So much has happened since I last posted. I feel like I've been sprinting around in circles the past two weeks and haven't had time to sit down and get caught up. A couple weeks before we left for Virginia, my mom, siblings, Mary, Greyson, my cousin Steph and aunt Leslie all took a trip to Hogle Zoo. It's been years since I've been there so it was fun to see all that's changed.
Here's Lydia and Greyson- two cute cousins!
Lydia and my cousin Stephanie's boy, Joshua. They're 6 months apart and were so cute together.
Greyson's turn!
Emi and Lydie, Stephanie and Joshua
Todd wrangling a bear!
Todd, Emily and Brayden- cute siblings!
Yep, that's a yawn. She definitely wasn't too concerned about being a dinasour snack.
Gotta have a picture with the ever faithful Leo the Lion. How many years has he had his mouth open?
Two days before we left we crashed the Peck Hadfield Firm party at the redneck slide in Wellsville. I could have slide down that thing all night! It was so much fun! I couldn't believe how fast you'd end up going. Seriously a fun time!
Grandpa time.
The night before we left, we went to the temple with Rachel for the first time. It was such a special session and we were so grateful we were able to be there with her and all the family. We're getting excited to hear about her adventures in the Czeck Republic while she's studying abroad this next school year.
Just like that, the summer was over. If the school semester goes as fast as the summer did, we'll be in great shape! After teary goodbye's, we started our long and odious journey across the country to Virginia. The first and second days were 10 hour days, then four then six. We did it in 3.5 days instead of the usual 4.5 this time but Lydia handled it like a champion. She seriously did so good and we know it was from all our family praying for us. Thank you!!
We made our annual stop at the Davidson's in St Louis, Missouri. We always wish we had more time for them to show us the sights of St Louis every time we pass through. Knowing this might be our last visit for awhile, we allowed some time in the morning to visit the Arch. I'm so glad we did! It was an amazing monument!
This is inside the St. Louis courthouse, which is now the visitor's center.
The Arch!
What a great pic! Compliments of Logan, Kim Davidson's 4 year old son.
Standing by our door, #8, which we'd go through to enter the elevator and go up to the top of the arch. It was shaped like a pod and was really tiny inside, only 5 people can be in it at one time. It takes 4 minutes to get up to the top in these things and 3 minutes to come back down.
Inside the elevator with Kim, Rob and Logan.
View of St Louis from the top.
Looking down.
Other side of St. Louis.
Lydia was really tired, and somewhat cranky, so she decided to chill out in the middle of the floor right where everyone could step on her. Lovely.
It was so hot that we walked to a way cool splash pad nearby to chill and eat lunch. I think Lydia was a little confused with Kim and how she looked so much like Grandma. By the end of the day she was calling Kim "Grandma" and Rob "Grandpa!" It was so funny. We had such a great time and are so grateful for Kim and Rob for sacrificing their time to take us. We feel so at home with them and I'm really going to miss our annual visits. Lots of fun times and memories made.
Home at last! After almost 4 days of driving we were all too happy to make it back. As we walked through our front door I told Lydia that we were home. She looked at me, then exclaimed, "We're home!" Apparently, she didn't quite understand that concept as she kept asking for Grandma, Emi, Charly, Todd, Brayden and Aaron every time we got in the car to go somewhere. She had a rough next few days, she really missed everyone and her schedule was all out of whack due to the time change. We were able to hang out with Adeline and Michelle which made things better.
The day after we got home, my brother Nate came to visit! He had been selling pest control in DC all summer and was flying out Saturday. We had one day to catch up before he left so we made the most of it. I picked him up Thursday night in Charlottesville and he stayed the night at our place. The next morning Lydia and I gave him the grand tour- VMI, Robert E Lee's crypt, the law school (which ended up being a good 4 mile walk, thanks to Nate's apple watch for keeping track ;)) After the tour we hit up one of our favorite places to eat, Blue Sky Cafe for some lunch.
After lunch we chilled at home while Lydia napped. Nate and I battled each other in Battleship and Monopoly while we waited for Loren to get home from school. When he did, we took him to our favorite park, Boxerwood!
Picking blackberries.
After Boxerwood we ate then went and played some tennis. Loren and I need to practice more, Nate beat us both! We'll practice up for next time. Lydia loved being with Nate. She called him "Funny Nate". He's one fun uncle, Lydia's a lucky duck. It was so nice to have one day of uninterrupted bonding time. We sure love him and can't wait for all the exciting things that are in store for him.
After Nate left it was back trying to get into a routine. This happened for the first time the other day. Crayon on the wood floor. Thank heavens for google, baking soda worked great at getting it off. Let's stick to the paper, little one!
It's been an INSANE week for Loren so far. Between immersion, law review and regular classes, he hardly has a free second. It's pretty stressful and sometimes I feel at a loss to know how to help him. Thank goodness this is the last week of immersion. This too shall pass but it's quite miserable in the meantime. Lydia and I have been hanging out with Michelle, Adeline and a new law family with their kids. The other day we went to Cave Mountain Lake which is just 25 minutes away. It was absolutely gorgeous! The water was warm, the beach was spectacular and the girls had a blast. I think we'll be coming here a lot more in the future.
Adeline and Lydia
This panorama turned out funky cuz the kids were moving, but hopefully you can see how beautiful it was!
Nolan, Lydia and Adeline- who was trying a headstand in the water.
Lydia has been really sick this week. She had a 102 degree fever and just felt icky. We've had some REALLY hard days, she couldn't stand anyone else looking at her or touching her but me. She wouldn't let me put her down and if I did, she'd throw the craziest tantrum I've ever seen. One time she made herself throw up she was so upset. I had to bypass dishes, dinner, cleaning and everything else and just hold her. Whew. I really hope this week will be better and she's on the road to recovery.
Well, ready or not, 3rd year here we come!
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