.  We flew out on Sunday on the 9 am flight back to Denver - a quick weekend but very enjoyable!  

Kate, Brian and Julie

Joyce and Shawna