Great Weekend

A family in our ward had planned a trip to Colonial Williamsburg with their friends that have recently moved to Philadelphia.  Sadly, the whole family (Philadelphia friends) ended up with the flu and they had to cancel, leaving the Evans going solo and their kids in complete "despair".   That is where we come  in and score great weekend get away.    

A one by one mile of preserved history. 

Everywhere you looked their were reenactments and people dressed to the time period

The first day we wandered the street taking in all the shops and free festivities

It is beautiful.  

But can you image this picture taken a month later, the green trees filled in, leading to the Governors Palace?

Thomas Jefferson attended this church sitting in the back as a townsman, then the middle, and on up until he was sitting front and side center as a recognized government official.

The Governors Palace grounds where my FAVORITE!
They were amazing!  Definitely have to go back when everything is in full bloom.

Climb this vine covered hill or icebox cellar to over look the maze behind the palace.

The front of the the ice-cellar, aka the refrigerator:)

The second day we did the indoor tours that required tickets.

The entrance of the governors palace was all beautiful dark wood. 

I don't know why I was expecting white.

Tour guide using Abby as a model, so Lovely!

 

The ball room.  The colors were kind of crazy, 

very different than what I expected. The next room was a bright green.

Hot chocolate served at coffee house. 

It was a little bitter, more for your dark chocolate lovers.

Wig shop. With the right $ and a shaved head you were in all the latest style.

Style trumped comfort

By the end, we were exhausted...

So to the pool they went!  What a good sport dad is :)

Monday we went to the Yankee Candle Factory

It was an interesting little mini mall. They had a Christmas shop that would snow
(teeny tiny little bubbles) every 4 minutes and Santa comes every day.  

The kids chose a white wax mold and then dipped it in colored wax. 

A rainbow in 5 dips!)

We chose a slightly longer route home so we could cross the river on a Ferry.  I remember it being a little more exciting when I was a kid.  

  Couldn't help feeling a little guilty that the Gallops were sick and we were enjoying their trip. 

Still, glad to have had the opportunity, what ever the circumstances!

Great Weekend!

Surprise!

Aaron's mom called me a month ago asking if it would be okay if they could fly in and surprise Aaron for his birthday. Silly question, of Course!  I got home from visiting Des on Wednesday night and circled back to the airport Thursday morning to pick Pam and Doyle up.  We drove straight from the airport to Aaron's office.  It was PRICELESS!!  I really can't believe I didn't have my camera or phone to catch the moment.  He said hi, then a double take....took a minute to process and then welled up with tears. 

Daughter like father.  

I did manage a blurry shot of Ry and her tears of joy!

 They used the opportunity to bring Aaron two guns that he had been given by his two grandpa's.  Just what he needed!!  He "ONLY" had 7 before!   Kidding aside, the sentiment behind the guns is very cool and it was EXTREMELY Sweet of Pam and Doyle to go through the hassle of flying with guns.

Aaron put Doyle right to work. 

We have a "crawl space" under the house that we can use as a storage shed once we put in a level floor.  Aaron is super excited to have a running start.  I am Super Excited, the most labor intensive portion is over and I wasn't even sore, Thanks Doyle!

Everybody loves a little YoPop!

We have been SOO Spoiled with family visits since we moved here.  We LOVE LOVE evey minute of it!

February

Socks and Mints this year

 Its not Valentines without our Traditional sock picture

 My SWEET AMAZING Husband stayed home for a week with Eli and the girls so that I could fly home and see my Sister.  How Lucky am I!!  It was a perfect visit, I couldn't have asked for a better trip with my Sis!  My parents came for a couple days, and then my little brother and his SWEET wife came for the weekend.  We watched a little Downton Abbey, did a little shopping had and topped it off with ice cream at Dairy Queen with the four crazy little munchkins.  Oh how I wish I could have picked them up and brought them home with me!  My only regret is that the only pic I have to show for the visit is the family pic. 

I am so grateful to have such a strong and sweet relationship with my sister, and a husband who would walk the earth for me!  Love you both!!!