Like Father, Like Daughter....

If there is ANY question who Miss Moo favors, look NO further.

Daddy sent this to her:

And she sent this back:

Is there any wonder why I love them so? Happy Friday! Wer're off to the Midwives this afternoon- will there be a baby this weekend? Updates tonight :)

Daddy Day for All of Us

Family hike on High Bridge Trail.

I'm a bit cloudy as I write this from lack of sleep, lack of my one cup of coffee, and lack of my partner in crime. The girls and I head home today to see Daddy and settle back into our own space. I am generally very happy to go home and see my husband. But this trip, I am overjoyed to be returning to my fuzzy-faced Drew. I have missed him, I have missed his support, I have missed his help, but mostly I have missed that feeling of partnership that forms when you have a relationship with someone that deepens over time.

Renn Fest as an engaged couple.

On April 15, Drew and I will have been together for 6 years. While this isn't as long as many of you have been with your spouses and partners,  it's the longest relationship for either of us, the most solid relationship for either of us, and the relationship that feels like it has always been there.

We've had an eventful 6 years -  "met"**  in 2007, married in 2008, Miss Moo in 2009, moved to Richmond in 2010, Miss Roo in 2011, added Lady Loo to the crew in 2012, and expecting Baby Boy in about 4.5 weeks. As our family continues to grow and mature, so does our marriage.  I realize how much I treasure that man and all he does for us- whether I appreciate it at the time or not.

Roasting marshmallows with Roo.

So, we head home today. The girls get Daddy. I get my husband. And we all get our family of 4 reunion- for the last time before we grow.

** That's a post to come- probably when I'm nursing a newborn every 2-3 hours and unable to think well about anything ;)

Friday Fun - Daddy is Pretty Awesome!

Every little girl loves Daddy. After all, he is a first love, a hero, and the best cuddler on the planet.

But who wouldn't love a Daddy that not only fixes the eye on your Sparkly Pony, but also gives her an eye patch to heal?!?!

Pirate Moo was a happy girl when this met her at breakfast the next morning:

My girls are lucky to have him as their Daddy.

My son will love his Dad and look up to him.

And I continue to thank God for all the blessings he has provided us. Especially my husband.

A Weekend Adventure: High Bridge Trail State Park

Drew grew up in and around Farmville, VA. I began spending time there when my brother began college in 1992 and have been around ever since then. A little hidden jewel of history and beauty, Farmville hold one of the most magestic walking bridges in the state and the US.

High Bridge was originally built in 1854 crossing the Appomattox River connecting Petersburg to Lynchburg. Originally constructied of wood atop 21brick piers,  it was succesfully burned by Confederate Troops during  the close of the Civil War. It was rebuilt shortly after the war and converted to an all steel structure next to the original stone piers in 1914.

The Bridge ceased it's use as a railway bridge in October of 2004. It was donated to Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation in December of 2006 and plans began to preseve and resurrect the gorgeous structure for recreational use. High Bridge Trail State Park opened on April 6, 2012 as a complete trail  - 147 years after the Battle of High Bridge.

Drew and I were excited to take the girls across the bridge after knowing its history and beauty all these years. I could go on and on about the gorgeous views and how much the girls enjoyed it, but I'd rather let the photos speak for themselves.  (And there are quite a few ;) )

Ready for our adventure.

Roo riding in style.

The girls enjoying all their Daddy's attention.

She really loved looking out at the trees.

Steel structure from 1914.

Piers from the 1854 structure.

The Appomattox River.

We DID get a lesson in on rapids, river movement, and construction.

On a mission.

 I would recommend this trail to any family with a love of history, adventure, and the outdoors. It is flat, well graded, and simple for children to navigate and explore. 

Happy Weekend!!

Sources and Further Information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Bridge_Trail_State_Park

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/hig.shtml

http://www.americantrails.org/resources/railtrails/HighBridgeVA08.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_High_Bridge

"Staycation" at NanaPop's

The Moo and Roo Crew traveled to Roanoke last Thursday to celebrate Pop's retirement after 30 years of dedication and service to his company. Here's a little recap of some things we have done.

Poor quality, but happy family.

Daddy was able to come with us for the weekend so we were FINALLY able to take him down to the Lake.  I grew up 30 minutes from SML and used to "sneak" down there from time to time with friends.(Don't tell Nana. ) It has changed quite a bit in the past %#*% years.  There is now a Downtown Moneta where there used to be only a few old buildings of character featured in What About Bob?  There is now Eastlake as well as Westlake, and some condos next to Bridgewater Plaza. So bizarre.

After exploring around the lake, and perhaps letting the girls sleep a little, we went to one of my favorite spots, Homestead Creamery.  We all enjoyed a little ice cream and the girls enjoyed the animals to pet and the sandbox to play in while I enjoyed shopping  for local meat and eggs. It''s been a challenge to eat real food when travelling because I'm not always familiar with the area. Coming home is a bit different, but still a challenge.   A friend recommended Mountain Run Farm to me a year or so ago, but I just haven't been able to manage the logistics of a pick up there with the girls in tow. Being able to entertain them AND get local meats, eggs, and produce was a wonderful treat for me! It's the little things these days.

We all also enjoyed a yard big enough for us to really play. NanaPop's house sits atop 12 acres in Bedford County. They have about 1.5 acres around the house cleared and that lends itself nicely to adventures, soccer games, and excavations galore. Miss Moo and I were the first ones up on Saturday morning. We spend over an hour outside excavating in the driveway, gathering acorns for squirrels, and cleaning up sticks for Pop. We were both in heaven. The girls were also able to just play. They could run anywhere, go off the deck without rules, and just be kids. No neighbors to watch our volume levels and not disturb, no cars speeding by to be aware of and adjust our behavior accordingly. Just the outdoors and fun.

