Last Bit of Summer

Summer, though really not over, is technically over for us. School started today. It seems so odd to me going back to school before the middle of August, but that is how it is here. Yesterday, evening, we made a return trip to Shenandoah National Park. It was fun to drive around and walk around as a family. The weather here has been uncharacteristically and remarkably wonderful. It was a little cool at the park. We hope to find a weekend soon to do some camping, and we are really excited to drive up skyline drive when all of the leaves are changing.

Sunset over the valley

Ashley's imaginative outfit for the trip. She didn't want to risk getting a tick on her.

Jon's imaginative outfit for the trip. This is his makeshift Jack Skellington outfit.

We actually went to the park for the first time a couple of weeks ago. This is Trent and the kids on a small hike. Jon was the leader.

When we went on that hike, we found a lot of huckleberries all over the place. I was super excited. Turns out they are common all over parts of the United States. I thought they were a western thing, which is why I was so surprised and excited to find them in Virginia. It was still fun to find them and to eat a few. It was a reminder of Camp Loll.

Baltimore Aquarium

Trent is still on leave, so we decided to plan a mini trip up to Baltimore to go to the National Aquarium in Baltimore. We left early Tuesday afternoon, stopped off in Quantico and then headed up to Baltimore where we stayed the night before spending Wednesday morning at the aquarium. The aquarium is fantastic, and we all had a great time. This was one of those trips where the trip itself was often as much fun as the destination. (or at least funny)

When we arrived at Quantico and headed into the exchange to get our discount tickets for the aquarium, I noticed Sami had spilled half her bottle of water into her seat, and her bottom was soaking wet. That would explain her complaining for the previous 30 minutes or so. While Trent picked up the tickets, I went over to children's clothing and bought a new outfit for Sami, which turned into a new outfit for all of the kids. I know, I am a pushover. While we finished getting clothes, changing and looking around in general, Trent decided to get a haircut. At the barbershop at Quantico, they have a device hooked to the clippers that vacuums away the hair as it is cut. Trent, who hadn't seen said device previously, asked what it was. The lady cutting his hair then remarked that Trent hadn't been there before. She followed that up with the question, "you FBI?" Trent explained that he was Coast Guard. She remarked that the Coast Guard liked their hair longer. Trent told the lady that he was technically working for the Army for the next year. She then told Trent he needed to fit in. Trent has a very good priced shorter than usual haircut. I know, shorter than Trent's usual seems improbable. We thought the whole thing was funny.

Of course, our pit stop put us on the Washington/Baltimore expressway, otherwise known as the Beltway, at around 5:00 in road construction. Wow! Traffic was bad. While sitting in traffic, Trent and I started composing a modern day version of Dante's Inferno. We decided that one of the inner circles of hell has to be Beltway traffic at 5:00 in road construction. We are still coming up with ideas for the rest of the story. If you have any, please share. If they are good, know that we will likely steal them. Now might be a good time to mention we did this trip in Trent's car. That means that we put ourselves and our three children in a Toyota Yaris HATCHBACK!! No more evil laser guided stares at the fact that I have three children please.

We did eventually get off the Beltway and into smooth traffic up to Baltimore. (Our children cheered loudly at this point). When we got near the airport (where our hotel was located), we started to attempt finding the right exit. (Did I mention we left our directions at home?) Also, did you know that taking a wrong exit in that area of the world won't just take you down some road you don't want to be on that you can turn around on and head back in the opposite direction? No, a wrong turn or exit will most likely put you on another interstate heading somewhere entirely wrong (New York in our case). It was at this time that Sami decided to inform us all that she needed to "pee pee." She has been extremely stubborn about the potty training thing, so we reminded her that she had a diaper on. She started crying and insisted on going in the potty. So, we found a gas station, took Sami to the bathroom and bought her some M & Ms for her effort. (see bribing and chocolate in post below) Of all the times to pick about being adamant about using the potty, Samantha picks a road trip in which we only mostly know where we are going. This request manifested itself several times on the return journey. That time, however, we knew where we were.

