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Friday, July 3, 2020

Virginia, Here We Come

 We took off to spend time with Kira and David for almost two weeks. We made the trip in one day to avoid staying over in a hotel and only stopped for gas/bathroom breaks. It was good to see their faces and they are the best hosts. 

We spent a lot of time just relaxing, hanging out on the porch, talking, and playing games but we got out to some great places too.

Cascade Falls. It got sweaty near the end but the breeze coming off the thundering falls had us all refreshed by the time we finished lunch. So many millipedes.





Roanoke Star and Explore Park



Neal smelling a tree to see if it smells like vanilla, a sign it's white pine, I think.






Frog at Explore Park. So cute!
 Houtz Barn, built 1837


Sloan's Grist Mill, built 1880-1890, in use until 1952


Another barn quilt spotted at The Creamery, this with cows. Kira feeling barn quilt joy.

Civil War Swinging Bridge in Buchanan, Natural Bridge to Lace Falls, Civil War era river locks, steep and long hike to and from Apple Orchard Falls (not even one apple *wink*) and Blue Ridge Parkway sunset.



This is one of my favorite pictures. They are fall below the natural bridge trying to catch drops of water from it in their mouths.


Hand holding



Underpass to locks


 

 

Very, very long and steep but beautiful hike. Really tired. So happy to see car.

 Bottom Creek Gorge hike




Way across the gorge there are falls.


We celebrated Sophie's 13th birthday in Virginia. She's a teenager!!! I don't think she ever gets a birthday at home. Ventured out for a short hike to Roaring Run to which Kira and Rhys ventured to the very top of the falls. I muscled both kids under a small waterfall just to remind them that I'm that mom. Sophie enjoyed homemade ramen noodles (her new love) Uncle David made. Finished of with homemade ice cream sandwiches.










Happy 13th, beautiful girl!

 

Shenandoah National Park, steep hike




We also celebrated Neal's birthday in Virginia. We took the day easy and toured downtown Roanoke. We celebrated with key lime pie, at his request. Kira has a keeper recipe.









 

Covered Bridges tour through Virginia and West Virginia. Saw old barns, deer, and even a bobcat!











We stayed an extra day but we were still sad to go. We love you, Kira and David. We love the time we have with you. Thanks for everything.










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