We did it! We live in Wilmington now. In a place where there are seagulls flying around the grocery store parking lot! And since we’re in a rental until we can close on our house and officially move in, it definitely feels more like vacation than real life at this point.
Plus, the beach.
Random news:
- Our three-year-old fell out of bed the first night here, and I had seen something on Pinterest about using a pool noodle as a makeshift bedrail. Done and done. We got one at Walmart the next day. (In a total #rookiemom move, we picked up the noodle first thing from the display at the front of the store. Number of times I got hit in the face with it: too many to count. Number of times we almost clotheslined a fellow shopper or knocked something off a shelf: also countless.)
- Foodwise, we’re in vacation mode, which means a delightful mixture of trying new restaurants (Chops Deli = yum), frozen pizza, and cooking in our temporary home. Vacation rental cooking is always an adventure, yes? No peeler or cutting board, but by golly, there’s an egg slicer thing! FYI: it’s possible to cook frozen french fries on the too-large baking sheet that only fits in the oven on a 30* slant.
The one and only measuring device in the kitchen, and the wounded rubber spatula.
- We’ve also been hosted by new friends for a delicious dinner, and somehow they managed to intuitively make my girl’s favorites in one meal: chicken drumsticks, corn on the cob, sweet potatoes, salad with balsamic dressing, and watermelon! (Does anyone else get irrationally nervous about their kids being rude about the meal at someone else’s house?) Total home run. Thank you, Hamiltons!
- After our first day at the beach, Jay and I were talking about how we needed a way to make the hauling of the people and the stuff a little easier. The next day, another new friend came over with an awesome rolling beach cart stuffed with beach goodies – chairs, towels, toys, a squirt gun, sunscreen – a gift from the families at our new church. It’s like they read our minds! So, so sweet. We are feeling so loved and welcomed!
New recipes will be a bit scattered for the next few weeks while we’re getting settled…but here’s a sneak peek at what’s coming up next:
#givemeallthepeaches
My mental video of the pool noodle grocery store adventure is pretty hilarious! And the rental kitchen “equipment” looks charming–I’m guessing the owner is male? I love that you guys have been so well welcomed to Wilmington already!! (Like the alliteration there?)
You’re an alliterative all-star! 😉
Oh, man! I keep randomly bursting out into giggles at the thought of How Long it takes to go through Walmart, and then adding in a pool noodle. #rookiemomforreal
Also, I have an overwhelming desire to just buy a few important things for that kitchen!!
PS Please don’t get eaten by a shark!!
I did buy a cutting board ($1.88 at Walmart! How??) to leave behind. And this is the first time since I’ve had kids that I haven’t felt sad about not playing in the waves! Please tell me you’ve seen the YouTube video about how the ocean is the shark’s house…
1 – Is that your new backyard view?? BeaUtiful!!
2 – Love the random news:) Always a good laugh 😉
3 – Jealous of your new friends. Raleigh feels like a worse place 😉
4 – Please come back soon with new recipes! If we can’t have you down the street, then we at least need to sit down to a virtual meal with you!!
Jess…I wish! This is at our rental place but the outdoor space is pretty awesome! I could watch the willow tree all day. We miss you guys, too!!;(
Congratulations on your move and new church. Julie & I are wanting to visit Wilmington so we’ll touch base when we do. Your mom has been sharing some of the delicious recipes you post and I salivate every time.
Blessings to y’all.
P.S. Barb, bet you’re right about the male owner. No offense taken. 🙂
We would love to see you guys! Wilmington is a neat place…we’ll give you the scoop on what to do when you’re here!