Mama Splurged!

Self  portrait in the van.

Today, with the help of our fantastic friend Lizbet, the girls and I went to lunch, Colonial Williamsburg, and the Carter's outlet. I was trying to kill many birds with one stone. Starting with Miss Roo.

This year for Roo's birthday we are doing a few small gifts and one large "experience" gift.  Her gifts (big girl panties, cloth pull ups, a baby wearing sling, a Vera duffel that I got on super-ultra sale, and a rainbow wand) are already purchased and together ready to be wrapped. We plan on going to Busch Gardens for the day and taking her to eat lunch with Elmo and play in "Elmo-Land" (as they call) it to celebrate the big 2.

She is much more girlie than Miss Moo was at this age and is constantly trying to take her sister's sterling silver bracelet and any of my Yurman bracelets she can reach. In an effort to keep gifts to a minimum, we asked NanaPop to get her the same bracelet as her sister.  I went to Colonial Williamsburg to grab one while we were already there and to give the girls some time to stretch their legs, see some history, have a small adventure, and look for horses. We didn't see any horses, sadly, but we DID see a very cute and very dirty sheep.

After gathering some spring summer clothes for the girls at Carter's, Lizbet offered to sit in the van while I took 15 minutes ALONE in a store. I chose J. Crew and entered giddily. I spotted a dress that can be worn three ways - long halter, short halter, and as a skirt! It's cotton, stretchy, coral, and perfect for nursing in! Not only was it an outlet price but it was also 40% off the ticket price!!  Finding the dress took less than 5 minutes. Deciding to actually BUY it took well over 10.

But, I splurged and grabbed it for myself.  I will be able to wear "real" clothes and have belly free dates again with my husband very soon. So, it didn't seem too terribly frivolous. At least that's what I'm still telling myself. We then headed home with a van full of giggles from the backseat - for a few minutes.

Thanks to LizBet for snapping this photo for me! :) 

The girls, by the way, had a GREAT time.

Pictures from our Staycation

Getting adjusted back to home has left me with little writing time. I've finally gotten around to loading pictures, so here's a recap of what we did at NanaPop's house.

Celebrating Pop.

Happy Retirement, Pop!!

SML State Park.

Playing after a treat at Homestead Creamery.

Taking a picture of Mommy.

Prairie Dogs.

They talked NanaPop into a return trip.

Smiles on the Train ride.

Moo, too.

My girls on the 611!

Newly restored 1776.

Thomas!!

A friend found on an adventure.

I just want to see his face!!!

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

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. ;)

Exploring

The girls and I have made a short trip to NanaPop's house. The weather has turned colder over our few days here and Miss Moo is a little stir crazy. Art and celebration of Dr. King distracted her for a little while, but it became clear that we needed some fresh air and vitamin D.

Our trips to NanaPop's are much more frequent in the warmer months, so outside playing provisions for cooler weather aren't as abundant.  Pop and I took her outside with a bucket for a little bit this morning, just to see what would happen. Here is the result.

After walking out into the yard with her buck, Moo paused to collect some "treasures." Our yard at home isn't as large and our trees are mostly barren for the season. Finding pine cones and acorns was quite exciting!

Pop and I took the opportunity to show her the lush green moss thriving in the brown grass.

She was fascinated by how rough the "bartk" felt compared to the soft moss.

The ice in the bird bath was quite surprising to Moo.

The cut wood may have been her favorite stop during our adventure. We showed her the rings on the inside of the tree, the difference in appearance from the bark to the pulp, and how heavy just one piece of trunk was to move. She grabbed a stick from the ground and hit the wood. She giggled and then started to drum.

"Mommy! I'm making sound!!"

15 minutes well spent!