Adventures in Virginia

Our summer would not be complete without some family time! At the end of July, Camp Wildbrook wrapped up...Sebastian had another awesome summer there.

And then...we headed to Virginia! Our rental home in Lake Anna had a really cool basement!

And pool (for a time--see below)!

Cousins reuniting meant games...

S'mores...

We even paid a visit to Mr. Jefferson!

And Monticello! The kids really got into the tour and asked lots of questions! 

And, of course, we visited UVA, too. What a joy to take the kids around!!

We FINALLY got to try Poke Sushi Bowl on the Corner. I would have eaten there all the time if it had existed while we were in school.

We also got Boba Tea (WHERE were these yummy places when Tony and I were at UVA?!) and paid XO a visit!

It always feels good to be back!!

And we went to Kings Dominion! Our kids LOVE rollercoasters! 

And we scored no crowds, so the kids rode all day long!

Brie found the claw machine from heaven...it let her try about fifty times! 

She all but filled our backpack--we shared the spoils of her efforts with all the cousins! 

We love Kings Dominion!

We also got to do lakey things, like fishing...

And kayaking!

Hooray!!

Time for another yummy meal...

And some suspect local cider. 

More card games and art!

One last lake visit!  

Not exactly seashells...

And more yummy eats!

Despite voicing our concerns, the rental agency ignored us about the pool and it was this gorgeous shade of algae bloom by the time we left. Good thing we got to enjoy the lake!

Then we headed to Virginia Beach and got in some cousin time there! 

And Beth and I went to see Spin Doctors! We had the prettiest evening for an outdoor show.

The lead singer was all about his high kick. Ouch!! 😂

Nothing beats nostalgia in the summertime!

While home, we rediscovered these pics of me with Granddaddy Sam and Grandma Lonia from when I was in college and grad school...

Such wonderful memories!!

Our visit was filled with the perfect mix of beach...

Outdoor fun...

Pool time...

Puppy dog time...

And silliness!

And you know us...we also got all dressed up!

And went out to eat on a beautiful night!

And that's a wrap on another amazing summer vacation! Yay, for family and Virginia! Now it's nearly back to school time! 

P.S. Brie finished crocheting Baby Yoda for her band teacher! I think she nailed the colors and isn't the little coat the cutest??

P.P.S. This was Beth last month. Absolutely. Amazing.

Yes, that's Beth with Joey McIntyre!!! (And her longtime dear friend Darby (next to Jordan)!

Here's me in 7th grade...about the closest I ever got to Jonathan Knight. 😂

P.P.P.S. Is everyone gearing up for Halloween??