We checked in, found out the pool was not open, waited for Ashley to finish mourning that the pool was not open, had dinner and then watched Spiderwick in our room. Ashley is reading the books and loved it. Jon, the future Tim Burton, loved it as well. Sami got so scared at the end that she cried. As a result, Jon got to sleep with Daddy, and I got the pull out bed in the living room area of our room with Sami.

Trent and kids in front of USCGC Taney, which was on the way into the Aquarium. Of course we stopped and took a picture!

Next morning, we got to the aquarium with only one wrong turn. It was so great. I wish I had more pictures, but every time I tried to photograph the sharks or rays etc., I got dark images or flash reflected off of water or glass. I have never seen rays that big before, and I loved the sea turtle. It was also huge. There were so many great exhibits. Jon was distraught at first, because the giant pacific octopus exhibit was closed. The octopus has grown too big for his habitat, and they are building him a new one. Jon got over it by the time we went to see the dolphin show though.

Trent and kids in front of bubble columns.

Trent bought the kids chomper head toys. Jon got a hammerhead shark and the girls got dolphins. For those of you wondering if I confiscated them by the time we were in D.C., the answer is no. Surprisingly, not only did I not take them and hit Trent with them by D.C., I didn't at all. I also found it hilarious, when our kids had their chompers clacking and singing along to Volcano by Jimmy Buffett.

kids with their chompers

On the way home, we stopped and had lunch. One of the ladies sitting at the table next to ours stopped on her way out and made a point of noting how well behaved our children were. I am shocked too! She said she does day care. Trent and I wondered all the way back to the interstate what kind of head cases she is watching if she thinks our kids are well behaved enough to say so. O.k., I am mostly kidding. They were actually quite good.

While at the restaurant, a huge thunderstorm hit. It was raining sideways when it first started up. It was still pretty bad when we left and for awhile after that. I know I should have been worried about the potential for flooding (we were in the Yaris after all) and about tornado warnings though the wind wasn't bad at the time. I couldn't make myself stop enjoying it though. I LOVE the rain and particularly a summer thunderstorm. I love the lightening and thunder. I love the sound and the smell.

Great trip. Hard to believe it was not even two days.

Discovery Dash

Today was race day. Even though school is out and it is Memorial Day weekend, we started getting out of bed early to get up to Monticello High School for the Discovery Dash. We had absolutely perfect weather. (not trying to rub it in Dad and Muriel)

Pictured on the right are our two racers. While waiting for Ashley's race, we watched the dashers (3 and 4 year olds) It was totally fun to watch them go. Sami wanted to get out there and run so badly. She is not old enough, but watching those kids go made me wonder if I should have taken the age limit less seriously. Jon, who was adamant about not running, really wanted to race once we got there. There is always next year I guess.

Ashley did great in her race. She finished at the first pack of the second half of kids. Some of those kids have run for awhile. You could tell by watching them. This was Ashley's first thing like this, and we were really proud of her. She ran the entire half mile without stopping or walking and showed really good stamina and form. Most importantly, she had a great time doing it. She wants to work on her speed now so that she can be faster next time. She really wants a trophy.

Ashley as she was finishing her first lap around the track

Video of Ashley finishing her race

Ashley claimed to be tired after her race but had plenty of energy to run down a small hill and jump on the pad the High School has for the high jump. We figure if you factor in both of her races and the playing she did in between, she ran a full mile today.

Ashley with her ribbon for finishing her race

The kids that were 9-12 ran a full mile for their race. I was impressed watching them go. The kids that won trophies (top 3 girls and boys in each age division) finished their miles in under 5 and just over 5 minutes. I used to HATE running the mile in gym when I was in High School. I mean absolutely HATE. If there wasn't somebody chasing me, why on earth would I be running? Watching these kids was inspiring. I don't want my own kids to hate those things, and I am glad for opportunities like this that focus on having fun and showing the kids just what they CAN do.

