Trip to Virginia Part 1

Over Kemper's fall break, we had a bit of a whirlwind trip to Virginia.  Even though it was a block leave period for 1st Brigade, James had just started a new job and wasn't able to take leave.  Luckily there was a 4-day weekend so he drove in with us (first time doing the drive at night and it was actually really great!) and then flew back to TN to work before flying BACK to VA to spend the weekend with us and drive back with us.  Definitely not our normal trip to Virginia but it was nice to see family and get away from Tennessee for a bit.  

Didn't take Hudson long to warm up to Aunt Neci...she gave him the best seat in the house next to the Chex mix.

As I mentioned, we decided to leave on Thursday evening and drive through the night.  It was the first time we had tried this and I wasn't terribly excited about the idea but it ended up working pretty well.  Hudson slept really well for the first few hours and then was restless until we made it to Virginia but Kemper slept soundly pretty much the entire way.  We were able to move them into their beds at MeMe and Pops's house without getting them too worked up.  Pops was kind enough to get up with them the next morning so James and I could catch up on our sleep.  

Sweet cousins coloring together.

We had all day Friday to relax and James was able to go hunting that evening.  Part of the reason we wanted to visit Virginia over the school break was so that we could make it in for Uncle James's 60th birthday party!  Grandma Rita and Grandpa Phil hosted a birthday party at their house and a lot of family we hadn't seen in many years were there.  It was nice to see everyone and catch up.  It was especially fun to see Kemper and Hannah play together!  

Our sweet niece.  

Kemper and Hannah really hadn't been around each other much but on our last trip to Virginia they got to play together and had a blast!  Uncle James apparently got a phone call from Hannah before our trip to make sure he was bringing Kemper with him when he came. :)  I'm so thankful that even though they don't see each other very often they are able to have fun and play so well together when we are together!  

Zimmermann-Ryan-Hayes families!

Once the bigger boys got there, Kemper ended up playing football in the backyard and leaving Hannah by herself.  She wasn't too happy at being ditched but Uncle James came to her rescue and played with her for awhile.  

Uncle James playing with Hannah

Sweet Hudson was napping for a lot of the party but once he woke up and got some food in his belly, he was all over the place and thoroughly enjoying being the baby of the family.  He pretended to be bashful and was happy to be held or passed from doting aunt to doting grandma.  

Kemper playing with his cousin

Hannah noticed Hudson pulling James's hair and decided to give it a try.  

Being silly.

All of the grandkids together!

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids.

It was a nice celebration and so great to see everyone!  We were so glad that we could make it in for the party...sometimes it's hard living so far away from family and missing out on family events.  

Zimmermann/Hayes family