Another meet up with our Guatemalan friends!

Charlotte has this awesome Latin-themed mall called Crossroads Mall. It is directly across the street from Carowinds, and has this huge play area that only costs $2 for 45 minutes of playtime. They close it down every hour for 15 minutes to clean it, which we mommies really like. We met some of our friends there today and had a great time! I didn't get very many pictures, as I was by myself with my two girls, and Maria tends to be really clingy for the first hour of anywhere we happen to go. So my hands were full, to say the least. But a good kind of full! Mary Ann got much better shots ... her blog is The Shrum Family Adventures that is linked under my favorite blogs. You can also get a glimpse at the play area in this incredible mall. One day I need to take Eric or cousin Lisa with me to this place so that I can actually SHOP, too.

This is Maya and Lilee ... Maya and Lilee became buds today. Maya seemed to think Lilee needed her help putting on her shoes, but they are the same age! Lilee turned 3 this year, but Maya will be 4 next month, and I guess at their age, that few months in between does make a difference, but they were so cute together.
And Sara Ava seemed a little taken with Maria. Maria can be VERY clingy, and especially so in new situations. Just being in my lap isn't enough .. she has to be in a certain position with me holding her tight with both arms, or she'll still keep repeating "hold you, mommy, hold you". Normally she warms up after an hour or so in my lap. It was almost time for us all to go when she finally let me put her down, and Sara Ava was holding her hand to keep her from getting too scared.

And the group shot. Mary Ann has boys unlike any I have ever met. They are so sweet around all the little girls, and they are sooo helpful with the younger ones! This time only Joel could come, but he was great with all the girls! Sara Ava and Lilee are his sisters. Daniel had to sit with his newest son, Zane, who just came home from Vietnam last fall, as Zane was NOT in the mood to sit for pictures. Chloe is standing beside Maria with her arm around her, also helping to keep Maria from being scared and crying. Chloe is Zane's sister.

And this is Zane. So glad you are home, buddy! It was a long wait for your mommy, and she looked like such a proud mommy today! Zane's older sister Kaitlyn was also there today, but somehow missed getting in the pictures. We're not missing you next time Kaitlyn!
We had a great time! Thanks, Mary Ann, for organizing all the meet ups for us!