The next event for us was the parent/child relay. In this race, the parent ran the first lap and the child the second for a total of 1/2 mile. I tried to get a good picture of Trent, but he was so fast, that I didn't. I should have just taken video. He was in the first pack of dads right after the two that were out front. Good job Trent!

That is Trent with the short dark hair, white legs and sunglasses on the outside of the pack

Here is Ashley coming around the 3rd turn to finish the race. Good job Ashley!

We stuck around for the awards and raffle prizes. Wouldn't you know, Ashley won a family pass to go bowling in the raffle. Thanks Ashley! When it was time to go, my kids all wanted to have a race of their own, so I let them run on the track. I didn't think they would go all the way around it, but all three of them ran 1/4 mile. I guess that makes 1 1/4 total for Ashley today. Jon stopped and started a few times and often turned around to make sure Sami was still coming with him, but he ran 1/4 mile. We were proud. What do you think his immediate response was upon finishing the task? He asked for his trophy. Too funny.

Jon and Sami running on the far side of the track

Go Jon Go!

We ran into a couple of Trent's classmates from the JAG school. The kids were all in different age groups for the parent/child relays though, so none of them ran against each other. That could have been fun. A great day. Good job everybody.

Yorktown

Yorktown was the afternoon part of the same day we spent at Jamestown. As mentioned in the post below, we changed our initial plans to go to Busch Gardens on Monday and Jamestown on Tuesday. As a result, after Jamestown and after lunch, we had a bit of time before we could check into our hotel. Why not go to Yorktown? It is quite close. (If you want more than my scant info., you can click on the link in the Jamestown post.)

We drove out to Yorktown and went through the victory center and 19th century farm they have there. There is a great timeline of events leading up to the Revolution that lines the path from the entry building to the museum portion. The kids weren't really into reading it in its entirety by that point. In fact, we first arrived, they were all asleep. We got to look at a few things and then wander through the museum. The museum is fun and interesting. The kids loved the salvaged remains of The Betsy, and the whole thing was pretty interesting.

After leaving the museum, we went through the encampment. That was a favorite of course, because the kids got to go in the tents and poke around and all the rest.

Encampment

Ashley and Sami exploring a tent

The writing desk in an officers tent. Very different idea of war correspondence.

The camp kitchen as introduced by the Baron Von Steuben. It is pretty cool how this worked. The kids, Ashley and Jon in particular, were both fascinated and off put by the barrels of salted pork. We had to explain that refrigerators weren't a reality and preservation was necessary. They also thought the peas and pork looked unappetizing. Too bad I didn't get a picture of the 18th century equivalent of pilot biscuits!

After visiting the farm, we drove down to the battlefield. It was too early in the season and too late in the day for an official tour. Our kids would not have been able to endure that either. I am glad we went down to the site though. It is one of those places where you can feel the history. All the grassed over hills are obviously manmade embattlements. You can still see to a degree, all these years later, how things were generally set up.

Looking over the battlefield from the British defensive lines.

Also from the British Defensive lines. You can see how they were backed up to the sea where the French presence prevented any retreat via water.

Williamsburg is great. There is SOOOOO much to do. I highly recommend it. After these adventures, it was to the hotel for some swimming. Jon, who was initially afraid, took to the whole thing very well and had a great time kicking around in his floaty. It was great to see him enjoy swimming so much and to have something that he was good at independent of his sisters.

Visit from Grandpa Jon

Grandpa Jon had business in Washington D.C. and then spent the following weekend (March 14-16) with us. It was so great to have him here. Ashley counted down the days until his arrival, and the kids loved having Grandpa visit. He hardly had a moment or free lap space as a result.

The only downside was that it was writing week for Trent, whose paper was due on Monday, the 17th. (See blog post below, Hooray for Trent) He really wanted to spend more time with his dad than he did. Thanks Grandpa Jon for being so understanding.

Trent picked up his dad in D.C. on Friday, and they were home in time for dinner. After dinner, Trent went off to write, and Grandpa was subjected to Friday movie night. This week's selection was Sky High. How fun is that I ask you?