We also took Daddy to one of NanaPop's favorite Nom Nom spots - Three Little Pigs Barbeque.  Admittedly this restaurant doesn't satisfy all the real food requirements that I should look for these days. But it is local and we know the owners. They have good food, many options for the children that are gluten free, and a simply, family friendly setting. Fun was had by all!

If you are ever in Roanoke, you must visit the Star.

 A neon landmark forever holding a piece of my heart, the Star for me is one of two things that signify home. (The other is the gorgeous "Blue Mountains!!" as Miss Moo calls them.) After dinner, we traveled up the mountain so the girls could see the Star in all her neon glory. Moo was amazed at how big she was after reaching her. Moo wasn't quite sure how all the pretty lights below were the city so I am hoping to take her back up during daylight this week. It was truly special for me to take my kids up to the Star that I always looked for on the way home from vacation and from MBC once I was on college.

Amazed at how big the Star is.

Sadly, Daddy had to return home on Sunday.  The girls and I stayed on for a little Staycation. We have a few more things we'd like to do:

• Mill Mountain Zoo - admittedly the girls don't favor zoos to farms, but there are animals that are indigenous to the area (cougar, otter, etc.) that I'd like to be able to teach them about.
• The Salem Duck Pond
• The Virginia Museum of Transportation for Grandparent's Day
• Maybe a little trip up the Parkway - the Peaks, anyone?

I'm doing my best to stay connected to the world. After having Daddy here I was spoiled at how easy it was to manage the girls. Two parents is certainly easier than one. NanaPop are terriffic, but nobody, and I mean nobody, can do bedtime like Daddy.

Daddy's little girl.

Let's go on an adventure, DADDY!!!

After nap Miss Moo was very excited to play in the small kiddie pool and huge yard at NanaPop's. She bailed water, giggled with her sister, dug with an excavator, and snacked on apples. She was greatly enjoying her afternoon as Nana and I chatted on the deck and relished some of the last moments of the season. Soon she turned to me and asked to go on an adventure. Then she remembered that Daddy was here with us this trip.

"I've never been here with my Daddy before!* He can go on an adventure wiss me!!!"

Pretty soon the trio completing our small little family were swinging, exploring, and collecting pine cones.  There were giggles, laughs, and sunny memories made.

Not a bad way to see you sneak away from us, Summer. Don't be a stranger.



*He HAS in fact been with us to NanaPop's plenty. Mostly it occurs around holidays when it is cold and there are lots of relatives to visit. ;)

Woven to Women

I had knitting class tonight. I welcomed the outing because today was an emotionally draining day for both girls and me. They were hot, tired, and teething. I tried to understand. I left the house with tears being shed for me to stay.

While I sat near downtown knitting and pearling to my heart's content, daddy was deep in the trenches battling dinner, baths, and bedtime alone.

His evening was not as relaxing.

I walked in the front door to both my girls sleeping in their beds in their room and Daddy attempting to decompress with his computer. I thanked God for blessing all the women of this home with such a man. Our family was knit together perfectly.

Sometimes it's the most difficult days that put everything into perspective.

Daddy Magic

The girls and I returned from NanaPop's yesterday afternoon. They were in a good moods thanks to lovely naps during the drive and the appearance of their Main Man (aka Daddy) at the door as we pulled into our driveway. Miss Moo has always been a bit of a Daddy's girl and her excitement at seeing him was abundant and familiar. Miss Roo was also happy to see Daddy and seemed slightly more responsive than usual to his cuddles and kisses upon our return.

Roo has always been a clingy baby. This behavior has been a learning experience for us all because Moo was much more of a hands off kinda gal. She cuddled when I nursed her or when she was taking a bottle from Daddy, but otherwise she was more than content to be in her exersaucer or Johhny Jump Up, or laying on the floor with her toys and her play mats. Roo shrieks as if being tortured each time she is placed in the Jump Up. She no longer cooperates to slide into the exersaucer. None of the swings made it past 5 months of use.  She likes our bed and (occasionally) the co-sleeper. Otherwise a lap or arms will do just fine. During our trip she became very sensitive to separation from me and cried almost every time she was placed anywhere but in someones arms.

Last night she fell asleep in the car seat on our trip home from dinner. She stayed asleep there for 3 hours. When she did wake, we nursed, we sang, we diapered, and still she was unhappy.

And then Daddy laid down next to her.

Yes, DADDY!! That wonderful guy who lives here and sings "ABC's" to her all the time. That furry faced guy who tickles her feet with his chin. That funny guy who makes blow fish faces and sends videos to make her giggle. YES YES! That guy!! Can you guess what happened when he laid down next to her???

Sleep! A whole NIGHT of glorious sleep!! Her attitude and appetite are 300% better since sleeping with her Daddy. What a glorious turn of events!!

I have felt less than 100% today. Since Mommies get no sick days, I eagerly awaited a short nap at nap time. Moo obliged and went right to sleep. Roo and I nursed. We played. We patted backs and bellies. Nothing worked. I missed my nap window and my upcoming appointment time crept closer and closer. Daddy came in to hang out with Roo while I changed and prepared to run out. I walked into the bedroom to say goodbye and I found Roo contently sleeping soundly next to Daddy.

Absence truly does make the heart grow fonder.