If I had to think of one word to describe our Spring Break last week, if would have to be "perfect". Our whole three years of being here we've never just taken off and gone somewhere fun. I think we just get stuck in our routine and with Loren being so busy we just never really think about it. I'm not sure what got into us two days before Spring Break, but all the sudden we had a hotel booked for Virginia Beach. I have to say, it's kind of fun to be spontaneous.
So Monday morning we started the 4 hour trek to the beach! We accidentally let it slip that we were going to the beach and Lydia could talk and think of nothing else. She was SO excited. When we got to our hotel, which was conveniently located right across the street from the beach, Lydia was about in a panic attack to make some sand castles. Even though it was crazy windy, we decided we couldn't make her wait any longer.
The beach was stunning! White sand, blue sky and the sound of crashing waves. Just the way I like it.
Dipping our toes in the water. It was cold!
One of the many failed attempts at a family selfie. It was so windy we couldn't even look at the camera! Well, except for Loren. He's got it down.
And again.
Lydia loved chasing the seagulls.
That's as good as we're gonna get.
After a few hours at the beach we went back to our hotel to change and get something to eat. After that, we all went to bed.
The next morning we went to the Virginia Beach Aquarium. Lydia was in fish heaven! She was so excited by everything she saw. It was fun to see her enjoying it so much.
A swimming turtle!
Her first look at a Komoto Dragon. I didn't realize they were so big. She was happy being a little farther away from this guy.
Touching a lizard.
These sea turtles were the coolest ever. They were so big! I could have watched this tank for hours.
Not too excited about being in the mouth of a shark.
Lydia had fun in the children's playroom afterwards.
The aquarium also has an INSANE ropes corse. I have never seen one like this before, I'm sure it would take someone hours to finish it. Loren was itching to try it!
What a fun time! After we had seen all there was to see, we drove back to the beach.
I couldn't believe all these military planes (I have no idea what they're called) that kept flying over us. Like seriously one every 10 minutes we were there. They were so loud! There must be a military base nearby or something.
She got good at covering her ears when the planes flew over us.
Back at the beach, this time in fabulous weather. 75 degrees with just a hint of a breeze. It was divine. It's still the off-season so we pretty much had the whole beach to ourselves.
After a full day of fun in the sun, it was time to head home. I felt like crying too when we had to leave. And also when we got stuck in stand-still traffic for two hours.
I honestly hadn't thought too much about the gender ultrasound we had scheduled on Thursday. I was 95% sure we were having a boy. With the difference in this pregnancy compared to Lydia's, and all these little impressions I kept getting, I was positive it had to be a boy. Loren agreed and we even had a boy's name picked out. I was mentally ready for a boy even though I secretly thought how fun it'd be for Lydia to have a sister.
I forgot how fun it is to see an ultrasound! The technician took some great pics and everything was looking great. We told her we didn't want to know what the gender was yet so she put the picture of it in an envelope for us to open later. We closed our eyes so we couldn't see what gender she was typing on the computer. I was lying right next to her and could distinctly hear three taps of the keyboard. That was it, I was now 100% sure we were having a boy. I was actually a little mad that she didn't type softer because now there really wasn't a surprise. I ran to the dollar store and picked out a boy and girl's onesie. I gave the gender envelope to the cashier and told her to look at it and buy whichever one it was while I hid out in the make-up aisle. I left the store carrying a gift bag with the onesie inside. We packed a lunch and went to Lime Kiln Park to open it. Imagine my complete shock when I pulled this out!
What???? No way!! Do you think it's right?!
It took us a little while to get used to the idea of a girl but when we did, we were all smiles!
Lydia has been carrying the onesie around for a few days now calling it the "baby sister". We're so excited for our little girl to join us. At least now we don't have to buy any clothes!
Our friend, Annie, gave us their season pass to the Virginia Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton, about 40 minutes away. On Friday we decided to go on another adventure and check it out. It was such a cool place. They've built homes people would live in from the 1700's-1800's in America and around the world.
This is an African village from the 1700's.
An Irish bedroom.
Had to take a break and climb a tree.
Today has been a little sad knowing our fabulous break is behind us. Thankfully, we found out about the Natural Bridge residents appreciation day today. Natural Bridge is a beautiful, huge arch made out of rock. It usually costs $20 a person to get into the park, but since it was residents day, we got in for free. Even though it was raining, we couldn't miss out on this opportunity.
Pictures definitely don't do the arch justice. It was so massive!
Loren's quite happy about his little rock climbing girl.
Now it's back to reality. After doing so many fun things this week, the first words out of Lydia's mouth when she wakes up is, "I go on an adventure today!" Six more weeks of this law school thing then we're done! Crazy to think about. Thanks for all your continued prayers and support. We love you all!
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