Home Sweet Home Musings - Days 3 & 4 in Virginia

Next, we headed to Kilmarnock to visit with Dad, Nina and Elizabeth. I was so excited that I could hardly stand it. I've really missed them and couldn't wait to see them. I was also excited because we met up at the cottage in Reedville and I've been missing it so much. It's one of those places that in many ways defines me ... because of the amount of time that I've spent there in my life. I want my children to have the opportunity to know and love that place as much as me!  So, we met at the cottage and headed to the BEACH. Yes, after 12 months in the land locked city of St. Louis, I was finally at an actual beach. With sand. With waves. Ahhh. I just kept looking out, amazed to be there. Finally. I've missed this place and these people. It was a wonderful way to spend the day ...

 

  

  

  

  

Alex giving fishing a try. Daddy ALWAYS fishes when we go to the beach. Like father, like son.

  

I'm not entirely sure what happened to Meighan in Virginia but suddenly I found it impossible to get a good photo of her. Every single one involves her tongue sticking out. Sassy little bugger ...

  

  

  

My dad hung out at the beach with us ... which was wonderful!

  

  

  

  

  

  

My handsome hubby, fishing as always ...

  

  

  

Meighan had the best time just hanging with her Pop Pop. I think he has a fan in her ... she thinks he's the bee's knees ... she still talks about our time with him and how much she loves him. I'm glad she appreciates him ... she's lucky to have him. I wish I had more phots of Nina with the kids. They adore her and talk about her all the time. They really want to live in VA again so they can go on Pop Pops's boat with their Pop Pop and Nina!

  

Okay, yes, that is Alex with a stick in his mouth. He saw a dog fetch a stick and the next thing you know ... he was fetching a stick, pretending to be a dog. It was funny for about 10 minutes but he kept going and going and going (as he's prone to do), until it became less funny and more disturbing. lol

  

  

 

 

 

 

The girls went on a shell seeking hunt and found tons of shells to take home with them. Seeing them do this reminded me that I used to do that with Mimi - take long walks looking for shells and sea glass up and down the beach. Those were some of the best memories of my life. I miss her so much and visiting this place where I spent so much time with her just reminded me how sad I am that she's gone and how much I wish I could take another walk with her. 

  

  

  

  

In the year we've been gone, Dad and Nina have been working hard on their new home in Kilmarnock. It looks amazing!

  

  

 

 

  

And more photos of Meighan and her Pop Pop ... her being silly as always. 

  

  

  

This may be the most hilarious photo I've taken ... I love it!

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

It was difficult for me to get into the car and drive away at the end of our visit. It was so nice to see them and spend time catching up. If you're reading this, thank you again for having us. We had a wonderful time and will miss you so much!

Home Sweet Home Musings - Day 2 in Virginia

On our second day in good 'ole VA, Mom and Dave had a cookout for us which was so much fun! I got to see all my peeps. All the peeps I've been missing so much and they were all in one place! That was good and bad. I got to see them but I didn't get to spend nearly enough time with any one. It was like my wedding day - I was able to say hello, catch up, etc but didn't get to really have any quality time with anyone. But, we had fun! Lots of fun. I miss all of you so much ... if you're reading this - know that you are missed every day! We were so thrilled to spend time with each and every one of you. It meant so much to us that you all took the time out to come hang with us!

The kids went crazy in Mom and Dave's brand new pool, playing and having a blast!  Sami and Katie jumped right back into their old friendship, spending the evening swimming and catching up ...

  

  

 
 

  

  

  

  

  

  

 Shannon helping Sophie with her swimmies - she's gotten SO big, she was practically a baby when I saw her last! Now she's a little lady!

  

 No party at my mom's would ever be without yummy food! Everyone dug in ... Dave's kids as well as grandkids all came to say hello. It was great to see them. It's amazing how much all the kiddos grew in just 12 short months. The lady in the pink/red shirt is my girl Jennifer - she was my best friend in high school and it meant the world to me that she came by for the party!  And, I stole some time away and we hung out on the porch to catch up. She's an amazing person and I'm so proud of her and all that she's done with her life!  Our friends John and Shawn also came by to catch up. I know that it meant a lot to Paul to see them. He's missed his friends ...

  

  

  

Here's Bob, Peggy, Katie and Sarah. Sarah's husband, Carl, is there somewhere but not in the photo. It was great to see these guys. They were such a part of my daily life for so long that it still feels strange to not see Sarah and Peggy every day!

 
 

  

  

  

Mom's fab kitchen ... my mom is one talented decorator and an amazing party thrower. She thought of everything and I just loved all the little touches she included ..

  

The girls had a blast playing in the garage. Before we left for Missouri, they were all at awkward ages to play well with one another. Not anymore! It's a shame we're so far away. The girls would have a BLAST playing together!

  

  

  

And my girls ... Shannon, Shannon and Susannah who I miss every day. These 3 have no idea how much they mean to me and how much I miss our regular dinners and discussions! They are truly amazing ladies and I'm proud to know them ...

  

  

  

  

And do you notice that random guy behind us waving - that would be Robert ... my favorite cousin in law!