VA2NYC

When I was in college, my sorority sister Dana's license plate was "NYC2VA." She was from New York City and had come to UVA for school. I thought of it recently because Gammy and Brie had the reverse adventure! They started in Virginia Beach and headed north for a week of fun and adventure in the Big Apple!

But first...Brie toured the Greene School and figured out where the Purple Wing is. She even saw her name from when she was Aviator of the Month last year during virtual school. Go figure!

And then we drove to Gammy and Granddaddy Rob's. Blossom did really well on the road trip and instantly liked Lolly. 

She might have come on a bit strong, though, but in small doses the dogs did great together! 

And Sebastian took advantage of all of the extra doggie snuggles!

We couldn't wait to hit the beach! 

We went to a Tides baseball game, too! 

Cal Ripken Jr.'s son Ryan plays for them now. Pretty cool! 

Then the next morning, we took Brie and Gammy to the train station...

Where they boarded an Amtrak train...

To embark on their trip to NYC!

They were on the train for most of the day, but had a lovely time. In their quiet cabin, Brie crocheted...

And they read, played games, ate yummy things and rested. After arriving at Penn Station, they passed Madison Square Garden and could see the spire of Empire State Building while walking to their hotel!! 

All while...the boys faced off at Jungle Golf! 

This all looks like fun and games, but Sebastian was his usual competitive self at putt-putt golf. Yikes! 😬😂

Samuel and Sebastian introduced Granddaddy Rob to "Not Parent Approved." You can tell by Sebastian's face that this card game is extra silly when a grandparent is involved.

A moment of dog peace and quiet...

And we enjoyed a gorgeous evening out on the lawn for movie night. It was Mary Poppins! 

The next day...Brie and Gammy left Manhattan...

And took a boat to Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty!

Pretty spectacular!

Then they wrapped up a super first day with Italian food! 

Meanwhile, back in VB, we rose before sunrise (Thanks so much, Blossom. 😑)...

To go for a jog and spot Granddaddy Rob and Lolly!

Had a tasty picnic lunch with the cousins!! 

And hit the new pool!

Like in years past, each kid took a night to have a sleepover with Auntie B.

Look what she made just for Sebastian!!

On Day 2, Gammy and Brie took a walking tour of the Brooklyn Bridge... 

And learned all about Dumbo! 

And milkshakes! 😉

But fear not. We had our own good eats in Virginia Beach! 

And took the dogs on LOTS of walks.

Then we tried something totally new: ziplining! 

Also out and about? Brie and Gammy went to Top of the Rock! What a sensational view!!

And took a tour of the impressionist gallery in the Metropolitan Museum of Art!

And the Egyptian wing!

The museum's fountains...

And its sculpture garden! 

More big highlights of their trip?? Dylan's Candy Bar! 

A visit to F.A.O. Schwartz! 

And...dinner with my dear friend Edwina and her family! 

Edwina's daughter Ella and Brie hit it off right away!

Hope they're buddies forever like me and Edwina! 

One of our last night's in VB? Tony and I had a sleepover at Auntie B's, too! Whenever we hang out, it's always delicious and full of quality time. We watched the documentary The Orange Years: The Nickelodeon Story together. It was both wonderful and wonderfully nostalgic. I highly recommend it!! 

All in all, Brie and Gammy had a fabulous trip: awesome sights, good food, culture, play time and bonding. How very special for them to have that time together and make all those memories. 💗 And we also had tons of fun in VB. Such a perfect last week away for all of us before school resumed.

Which it did! Last week! The kids were VERY ready to go back in person. I'm happy to report that everyone had a great first week! 

We're hoping for a really good year!!

P.S. Soccer started back up, too! After a bit of hesitancy, Sebastian came alive as a forward. It was exciting to watch!