Saturday meant a trip to Monticello, of course. Don't you all want to come visit just so you can go to Monticello? Trent, Grandpa Jon, and Ashley made the trek. Ashley has now proudly been to Monticello 3 times. After all of that fun, we all met at the JAG School for lunch. It was SUCH a beautiful day! We got to picnic outside. Trent stayed behind to write, and the rest of us headed off to Michie's Tavern.

We didn't take the tour. I don't know that Sami would have been up for that. I think I would like to sometime. Anyhow, we checked out the general store and mill for gifts to send home to Grandma Lula, Aunt Dee, and Aunt Linda (Trent's grandma and aunts). Then, we walked around the tavern shop and visited the clothier. Luckily, Grandpa had his camera. I left ours in the car. At the clothier that day, they were letting the kids dress up and get their pictures taken. Ashley and Sami put on colonial dresses, and Grandpa took their picture. When we get that picture, I'll be sure to post it. Jon didn't want to dress up. I hope it was just that he wasn't in the mood and not a result of my not letting him wear anything grey last time we were at the clothier.

After that outing, we were ready to head home for a break. We went home and showed Grandpa how to catch the American Idol performances he had missed that week on youtube. Youtube can be great. Grandpa helped Jon ride his bike and fixed Sami's so that it was easier to ride. Grandpa Jon is great!

After dinner and putting kids in bed, I introduced Grandpa Jon to Heroes. We watched the first three episodes of Season 1. I think I have my third convert. Though my friend Lisa (second convert) is admittedly addicted to the story line, she also claims to be more than willing to watch just for the sake of the Petrelli brothers (Adrian Pasdar and Milo Ventimiglia) and Adam Monroe (David Anders). You aren't watching Heroes yet? We may need to talk.

Thanks Grandpa Jon for such a great visit. It was so nice to see you.

Afternoon at the Museum

This past President's Day weekend, we took the kids for a quick day trip to D.C. (It isn't that quick, but it is quick enough to do once in a while.) This time, we went to the Museum of Natural History at the Smithsonian. We really only saw about a third of it, but it was so much fun. When you go inside the front doors, there is a large rotunda with an elephant in the middle. You then go around to different areas off to the side. Between the rotunda and the dinosaur section, the kids were convinced everything in that museum came to life at night. Jon even asked where Larry was. If you do not understand what any of that is about, watch Night at the Museum.

Jon loved the section with dinosaurs and other early life. We all enjoyed the mammal section, and Ashley and Trent particularly liked the mineral and gem section. They have the hope diamond on display, but I missed it I am afraid. Trent saw it though. Ashley loved the new butterfly display even though we didn't have tickets for her to go inside the habitat. There is an ocean section currently under construction. We will definately have to go back for that one. Regardless of how hard I tried, I couldn't get a picture of any of the dinosaurs. The lighting was too dark. Here are a few other pictures though.

A giant prehistoric sloth. Both fascinating and bizarre.

Ashley in front of the wooly mammoth skeleton

The glare off the case is bad, but I included the walrus anyhow. Aren't walruses funny?

Check out that moose!

This reminded me a bit of my kids.

I really love the Smithsonian. It is fun to take the kids and see how excited they get by the different exhibits. They really want to go back to Air and Space. Ashley wants to see the real ruby slippers again. However, the Treasures of American History exhibit that is currently at Air and Space will be moved back to its home, the Museum of American History, when that museum is refurbished this April. What a great excuse to go back!

We tried to go to the National Archives so that I could run in quickly and see the Declaration of Independence, but it was closed. I have been to the Smithsonian 3 times now in my life and still have never been in the National Archives and seen those documents. Now, I know that I joke (mostly) that I wish National Treasure were real, but I am not going to try and steal the Declaration of Independence. Honest. I have since discovered that the Constitution is being cared for so it won't be on display until March. Therefore, I will take some consolation in knowing a later trip is likely to be more successful.