Freeloading at Mike and Ginny's

We left Myrtle Beach and headed up the road for Mike and Ginny's house where we driveway camped freeloaded at their place for a week. The laughter started almost immediately- I could see Mike's grin as he thought he was going to get a show to watch as we backed into the driveway. Fortunately for me, we didn't put much of one on! That said, the yard beside of the driveway is almost perfectly laid out for a camper.

We had a great first afternoon/night visit- one of those "no pictures" kind of times. We were all kinds of excited when we learned that the campground offered breakfast in the mornings.

I will say, this was one of the first bathhouses I had used in quite a while. Don't worry, it was nice and clean!

We had mail arrive on Friday and included in it was a big classroom kit from Matchbox. It had ramps and loops and whatnot. We got it as a homeschooling family. After work, I walked in to find a ramp running from one end of the house to the other and the kids (by which, I mean mostly Mike) were racing cars down it.

For dinner, Mandie cooked up the last of our farm-fresh meat into meatloaf in her InstantPot. For those who don't know, Mandie's a pot-head. In the Fulltime Families group, there is quite a cult-like following for an electric pressure cooker called an InstantPot. We drank the koolaid back in December and we love it. (So much so, we got rid of our crockpot a month ago and recently bought a second InstantPot!)

Randomly, here is a flip-book of of selfies that Logan took.

After dinner, more Matchbox track was setup:

Videos here and here and here.

Saturday found us boating and throwing crab traps in the water. According to Mike, this was officially the latest that they ever went. I'd also not be surprised if this was the most crap they ever took. We didn't catch anything, but it was a beautiful day. The kids petered out pretty quick and we headed back to the house.

More Matchboxing happened!

Complete with videos and all:

• Across kitchen and into living room
• It hit me!
• Slow motion - 3 cars on a loop
• Slow motion - 5 cars on a loop

On Sunday, we headed to the North Carolina Aquarium and Pine Knoll Shores. This was a really neat place. But what I loved most was watching the kids interacting with Mr. Mike and Ms. Ginny and the kindness that was reciprocated. (Thanks guys.)

A bonus for us is that it was on our reciprocal zoo membership and we got in free!

Headed back, we made a quick stop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond to sample their wares:

Much too quickly, it was time to say our goodbyes. We had a wonderful week with the Fentons and thank them greatly for their hospitality. Mandie and the kids literally invaded their house each day.

I'm pretty light on photos this week as we spent the time visiting with my phone tucked away. Even still, check Flickr, as there are a few more there.