Caves

Have you ever read the book 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt'. It's a favorite around here. Last Saturday we took our boys to The Grand Caverns. You can see Mason had somewhat of a concerned face before going into the cave, but he was happily surprised when he didn't find any bears. We were all amazed at the vastness of the cave and the beauty of the designs. I wish I knew how to take better pictures in caves. It was a perfect place to go on a hot 90 degree weather day, because apparently caves stay a pleasant but perhaps a little chilly 55 degrees all year round. I am so glad we went. Such an adventure!

the best family photo we were able to get inside

Nate should win some sort of an award for this one

Mason took this picture so I had to add it. He is enchanted with a camera

Summertime in Charlotteville

Every Day we try to have something to look forward to. Fortunately Charlottesville is the perfect little place for families. They have the most charming little 'Discovery Children's Museum' here that Mason loves to go to. We also have fun at the splash pad, swimming, going on early morning jogs, and watching Russian Ballet while eating lunch :). Mason loves his classical music and ballet. Charlottesville, we love you! Thanks for being so good to us!

Mason enjoys holding Stan a lot - I think that Stan likes it too sometimes :)

Happy 1st Birthday Stanley!!

Stanley turned 1 on May 14th. Stanley was a colicky baby - but since the colic he has turned out to be one of the sweetest and most cheerful little guys. It is pure pleasure being his Mom! Right now he is crawling and getting into EVERYTHING! He is upwards 70's and 80's on weight and height, really funny and full of love. Mason and Stan are best best friends, and it's really fun to see them play together now that Stan is more interactive. Stan can say "Dadda and Mamma, and "nah" of no, and just said "ba" I think for ball the other day for the first time (daddy's happy moment of course). 

We were spending a few days in Yorktown with Nate, and Nate surprised us by coming home early from his internship that day. So we took off to the new 'Victory Center' - so fun to see what life was like in Colonial America. Then we were on our way to a fun place to eat when we ran into the most charming beach in Yorktown complete with restaurants, a sailboat, old Yorktown and all. I love Virginia! Stan got to feel sand and waves for the first time. It was a magical moment for all of us. Instead of cake, we went to 'Moo Moo's' for his treat. Such a memorable day for us! We love you Stanley!!!

(i just have pics from my phone - wish I had brought my camera)

exploring the fields of Yorktown on a morning walk

Victory Center in Yorktown

learning how to march like the soldiers in Colonial America

Daddy's boy

firing the cannon

Mason loves pushing that stroller "all by himself"

feeling the sand

breeze on his little face

downtown Yorktown

Taking Stan for a spin

On his way to feel the water

dipping his toes

he did not want to wait to dive in even for 'Happy Birthday'

YAY!!!