On Monday of last week, the girls and I hopped in the car in the morning and drove to Charlotte, NC to visit some friends. Chris and Kristen were on vacation at her mom and dad's home, and we didn't want to miss an opportunity to see them and their precious children! V and K did a great job in the car, both ways, and I was so thankful. It was an easy trip and so worth it...the kids had a great time playing with Ruthie and Elliot on the outside playground toys there and it was a sweet time for me to see a great friend!

Elliot is so handsome and has such a great disposition. A real cutie. This was my first time meeting him! He and Kate are the same age.

Ruthie is several months older than Vivian. We visited her in Raleigh when she was much smaller! She's beautiful and reminds me so much of her mom :)

They served us all a nice lunch. It was a great day to be outside.

We had a few moments to open presents before we left to come back home. Kristen gave me some adorable outfits for our baby boy!

I love the blogging world! It's the best way to keep in touch with distant friends and watch their children grow by God's grace.

Kristen, Vivian has asked about Ruthie a lot this week.

Kristen and I are friends from NC State...specifically from Allison's Bible study at Providence Baptist Church. Good times! And actually I knew her husband Chris even before that, from a Campus Crusade group. And now it's such a blessing to see our families grow and to be encouraged by her example as a wife, mother, and ambassador of Christ. Thanks for spending the afternoon with us, McCutchens!