We had a great trip to Santa Fe-hiking, my mom's wedding, seeing family, shopping and even a date night thrown in the mix! We didn't take a lot of pictures with our own camera-only from the hike. I will work on getting other ones from the Trolley night and Wedding. Stella did a great job during the ceremony taking (aka running) the rings up to Gigi & Howard. Congrats Mom and Howard!
We had our first weekend since the beginning of August home as a family with no company-and it was wonderful. Don't get me wrong we love seeing everyone! We (meaning mainly Charlie) did some long overdue yard work. Pictures in another post.
I started working part time...FINALLY!!! And I can't even begin to explain how wonderful it was-time with the girls. I had two weeks part time before I had to go back full time this week for a couple weeks.
On Sunday we got home from a weekend trip to visit our dear friends Emily & her son Paul. They live in Staunton VA-more central VA. We went up Friday midday. It was the kind of trip you know is going to be great from the time you start driving. It was a quick 3 hour trip. More on the trip in the pics below.
Stella and Vera are doing great. Stella is regularly breastfeeding her baby and talking on the phone, "just like momma". Vera loves to be naked and kick and splash in the tub. She has now discovered pulling Stella's hair is a lot of fun too!
Our weekend with Paul & Emily-
Friday morning we were getting things ready and I told Stella when Daddy got home from work we would drive to Paul & Emily's and so Stella would periodically say "Up, I think Daddy's home and run to the back door-and then declare it was time to go." I think this sums up our excitement to go spend time with them!
Friday evening we just hung out, had dinner and let the kids play. After dinner Stella and Paul were wrestling/playing-and the laughs that came from each of them were priceless. They acted like they had just see each other yesterday-there was no "readjustment/getting to know you again" time for them. Saturday we went on the Blue Ridge Pkwy then found a spot to have a hike-as much as you can with a two 2 year olds, a baby and dog. It was great to be in the fresh air on the crisp fall morning.
We stopped and had lunch at Wrights Dairy Rite- a classic diner in Staunton. Emily told us stories of her Dad going there as a child-a family favorite. After naps we down to the city park for a train ride, playground time and feeding the ducks. Staunton is a cute little town-reminds me of Winona MN. Cute, thriving downtown! We had pizza and drinks out that night for some local flavor.
Sunday morning we got up and went to Carter Hill for pumpkins and apples. Carter Hill was right outside Charlottesville on the top a hill/mountain. It was beautiful-a large orchard, winery and other produce all grown on this hilltop. By the time we left it was absolutely packed-understandably. We hiked up to pick our apples-we picked 17lbs of Gala apples. Picked out pumpkins. Had a lunch on the deck and had to say our good byes for now.
Getting them to sit together at the same time- 2 year olds are way to busy!
Found the perfect apple to eat!
One small view! You can see the barn and other property in the view.
Our mushroom population in our yard-for the biologist!
Hiking with Gigi in Santa Fe!
