Exploring The Queen City

Can you believe it’s a new year? The weather down here is throwing me off and I keep forgetting it’s January.  We had a week of dreary rain and our yard keeps getting worse:

The beautiful new sod that was here when we saw the house is all gone, and sadly we’re going to have to put in all new grass and install french drains to deal with the flooding.  But, after the week of rain, we had the most amazing weather over the weekend, which allowed us to get out and explore our new city.  Bur first, Emerson started preschool!

She’s going to an adorable little weekday school at a big church in Charlotte – she’ll be there in the morning 3 days a week (they didn’t have the two day option I was hoping for) and her classroom and teachers seem amazing. It reminds me of my school in Dallas! She was so excited on Friday and suddenly seemed so grown up.  She whined for a split second when I left and then ran into the classroom.

Her teachers said she tried almost every activity in the classroom.  I was a proud mama.

Matt and I were both so tired on Friday that we could barely function.  I picked up Yafo Kitchen for dinner – I’m obsessed with this place because they allow unlimited toppings – hummus, sauces, veggies – and it makes for a huge bowl that’s bursting with flavor.  And it’s like $11.

We started Saturday morning off with a run to a new park near our house.  I can’t get over these Carolina blue skies. I was worried we’d miss all the parks in Brooklyn, but we’re already found three within walking distance of our house.

We had a Mexican restaurant in mind for Saturday, but Em woke up late. By the time we got to the restaurant, there was already an hour wait #fail. I bet people eat earlier here than in NYC because I’m used to places being kind of empty except for families with kids at 5:30/6:00. Anyway, we went to Hawthorne’s pizza instead.

The pizza was basic, NY style but the gluten free crust was good and this garlicky, ricotta pizza hit the spot. And Emerson loved sitting in a booth for the first time.

Sunday was nearly 70 degrees and it was just glorious.  We took a long walk and then met friends for brunch at Earl’s Grocery. I had a grit and bacon bowl and we enjoyed catching up with our Davidson friends who have a baby on the way!  We stopped at yet another new park on the way back. I was wiped out from all the walking when we got home, but had committed to afternoon yoga at a hot studio called Y2. Wow, it was one of the hardest yoga classes I’ve even taken and I really didn’t know if I’d make it through.  I did though and was rewarded with some glorious stretching and amazing music.

Matt and I enjoyed beers while we gave Em a bath and then cooked a late dinner to round out the weekend. I’m feeling so comfortable in Charlotte, and it’s reminding me of Dallas. My neighborhood is very similar in that it has almost a small town feel with local restaurants and businesses near by.  I can run errands within a 5 mile radius. But, like Dallas, I can also venture to other areas for bigger city amenities, restaurants, and activities. I’m so excited to explore more next weekend!