Virginia Beach Trip

Last weekend we took a family trip to Virginia Beach. We have decided to make it a tradition to go the weekend after Labor Day when all the kids have gone back to school. There are less people, lower hotel prices, and the weather is still great!

On Friday, Gus wanted to work a half day before we headed down. So, Lilly and I picked him up from work and headed down from there.

We arrived at around 7:00 and checked into our sketchy hotel. This was our first Priceline experience gone bad. Yes, we paid about $100 a night which is really cheap, but it was a pretty run down hotel. Our room was a little gross, but the sheets were clean. I guess we sacrificed a nice hotel for a great location. We were right on the shore with an amazing view of the ocean. But we probably won't stay there again.

The next morning we woke up bright and early and took a family walk down to the pier. Then we put on our swimsuits and headed down to the beach. Lilly had a great time letting the waves chase her, building sandcastles, and gathering seashells and sticks.

At one point she saw Gus out catching a few waves and decided to run out after him. The waves pulled her right in, then spit her out and started to pull her in again when Gus finally got to her. She was pretty shaken up, and so was I. After that she decided to keep her distance from the water.

After a long day on the beach we decided to go clean up. After we were ready for the day we rented a family bike. We peddled up and down the oceanfront and had a lot of fun.

While we were on the bike we came upon a band playing on the side of the Boardwalk. This band had about 15 members and all of them were over the age of 70. It was great. Lilly thought it was great dancing music.



That night we went to Applebee's for dinner and Cold Stone for dessert. Then we headed down to the beach to make one last sandcastle.

The next morning we packed up our stuff and headed home.

It was a wonderful vacation.

Fairfax Lake

For Labor day we went out to Fairfax Lake for a little family outing. We took a ride in the boat that goes around the lake. Lilly thought it was so much fun.

Then of course, Lilly had to ride on the carousel.

So Busy

Between dance classes, playdates, visiting friends, and saying goodbye to friends moving away, we have stayed pretty busy over the past few weeks.

We have had a few good friends move this summer, and it has been hard on Lilly. To be honest, it's been hard on me too. One of those friends was Sadie, and Lilly and Sadie loved each other.

I told Lilly to give Sadie a big hug. Instead she picked her up and swung her around.

Another one of those friends was Mei Li. Her mom, Ie Li invited us out to swim at their pool on Thursday. Abby and Sadie met us there as well. It was so fun to hang out with those girls. I have really missed Ie Li, and I will really miss Abby too.

Lilly had such a fun time playing with her friends.

Mei Li, Sadie, and Lilly

On Friday, Lilly finished up her ballet and tap class.

On a different note, Lilly has recently been dragging everything into her bed with her before she falls asleep. Its always fun to check on her after she is asleep and see what she is sleeping with. Well tonight she slept with pretty much everything she owns.

Bubblegum Blowing

Over the past couple of weeks Lilly has practiced and practiced and finally mastered blowing bubbles with her gum. She was very persistent and was so proud of herself when she finally got it. She is now trying to whistle.

Family Outings

On Saturday we went to Burke Lake Park. It is a big lake with a few playgrounds, miniature golfing, a carousal, and a train.

We had a great time taking a ride on the train. Lilly loved it. We got there too late to ride the carousel so we let Lilly play at the playgrounds for a while.

It was a good family outing.

Today we went and hung the two wind chimes that Susan sent us. Lilly has always loved playing with the wind chimes in the tree next to Jax and Rook's grave. So it was very nice of Susan to send us some to put in the tree for our boys.

Miniature Golfing

There is a miniature golf place right next to the rec center where Lilly takes ballet. She tells me everytime we go by it that she has never been miniature golfing before. I thought it might be about time she try it out.

Lilly had a wonderful time swinging her club around and occasionally hitting the ball. She only hit herself in the head with it once. The weather was beautiful. We had a great family night.

Church Songs

I was called to teach in Lilly's Sunbeams class and I love it! I love watching her learn and interact with her little friends. But I especially love watching her learn and sing the songs in Primary. She sits very quietly during singing time and comes home singing many wonderful songs.