Weekend in Virginia

Last weekend, we slipped off to Virginia. We were overdue for a Lexington visit, so away we went. Autumn leaves were in peak season. As we drove through the hills and mountains, the sun hit the curves in the landscape and torched the vibrant colors. It was breathtaking. I wish I'd pulled over for some pictures.

Behn and I lived in Lexington for 3 years, and have since lived in Maryland 3 years. It's odd sometimes, how memories I hold so dear can seem to fade...and then we go back and it's a rush because I remember it all. I have been feeling all the feels.

Lexington bricks:

So, the weekend:

We decided to stay in a (cheap) hotel this time. When we got to Lex, we settled in and grabbed pizza at a place downtown. Then we let the boys romp around Hopkins Green and through the campuses (Washington and Lee University and Virginia Military Institute). We kept hearing helicopters, and when we realized they were landing on the marching grounds at VMI, we scooted over there. There were 4 Blackhawks picking up cadets for drills and taking them up and away. It was pretty cool and the boys were intrigued. By this time, it was dusk, so we headed to the hotel to bed.

Climbing around W&L:

VMI campus:

Watching the Blackhawks land and pick up cadets for drills:

House Mountain across VMI's parade ground:

The next morning, we had breakfast at Pure Eats and then headed up to the Blue Ridge Parkway to admire the views. It was chilly but beautiful up there, overlooking the valley and House Mountain. 

 I love this valley:

Next we drove down to Buena Vista to stop by the library where Behn used to work. It was so fun seeing his old co-workers and letting the kids play in the library. We stayed for a while, and heard that last year some "ghost hunters" spent the night and found 3 ghosts haunting the library. The library used to be the sheriff's office, and the jail cells are still in the back...so spooky! I don't really believe that stuff, but it was fun to get the chills.

 

Playing in Daddy's old library:

Behn's co-workers:

We let the boys play outside for a while, then decided that Patrick needed a nap, so I dropped he and Behn off at the hotel. Graham and I had a great afternoon meeting up with good friends. After that, we walked in downtown Lexington for a bit and then drove out to one of my favorite places, Boxerwood Garden. The boys loved it there as we played and explored the park. When we were finally hungry we got a cheap dinner, then back to another playground (these kids have a lot of energy).

Downtown Lexington is so cute and quaint:

Digging at Boxerwood:

They are too cute!

Next morning was Sunday and we fully planned on church at our beloved Grace Presbyterian. Everyone was a bit tired, but we had breakfast and then spent an hour or so at (yet another) park and ball field until church started. That'e the thing with early risers- waking up at 6 means 5 hours until church! Whew. 

Had to go back to Pure Eats for donuts because they are the best! But let it be noted that we got our amazing coffee at the Lex Coffee Shop:

Church was great, though. It was wonderful to see many familiar faces and hear the new pastor, although I ended up outside the sanctuary with my tired Patch. I loved singing a few of the songs we used to sing there, as well as familiar ones from the hymnal. 

And then, we were tired and ready to go back to Maryland. Coming home from a trip is always satisfying- back in our house, our beds. To be honest, Lexington still feels like home to me in many ways. And so does Maryland. It's all a little weird and unsettling. I'm so glad we can visit, though. I've been a bit emotional since the weekend (pregnant much?).

Let it also be noted that traveling with the kids is still hard. The 4 hour drive each way was tiring. They are so full of energy and still pushing boundaries and they do pick on each other so much. They were overall good, but I think we need a few weeks to recover before any more trips anywhere. But they loved Lexington and the mountains. It's part of them, they were born there. I hope it's always a special place to each of us.

Thank you, Behn, for making sure we got to go back to Lexington.  I love you!

Until next time.