Summer Hike up White Oak Canyon

Summer presented one of its most beautiful days on a sunny Saturday when we had no plans. The humidity was low, the temperature was a comfortable 75, and we decided a family hike was the perfect way to spend such a lovely Saturday. 

The girls are big enough to really enjoy this hike. About two miles of easy to moderate hiking takes you to some lower falls that present a wonderful place for playing and even doing some sliding down the falls. Alex was still carried in the backpack most of the way, but he enjoyed playing in the water when we got there. He's not one that likes to be left behind by his big sisters. 

The girls had a lot of fun exploring and swimming in the pool at the lower falls. 

We got some great video of all the kids sliding down the falls (yes, even Alex). I'm telling you. My kids are fearless. 

And Shaun cliff jumped off some of the falls above. I wonder where my kids get their fearlessness from. 

It was probably one of our favorite days of the summer. We came home and played outside until after dark. 

I hope we get to do it again soon!

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Almost Heaven

Tonight we went to the park so the kids could burn off some of their endless energy. The nice thing about the park at 7pm in the summer is that 1. It's cooler, and 2. The lighting is amazing! The photographer in me couldn't be contained. I know I don't have my fancy camera anymore, but sometimes Mother Nature presents a canvas so beautiful I just can't help but want to capture it. Tonight was one of those nights. 

I've always been in love with my native Virginia. I'm pretty sure heaven itself couldn't be more beautiful. 

Maybe one day I'll get back into photography. But in the meantime, I'll enjoy life's little moments like this one. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date Night at Bluemont Festival

We are really enjoying this summer. The long nights of playing outside until dark, swimming a lot, and playing at the park. But there are also lots of difficult moments. The kids fight despite my attempts to keep them busy. Some days are harder than others. Some nights you just need a break. This cute hubby of mine took me out to dinner at one of our local favorite restaurants, Faang, followed by live jazz music at Bluemont. 

The evening was beautiful! The weather was great and the company was my favorite! 

 

 

 

Summer Splash!

Okay, I'm working my way backwards a little bit here. I wanted to share how summer started off. We spent Memorial Day attending a parade in town and then it wasn't long before we were off to the pool and eating ice cream, all of our favorite summer past times. 

Goofy goggles on goofy girls.

And ice cream! What better way to start the summer... maybe a cruise to the Bahamas? That's still to come. Hip hip hooray!

And here are some more pics of summer splashin' fun!

Walks on the walking trail in town and visiting the train.

Celebrating papa's birthday at the pool.

Getting flowers at the farmers market! I love these!!!

Swimming with friends.

Playing in pools of shaving cream? This photo is curtesy of Alex's sitter. Apparently this is one way to clean a kid pool? I'm not sure but hey, he looks like he's having fun.

And celebrating Father's Day with this handsome guy. We went to Denim and Pearl for a date night. 

And carousel for dessert. 

And of course, visiting with our cousin. We miss all of our other cousins that couldn't be here, but Lacy is so great. My kids had so much fun with her.

So that's about it so far. Lots of swimming, lots of different camps for the kids to keep them busy, and lots of summer fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

Let's go Nat's

What is summer without baseball. Shaun's company got us tickets to the Nationals game playing the Cincinnati Reds. We took my dad as a belated Father's Day gift since he loves baseball. The company had s fun talegate pregame so we got to enjoy some food before getting to our seats. 

It was a beautiful night for a game!

My two cute guys!

Ella and her pap. 

Papa got the girls a glove and ball. 

We had great seats, and by chance we ran into our wonderful friend, Katie Boxer. Love her. 

It was a great game too. The Nats were behind 5-1 in the second inning only to tie things up by the bottom of the 8th when we finally left, and win in in the 10th inning. Definitely a fun night!
 
 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Day 7: Charleston

Pre dip

During dip

Post dip

 This fountain was my kids favorite place in all of Charleston. It was hot, we were sweaty, and the best part of the day was cooling off in this splash fountain. Even I got a little wet. We did this in the morning and again at the end of the day before settling in to see the waterfront fireworks. 

After a little refreshing dip in the fountain, and enjoying some time at the beautiful waterfront park, we decided to go to Fort Sumpter. 

Shaun and I both love Fort Sumpter because of its historical importance. I'm not sure our kids cared quite as much, but the boat ride over gave Alex the chance to nap.

The flag that originally stood on Ft. Sumpter before the civil war began. The union army risked life and limb to save the flag when it fell under Confederate attack. 

After Fort Sumpter we took a nice air conditioned ride on the free dash and go bus (quite arguably the best part of the day) to the beautiful rainbow row and down church street near the battery to take in the view of some of the most beautiful homes ever! I snapped photos of a few of my favorites. 

Rainbow row!

 

I love this one, and the one below has such beautiful landscaping.

And just a few more near the water.

After making my children trudge the streets of Charleston, albeit beautiful streets, we were all ready to get a little wet (again) before settling down to watch the fireworks. 

And we got a nice place on the lawn to sit and enjoy the evening. 

We enjoyed the fireworks, but we really were hot and exhausted, and some of us more than a little cranky, but nonetheless a memorable way to enjoy the fourth!

Charleston is out like a bang! Next stop, home. All of us are looking forward to sleeping in our own beds tomorrow. But it was a great vacation! Expensive, hot, memorable, and a learning experience.