Virginia Beach. I really should of had the next few pictures in the 1st part but I forgot to look and see if I got everything I wanted before I posted. Oops.
The beach was fun even though there were tons of winds. We rented a Cabana for the day. That helped a lot!
There was a professional there to help people learn a few basic things about sand sculpturing. It was really interesting to learn what to do and to see all the tools he had for that.
We finally braved the winds and cold and played in the ocean for a little bit.
Austin is being carried away in the waves in this picture!
We got a hold of him and got the family picture we wanted!
Proof Jordan touched the Ocean.
The Cabana exchange with Charlotte and Jeremy. We paid for the whole day and dang it we were going to get our moneys’ worth!
Glass blowing was really awesome to watch. They were only making the shot glasses when we went there first. We went back later to see more.
Jamestown
This time he was making a seashell. See the shape of it in the second pic?
Tomb of the unknown soldier
We went around of a tour bus to save us some walking!
Whenever you get bored at a monument just run around the pillars. I think everyone one of us did it, maybe except Julie.
So I had no idea that there are engraving on the top of the Lincoln monument. Nice touch I think.
My boys are definitely their father’s sons’. They love the museums. I have a hard time keeping my attention in check. I’d rather they have Andrew’s influence with this one. It was cute to see them pointing out all sorts of things. I don’t think Austin missed pointing out a single train in any of the museums.
Everyone tuckered out with all the sightseeing.
The Capital building an inside joke. In the tour bus they made a big deal about getting a really good picture of it at a spot and I didn’t have my Camera out so I tried to hurry and catch it. Later, we found out that you can’t get away from the capital building. It’s everywhere and there are lots of picture opps. We were constantly bringing up “ Have you gotten a picture of the capital building?” In our most frantic voices. :)
Holocaust Museum: Julie and I (with baby) went there together while Andrew and the kids went to the post office museum. It was one of the most intense buildings I have ever been in. I have always loved this history. It saddens but also its unbelievable so it intrigues me. I still don’t really understand how Hitler did what he did. Crazy!. Another thing that was interesting was there was a family there that was Jewish. They were ahead of us for about half of the tour. I loved listening to them. It is their family history. I don’t have that kind of connection to what happened in Germany. It was a great small insight. So many heroic and not so heroic stories. It overwhelmed and also humbled me. My greatest respect to all those effected.
Andrew and the kids at the Postal museum.
We made it to the zoo before it closed. Something we didn’t know was that all the animals get put away before the place closes. Does this make any sense? So this is as close we got to seeing a Panda bear.
All that was still out were the birds. This one was giving me attitude.
Place Gavin under that other wing, and then its perfect. I hate it when kids won’t cooperate with a cute picture!
Riding the passenger train to New York! This is at 4 in the morning! Austin was in heaven the whole time.
Careful of the characters around the streets they will demand money. Even if you tell them that your wife has the money and You’d have to catch up with her. He got his money, don’t worry.
Andrew and kids riding the huge carousel in the Toys R Us store. Awesome!
Julie and I decided to go to a Broadway while there in NY. Here we are in line to get tickets.
Yep, THAT line. We got ticket to see ONCE. The music was awesome and it had a different format for a musical. They had a jam session together before everyone had taken their seats. And then out of no where it started. Seriously, in the middle of someone singing the lights went off and the musical starts. I don’t know if I really like how it started. I hate it when people won’t stop talking when someone is performing, and well that’s what happens until the lights turn off. I was afraid that the lights would never turn off and everyone would talk through the whole thing! The only complaint I REALLY have is how much the F-bomb was thrown around, otherwise a great story. It’s about how one person can change your whole life.
Funny story time. On our way home I was sitting by Julie and she was given her drink. Now sitting by me means you are my table since I can’t put my tray down because of Jordan. So her tray was quite full. Well, Julie dropped her drink all over. It was hilarious. The attendant was very helpful in getting it cleaned up. Later she asked if we would like a drink to replace the first. We said yes to the drink (for me my second). Later she came back with the drinks with lids on them with straws for both of us like they do for the little kids. It made us laugh!
So that was our huge trip this Summer. We had 2 Strollers broken by the airlines, missed a few things since I didn’t plan as much as a usually do, lost my sling to carry Jordan in on the airplane, lots of memories and experienced new things. All in all a GREAT vacation!
