Atlanta, Georgia

July 2014 -

After 11 months the girls were finally back in Atlanta.  We were greeted at our home away from home, the 'Damaraion's', with sweet signs made by Ella and Zeke.  The only way we could really tell we'd been gone for an extended period of time was by how much all the kids we left had grown and changed!

sweet welcome home signs by Ella and Zeke

 

the girls have talked about their favorite restaurant all year!

 

Gabby was spoiled rotten by friends as soon as we arrived in Atlanta.  Swimming with Ella Bennett and Molly Haynes at Ansley, spending a whole day with Molly and Sara Haynes doing whatever it is she wanted to do... Doc Chey's, Krispy Kreme, Moe's, seeing Fault in Our Stars, shopping, seeing our bunny Goober and a decadent birthday dinner with Molly at the Lawrence.  Two days later Carrie, Colleen and Mark Miller planned another whole day of fun - Stone Mountain park and Pizzeria Venti. 

Molly, Ella and Gabby

Gabby and Molly at Krispy Kreme

Gabby and Molly in front of our house

Gab and Molly at dinner

Carrie, Gabby and Colleen

Carrie and Gabby at Stone Mountain

Audra was excited to connect with her buddies too.  First swimming with Riley, a sleepover with Kylie, then Skyzone (indoor trampoline park) with Nicole.  I have not missed the Atlanta driving and traffic! Sofia was the luckiest with an ongoing, two week sleepover with her best buddies Ella and Zeke Dameron.  She also got to spend time with her good buddy from Kindergarten, Caroline Gray (who, unfortunately had just gotten over missing her!!). 

Riley and Audra

Atlanta traffic

Skyzone - indoor trampoline fun - Audra, Gabby and Zeke

Nicole and Audra

Sally and her girls

A huge thank you to Beth, Rob, Ian and Nina Shaw for taking such good care of Goober for us (like I gave them a choice?!). 

Sofia and Goober

One of the things this expat adventure has taught me is to never take friends for granted.  It's so easy to get caught up in errands and laundry and put off time with friends.  Spend time with the people who make you feel happy, special and loved! Sometimes, however, you do need to stop and buy milk!

Sweet friends, Kellie Bruce, Diane Macaluso and Kimberly Shuman threw a gorgeous, fun cocktail party the night before I left Atlanta.  It was wonderful to catch up with so many friends!  

Kellie and Di

Nancy and Kimberly

Jincy, Beth and Heather

Lynda and Lola

Di's porch, the perfect setting

A few Atlanta treasures:

Alon's is the best bakery in the world... best cookies, pastries, buttery scones, decadent desserts, best sandwiches and prepared food not to mention an extensive cheese counter and wine selection.  I challenge anyone to find a better scone or double chocolate chunk cookie anywhere!! 

Bagels - I am sorry I took you for granted, I have missed a good, toasted bagel with cream cheese! 

bagels!!

The Varsity (with it's own lingo)- "What'll ya have?" -  a Naked Dog, Walk a Dog (hot dog to go), Heavy Weight (hot dog with extra chili), Red Dog (hot dog with ketchup), Sideways (onion rings on the side), Strings (french fries), F.O. (frosted orange milkshake) to name a few!

Frank Gordy opened the original Varsity in 1928. The downtown Atlanta location, on more than two acres, is the World's Largest Drive-in accommodating 600 cars and over 800 people inside. Two miles of hot dogs, a ton of onions, 2500 pounds of potatoes, 5000 fried pies and 300 gallons of chili are made from scratch daily.

sometimes 3,000 people are served per day!

Ben and Gabby with their F.O. (frosted orange shakes)

Krispy Kreme - making donuts since 1937.  The stores are famous for their red neon signs glowing 'HOT Donuts NOW!', though that sign has only been around since 1992!  Happy to discover Krispy Kreme has 500 international locations... none in Sweden but some in the UK!  

a dozen glazed

It was wonderful to reconnect over dinner or coffee with so many friends after time away.  It's nice to know Atlanta will always be home no matter where we live.

our last meal at Doc Chey's with the Damerons before leaving Atlanta