Our last week in Virginia

We've successfully packed in as many fun adventures as possible during our stay.  In the past week, we have...

Visited the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens... arts & crafts, a treehouse, and a huge sandbox!

Been in pit stop training with Rooty.

Gotten into trouble with Connor and Bradey (they are now on the watch list at the Chesterfield Towne Center playland).

Celebrated an early Halloween with Patty's awesome decorations and sweaters.

Celebrated Rooty's birthday with his favorite pie.

Got to finally meet Maribeth and Remi's adorable kids!  We had a blast with Finn and Crusoe!  (we'll have to get pictures next time - not enough hands to hold the camera!)

And we have read lots of books!

Patty and Rooty, thank you for the wonderful hospitality, the ever-bearing banana tree, and the bottomless glass of wine.  We will miss you but see you again very soon!

Levi "The Boxer"

Apparently, the tumble down the stairs a couple of weeks ago was nothing.  Since then, Levi has been accosted by his brother with an umbrella, stumbled onto the arm of the sofa, and been attacked by mosquitoes.  ER, please stand by.

The latest Gunnarisms

1.  Patty's neighbor, Ann, came over to visit.  Gunnar picked up Levi and carried him to Ann saying, "This is my baby brother.  You can pet him."

2.  Right after I tuck Gunnar into bed at night, he usually blurts out some random thoughts that are racing through his mind as he tries to settle in.  For instance last night, he said, "Mom, we need to buy more Honey Sunshine."  Ok.  But that one didn't catch me off guard as much as his comment from a couple of nights ago...
Gunnar: "Mom, you don't have a penis."
Me: "No, I don't."
G: "You can't stand up to pee."
Me:  "No, I don't.  Good night."
G:  "Good night."

3.  Me: "Gunnar, when we move to Nevada, we'll be living near a lake called Lake Tahoe."
Gunnar:  "I want to name it Mickey Mouse's Clubhouse."

4.  This morning, Gunnar was forgetting to say his pleases and thank yous.
Me: "Gunnar, where are your manners?"
Gunnar:  "In my mouth."

Fun at Patty and Rooty's house

We got to visit Nan and bring her to Richmond with us!  I still don't believe she's really turning 96 next month!

Playing in the toy cabinet.  Peek-a-boo!

The boys' first visit to Krispy Kreme.  Gunnar had so much fun watching them make donuts that he was too tired to eat the one he had so carefully picked out.  Levi slept through the whole visit.

Patty and Rooty's beautiful new front door.

Who is that in there???

Captain Jay and First Mate Maurene

Yesterday we got to take the boys on their first boat ride on Pop-Pop's boat on Lake Anna.  It was a little cool in the morning but not a cloud in the sky, and the water was glass.

Gunnar was a great captain-in-training. 

 Levi had fun despite feeling a little restricted in his life vest.

Fire Station #8

The fire station near Patty and Rooty's house recently got a complete remodel, and so we went for a little field trip to check it out.  We met Tony and Joe, who were great tour guides, and they let Gunnar sit in both fire engines and the mini-attack truck.  Twice.

Gunnar was excited to show the guys his "Rescue Trucks" book.

Tony was cool because he could fist pump.

Levi made sure the tires were pumped up.





Mary Frances' Baptism

What an awesome weekend in Baltimore!  We didn't get much of an opportunity to get the camera out but did manage to get this picture - of course this is about the only time the whole weekend that she cried.  She is such a good baby.

Levi had a blast as well.