A visit w/ family, friends and a bit-o-history

Last weekend Phil did his annual ski trip w/ his college buddies so the kids and I packed up and headed down to my sister Jackie's house in Richmond, VA. I surprised Ty and took him out of school a little early and after a horrendous drive (dear east coast-i hate your traffic and all your big cities, especially our nations capital-Washington D.C.) we made it safe and sound. The kids were really good on the drive though so I can't complain about that!

On the first morning we headed to the mall to get some accessories for the "ball" Jackie and Doug had that night at the Dental School. The boys were entertained. At first. A pretty good meltdown ensued about 20 mins. after this pic.

So off to the food court of course! After snacks we were all re-charged. Eliza had so much fun being Addy's second mommy. She sat here and gave Addy a bottle! Darling!

 We then headed over to Cold Harbor Battlefield. The confederates won this battle. This area has some of the most well-preserved trenches from the Civil War. The kids thought these cannons were pretty cool!

 Chase checking out the map. This pic cracks me up b/c you can see his little faux-hawk.

 The next day we met up w/ some good friends, the Players, who recently moved from NJ to VA. We went to Monticello where Thomas Jefferson lived. At the visitor's center they have a kids discovery room which has a ton of Jefferson's inventions. The kids had a good time running around. Here the boys are pulling on the rope to work the huge bellows above.

 Go Chasey go!

 Another one of his inventions. When he wrote documents with one pen it would duplicate it w/ the other one. Very clever!

 Doug and Jack playing checkers. The first time for Doug. I'm still in disbelief. Don't you play games in Aberdeen, WA?!?!?!?!?

 Again Eliza mothering Miss Addy.

 Ty, Josh and I went on the tour inside the house. It was gorgeous and really interesting.

                                                                          Tyler and I

                                                                     The 2 buds

 His gardens full of all sorts of produce are as long as 3 football fields. My dream! Except I'd need his slaves to keep them going. Except I also don't believe slavery was right. Catch 22.

                                                                       2 crazy boys

 A view of the front of the house. The trees in front of it are so amazing. They are huge and unique. Mom-you have to come here in the springtime. His flower gardens are supposed to be spectacular!

 We met up at a park w/ the Player's for some lunch. They provided it and it was delicous! Thanks again guys! So good to see you!

                                                                  The classic silly pic

 Back at the Shafer's. Eliza spent ALOT of time in the baby exersaucer. It was pretty funny. And convenient!

                                      Doug chillin' w/ the 2 thumb-suckin' babies w/ their "lovies."

Thanks again guys for having us! It was such a fun time and the kids loved your backyard full of random play-things!