The Raleigh Home Show

Today we decided to go to the Raleigh home show downtown.  We have grand plans to someday add an addition to our house and thought we could go and get some ideas, get some business cards, and generally have something to do on a Saturday afternoon.  After naptime, we loaded up the car (Grandma wanted to come too) and set off for downtown.  

I've never been to the new convention center, and I'll have to say I was quite impressed.  It is a very nice facility.  The boys had a great time going from booth to booth hunting for candy that the various venders had out to try and attract customers.  There was even a sample of a V-8 like juice that they quickly gobbled down.  Well, Chandler drank it.  When the vendor asked what Brighton thought he said (with a puzzled look on his face), "is this apple juice?!?"  The vendor said to me, "wow, it's so great, he thinks it's apple juice!"  Brighton then said maybe it was strawberry juice since it was red in color.  The vendor was quite pleased and took a picture of my boys "enjoying" the juice.  After we got out of earshot (hopefully) Brighton handed me his cup, and said this juice is stinky and yucky.  I guess those two comments wouldn't get you many customers.....

After the show we thought we'd try to find a place to eat downtown for dinner.  Something quick and easy since it was already after 5 p.m.  We then proceeded to do this:

We walked and walked and walked and walked all over downtown Raleigh looking for a place to eat that was not a bar, that was open, or that was accessible.  There were many outdoor concerts/events going on and many a place was barricaded with no easy way to get there.  Although we could see places to eat, we had to press on.  After walked what seemed like forever to me, and definitely the kids, we arrived on the opposite side of Moore square from Marbles museum.  Since we knew there was a Roly Poly sub shop near Marbles, we pressed forward.  Unfortunately they were CLOSED!!  We went in the Imax to use the potty and then had to backtrack, and FINALLY found a subway.  After daddy woofed down his sandwich we made him head back solo for the car.

We let the boys play in Moore square after dinner and they had a great time.  Next time I think we'd be better packing a picnic or just going home.