Aboriginal Art Museum and Sweet Frogs

Nate is a pro at finding out what's going on and going to see cool things and eat fun food. I'm trying to learn from him. It makes life so interesting, educational, delicious, and exciting. We got to go to the Aboriginal Art Museum this day they had a special class for kids. They dipped their feet in paint and let them paint with their feet. This beautiful home provided the perfect setting. The view of the Monticello mountains behind were also breathtaking. We had to get ice-cream afterwards of course at Sweet Frogs, and there is not limit to how many yummy toppings you can put on top - so Mason was in ice-cream heaven. It was a great day!

My 29th Birthday

On April 30th I turned 29 years old. Am I really that old??? I love my life right now - and just couldn't help but feel SO grateful for all of the amazing people who make my life so good. First of all of course my parents, then my brothers and sisters, their families, my AMAZING husband Nate, my beautiful little boys, and all of my teachers, mentors, friends, everyone who have blessed my life immeasurably. How could I ever repay them? To celebrate - Nate ran with me to the beautiful UVA main grounds, we saw the movie Cinderella (she's always been my favorite Princess). I loved the theme to have courage and be kind. That's a much needed message in the world today. We also enjoyed a dinner at a Spanish Restaurant called 'Mas Tapas'. It was so delicious. My dear friend here Nicole also made delicious cupcakes for me (as shown below), and another dear friend Elizabeth threw a hot tub party for me and my good friend Jeni who's birthday was just three days later. It was a birthday for the books - not to be forgotten. Special thanks for the cards, messages, phone calls, and my dear friends here Tennille and Megan who babysat my boys so Nate and I could enjoy some time together.

Soccer boy

I am officially a soccer Mom. After his first practice I said, "Mason, I'm a soccer Mom! It's a dream come true!" Later that night Mason said to me "Mom, I'm a soccer boy, I'm a dream come true!" He enjoyed it..most of the time. We were able to participate in a great soccer league done with military families through the JAG program. Nate and I could not stop smiling as we watched him kick the ball. He had such a great coach, and it was really just so much fun to watch him. There were days when he was tired and just not feeling much like playing, but much of the time it was great. He is just so cute.

cherry blossom festival in DC

I have always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in DC during peak season. We made it on a beautiful spring day. It was amazing of course. DC really is my favorite American city I think.

Sesquicentennial Celebrations to the ending of the Civil War

Appomattox Courthouse April 9th 2015 marked the 150th Anniversary since the ending of the Civil War which happened initially on Palm Sunday, April 9th in 1865. Since it's only about an hour and a half drive from our house in Charlottesville we couldn't miss it. They did the reenactment, they had speeches, and it was all so well done. The funny story is that the man who owned the home where they signed the papers to end the war, moved there from Manassas Virginia (the first major battle of the Civil war), where he said a cannon ball landed in his kitchen. He moved there to get away from the war (a place in the middle of nowhere), and then the war followed him. I'm so grateful that Lee and Grant ended on such peaceful and generous terms. There was a high level of respect from both, and it was an example of how to end war - the fastest way for our Country to heal. Mason was fascinated by the soldiers and horses. I'm so glad we got to see it.

Easter Weekend

Spring in Virginia - is off the charts beautiful. It seems to last about two months too - blossoms popping up over a series of weeks, and green bursting everywhere. It's heaven. So being here for Easter was especially great. We had our own personal easter egg hunt at the law school grounds, watched General Conference with my cousin's family, and spent time with friends. It was a perfect weekend.

Chicago

Nate also got to spend a few days in Chicago for the Clara Barton Law Competition. They did well, and he got to see one of his best friend's families from high school. He was there during St Patrick's Day weekend when they change the color of the river to green. He of course had to try the famous deep dish Chicago style pizza. He really likes Chicago a lot. Beautiful city.