A Night in NoDa...

We are finally starting to get the hang of this city.

It has taken some time to hear of the fun areas to explore 

but slowly and surely we are finding "our places."

My twin-in-law was actually the one to tell me about Charlotte's Historic Art District -

called NoDa.

We checked it out while she was here and I could hardly wait to take James back.

Those wittle cheeks.

I kiss on them all day.

Heaven on earth right here.

A few weekends ago some friends treated us to a fun dessert shop on the edge of NoDa 

called Amelie's.

It was to die for.

Their salted caramel dessert was one of my all time favorites.

The next day we decided to head back to the art district so James could experience it all.

It kind of reminds me of Sugar House in Salt Lake, 

which isn't surprising since Charlotte as a whole reminds me of SLC.

It is small - just a few blocks - but it is chalk full of fun art shops and tasty food.

I was dying to take James to Cabo Fish Taco's.

Apparently, people travel from far and wide for these puppies.

There was quite a wait but we didn't mind.

We meandered through a few stores, made one snappy diaper change on the lawn next to a shop

and snapped some pictures in front of this fun purple wall.

It was one of my favorite meals with James.

Annie slept in my arms while he ate -

then we switched

all the while jabbering away.

I sure do I love that guy.

Then it was back to Uptown.

Despite the fact that we are big Romney supporters,

it was pretty darn incredible to watch the DNC unfold.

I like to remind James that it is probably a once in a lifetime experience to live in a convention city -

no matter what political party you are affiliated with.

It was quite remarkable to learn how to respect others views 

and appreciate all of the grandeur of American politics.

Left or right, conservative or liberal,

I think we could all use a little more respect and love.

A pride festival was held that night, about a week before the convention started.

I believe it was a pride festival for many different issues.

It was peaceful and really pleasant to walk around.

We waltzed around downtown checking it all out

and taking in all that America has to offer.

We got home that evening and put Annie straight to bed.

We said goodnight to the sweet light of our lives 

before snuggling in and falling asleep on the couch while watching a movie.

I couldn't have asked for a better night.

Exploring a new city,

experiencing some American culture

and all the while mugging on my sweet baby and handsome husband.

Perfection.