Virginia Trip and Birthday Party

We had a great trip to Richmond, VA a couple of weeks ago. Mom and Dad drove up from Iowa and we loaded up the car top carrier, packed the van full of Sarah's stuff, and headed east. It was so wonderful to have Mom and Dad along to help entertain Sarah along the way. She really was a trooper and went with the flow. There were a few fussy moments trying to get her to sleep in the pack n play in the hotel rooms. We'd finally give up and let her sleep in bed with us.

We arrived in Arlington on a Thursday night and made plans for our day trip into D.C. We took the metro train and walked the mall to see most of the monuments. We didn't make it over to the Jefferson Memorial or the Korean War Memorial, but we saw the rest. It was a super hot day. I appreciated everyone's willingness to walk the mall with me since I had never been there before. It's quite an amazing experience.

Sarah in front of her future home

Jason in front of the Washington Monument

We went to the Natural History Musuem to cool off and make the day more interesting for Sarah. We walked the Hall of Mammals and saw the dinosaur exhibits. Mom, Sarah, and I went into the Butterfly Exhibit. Sarah was really paying attention to all of the butterflies.

Sarah and I in the butterfly exhibit

We ended the day on the Washington D.C. Mall by taking Sarah on a merry-go-round and having some ice cream. She did much better sitting down than going on a horse like she did the previous two times on a carousel. We had a very full day taking the sights. We trained back to the hotel, loaded up the van, and headed to my cousin Val's house in Arlington. Sarah and a fun time playing with their daughter, Aida who is only 2 1/2 weeks younger than her. She also had fun hugging her other 2nd cousin once removed, Cassidy. Kim and Cleo drove up from Richmond so it was a fun little family reunion. Sarah was so excited to see Kim and so was I. I even teared up when I saw her since I hadn't seen her since her wedding.

Nicci, Sarah, and Dad on the carousel

Aida and Sarah

Cleo, Jason, Dad, Kim, and Garry enjoying good food and drinks

After saying our good-byes to the Heishusen-Young family, we drove down to Richmond. Jason, Sarah, and I stayed at a local Hampton Inn and Mom and Dad went on to the Battle residence. We met up with them the next day and enjoyed a tour of Richmond and a day around the house. We saw Cleo's boys, Kelvin and Brennan, and met his Dad, Cleo Battle, Sr. and Cleo's sister, Angelica. It was great family bonding time. Sarah spent the night at Kim and Cleo's in Mom and Dad's room so we met back at the house the following day to head out to the local amusement park, King's Dominion, for the day. It was a hot, hot, day, but we had fun going on roller coasters while Sarah went with Mom, Dad, Kim, and Cleo to the water park area. Jason and the guys stayed a bit longer to catch more rides after the Whitehead crew took Sarah back home. She had a full day.

We road-tripped to Virginia Beach the next day. I hadn't been to the Atlantic Ocean since a band trip in high school, so it was nice to see that part of the country. We boogie-boarded for the first time. It was fun to get out in the water. It took me a little longer to get in the water since Sarah had a slight temperature and wasn't feeling quite herself. I finally got her down on a blanket for a nap so I got to "play" after that. Jason was a trooper on the drive since he had Kim and I commenting on his driving the whole time.

Sarah napping on Virginia Beach

Sarah and Aunt Kim looking at the seagulls

On the last night of our stay, we went to a Mexican Restaurant with the whole family. We had a great meal and a fun night together. Kim still needs to find a place that serves margaritas like La Perla. :) We had to say our good-byes to Kim that night since she was heading out early for work the next day and we were staying at the hotel. It was hard to say good-bye, but we know we'll see each other next in October. Still...I miss her like crazy. It was great to see where she and Cleo live and be able to picture her environment.

(from left and around the table)Brennan, Dad, Kelvin, Jason, Mom, Kim, Cleo

Kim and Sarah on the front porch

Thank you for a great time Kim and Cleo! It was great seeing you all!

We went to Jason's aunt and uncle's house yesterday for a 2-year-old birthday party for Gabe who is Jason's 2nd cousin (his cousin Steve's son). It was a beautiful day to be outside playing in the pools and doing outdoor stuff. Aunt Ellen and Uncle Dick put on a great party and Sarah had a blast. Happy Birthday Gabe!

Sarah playing in the pool. She wanted to stay there all day.

Sarah playing a game in the picture below. The dads had to put a cup on their foreheads and the kids had to pour water into the cup. Pretty funny stuff!

Gabe pouring water into Bob's cup. Sean is watching and learning.

Sarah riding around in the toy car in the basement

Sean picking out a ball from the row of prizes.

Thank you Aunt Ellen and Uncle Dick for a great time!

We spent a lot of time outside today playing at the park and in the yard. Jason is soaking up these last few days of break before heading back to school. Marching Band Camp went well so he's already off and going for the school year. I'm helping teach a little music hour/play time class at church a week from tomorrow for babies through 4-year-olds. Wish us luck. :)

We hear that people check into the blog from time to time. Hope all is well and keep in touch.