Vacation to Virginia

Brace yourself...this is going to be a loooooong post.  

So, James got 2 weeks of leave and we headed to Virginia.  The last time we made this trip was Christmas and Hudson was awful in the car.  Not awful enough that we swore we'd never do it again with him, but close.  We were a bit terrified of how the drive may go but we ended up pleasantly surprised!  He did great! He took 2 naps (at one point, both boys were asleep at the same time...I believe we witnessed a miracle) and didn't scream the rest of the time!  He fussed a bit here and there but was for the most part ok (especially if Kemper would pay attention to him!).  

Our 2 weeks in Virginia were packed full....visiting family, friends and just trying to keep the boys occupied. We got together with cousin Hannah to have some pictures taken for Grandma Rita and the kids hit it off so well!  They played together so nicely and every time we went to Grandma's Kemper would ask if Hannah was going to be there to play.  So fun to see them together!

To keep this long post from becoming even longer, I'm just going to try to briefly caption the pictures to give you an idea of what we did to fill our time in Virginia.

A trip to get ice cream is always a good way to start vacation!  And, forget Dairy Queen, the little yellow trailer is the way to go!

Kemper was a fan of his chocolate cone!

A trip to Falling Creek Park with Pops.  We slid, swung, played in the mister and did all of the exercise things along the trail.  We had 2 tired boys (and one tired Pops) by the time we got home!

A moment of calm cuddles with Pops...but I assure you that Hudson did not stay like this for long.  It's funny to remember how Kemper would just hang out in Pops' lap and was so content just to cuddle with Pops.  No way, Jose for Hudson.  He needs to be on the move!

Playtime with Hannah at Grandma and Grandpa's!!

Grandma and Grandpa had all 3 of their grandkids together!

Hudson, Aunt Neci, Daddy, Kemper, Uncle Allen and Hannah

Ashley and Jack came over to play!  Hudson is 2 weeks older than Jack.  They were so much fun to watch!

Hudson didn't like it when Jack sat on my lap so he crashed the party.

He needed to wake up a bit more with Pops.

Noelle and Owen came to play and the babies ganged up on Kemper.  He is SO good with the little ones and I am so proud of how he plays with them.  

Poor Pops.  Lots of wrestling happened with Hudson joining in this time!

Hudson showing Grandma Peggy his eggs.  It took him awhile to warm up to her because the first time she came to visit he wouldn't even look at her without crying.  Thankfully, he came around!

Birthday dinner for Grandma Peggy at The Station.  Hudson snacked on lemons while we waited.

Kemper being such a big, polite boy while we waited.

Grandma Peggy, Mommy and Hudson

Kisses for Grandma Peggy!

James and Kemper

Pops and MeMe with the boys

Four generations.

The family out for Grandma's birthday dinner.

There was LOTS of Guess Who playing!

And more of this. :)

Playing Peek A Boo while he ate birthday cake at Grandma Peggy's.

Playing with Aunt Sarah...

While Uncle Jon and Kemper build a fort!

Then have a sword fight!

Kemper found a comfy spot for a bit of LeapPad playing time.

More games with Pops.  I'm pretty sure they tried most of my old games while we were there.

A fourth of July picnic on the patio with Grandma Peggy.

Our little firecrackers!

Family picture!

MeMe, Pops and the boys.

Being silly.

Hudson and Uncle Charlie...Kemper was so excited to play with Uncle Charlie when he came over!

Brothers taking a walk.

Homemade ice cream for 4th of July!

Grandma Peggy with the firecrackers.

Waiting on the ice cream.

Licking the dasher!

Family enjoying the ice cream.

More family...as Hudson wanders from person to person for bites.

The rest of the gang!

Kemper enjoyed the Oreo ice cream.

Grandma and Grandpa joined us for ice cream.

Uncle Jon and Aunt Sarah brought Kemper sparklers!

Concentrating!

Even Aunt Sarah got in on the Guess Who action!

We had a great time visiting with everyone!  It's always such a hard thing to balance...seeing everyone and spending a meaningful amount of time with everyone.  We usually need another vacation by the time we get back to Tennessee!  The drive back was uneventful and we took our time knowing that we were gaining an hour and there was no reason to rush.  The boys did great, both slept some (but not as well as the way to VA) and we managed to stay out of the rain until we got to Nashville.  Took a few days to get the boys detoxed from grandparent overload (and Mommy a few days to get back into the swing of things and our routine) but we're off and running now, trying to make the most of the last few weeks before Kemper starts school!!