Memorial weekend in the Northern Neck

Memorial weekend we were invited to come to the Hulcher's river house.  Andy had the idea that since the Hulchers couldn't come that Friday or Saturday, we'd have enough room to all spend the night. The kids had a blast and we kept them as busy as possible with the john boat, the dune buggy-thing, and a visit to Kathy's house/beach.  The next day we hung around long enough for Uncle Chuck and Aunt Bradford to arrive so we could visit with them and catch one more boat ride.

 We had 2 very tired kids on the ride home!!! 

We got back late Sunday and had Memorial Day to go to the pool for the first time.  They had a free lunch and the place was totally packed.  Hoping our "new" pool isn't always quite that crowded.

Art

Our art teacher uses Artsonia to post the kids artwork - which I love so I can see it before it comes home as a crumpled, folded up and shoved in the bookbag mess.  Claire didn't have much posted this year, but here are some favorites for both kids.

Artist:  Claire Barnes, 4th grade




Artist:  Fielder Barnes, Grade K


A favorite!:

About this School Project (Royal Portraits)

The kindergartners learned about self-portraits and the proportions of the face. They turned themselves into royal kings, queens, princes, and princesses!!

Pergola Swings

Once we had moved in, I immediately started thinking about what we could put in the yard for the kids.  As much as I'd love to give them a giant swingset/treehouse, we thought that the amount of use it would get might not be worth the huge expense.  After lots of "research" on Pinterest, I decided on a pergola that could be used for swings now and then once they have outgrown it or lost interest, we could put a porch swing or bench.  The idea was for something attractive that can be re-purposed and used in the yard for many years to come.  I somewhat randomly found a carpenter through a friend on facebook, texted him my ideas and THIS is what he did for us......I am so very happy with it!!

It turned out exactly how I had hoped!  He even decided to do his own lattice work on the sides with some extra cedar he had instead of store-bought lattice.  It's really beautiful and the kids are excited to have some fun swings to play on.  I am looking forward to planting some clematis or some type of climbing flowers on the sides.

Last night after Fielder asleep, I surprised Claire as she was getting in bed and told her we could go outside and she could read while I worked in the yard a little.  She had been wanting to do this all afternoon, but Fielder was being Fielder and kept bothering her!  She curled up and read while I pulled weeds until it was too dark to see.  I love sneaking in time with my girl :-)

Royal Wedding

Saturday was the big royal wedding and the kids had fun watching a little on TV.  (We certainly didn't get up at 4 am to watch the coverage!)

Afterwards, I took the kids on a Starbucks date ;-)  I'm not sure Fielder really needed a "double chocolate chip frappacino" but he sure enjoyed it! 

Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to me!  And to my Mom too of course!

I started my day with a great run - I'm loving my new routes I've been trying lately from the new house.  As soon as I got home, Fielder was so excited to give me his card and things he had made at school.  (I'll have to add photos....)

After a little "neighborhood drama" (my friend found a gun in the road right by our house and police came out.....yikes!!) the kids gave me my present - a new fitbit!!  So excited!!

Then Rob suggested that he take the kids to McDonalds for breakfast.  I felt *slightly* guilty to not go with them, but I was pretty happy with the idea of breakfast alone and time to set up my fitbit.  Then we headed to Gallmeyer Farms to go strawberry picking! 

After strawberry picking and Kona Ice to cool off, we headed home to get ready for lunch with my Mom! She came over and we made salads from lettuce Fielder had grown at school, spinach from our garden, and fresh picked strawberries.  After lunch, we put Mom to work in my yard.  She helped me plant some things from her garden.  I can't wait to see if they do well!!  I was so happy to have some beautiful roses from my yard to enjoy over the weekend.  I hope I can keep them alive!!

After Mom left, I was exhausted and got to lay down on the couch for a bit!  (nothing like a relaxing nap with Fielder jumping all over me.)  Then Rob made dinner - grilled salmon and my new favorite wine, then strawberry shortcake.  I'd say it was a good day! 

KD #2

 Kings Dominion, round 2.  This time we said from the beginning we would only stay for the morning, eat lunch and hit the road.  We spent about 3 hours doing all the rides we wanted (barely any lines!) We weren't nearly as exhausted as our last trip.  It worked out really well!

 Here's Claire driving the old-fashioned cars.  She told me she couldn't take her eyes off the road!!

 And Fielder drove the car behind us with Daddy

Take me out to the ball game!

 We went to Fielder's first baseball game at the Diamond a couple weekends ago.  On Sundays, kids get free tickets and get to throw baseballs on the field before the game.  Everyone seemed to have fun!  I forgot how long baseball can be, but Fielder was determined we would stay to the end.  The main event for him was the food of course!  He was thrilled to have soda and then finished off an entire funnel cake by himself (in addition to a hot dog, chips, and a little of Claire's cotton candy!)  We definitely made up for the "free tickets" in food purchases.

 We were all excited for the Flying Squirrels to win!  (I think this picture he was being a little extra silly, or maybe it's the sugar kicking in)