Danny's birthday weekend

Here are a bunch of pictures of Danny's birthday without Danny. He went off to his friend, Duane's cabin, for the weekend for some guy time- hiking, shooting at things, cooking, eating, and just hanging out. He hada a great time with his friends, but forgot the camera. 

But... I didn't. So, here are some pics of the kids and Bob and Susan instead. We went to their house for the weekend. I went out with Whitney on Friday night while the kids played with Bob and Susan and Teagan, Orion, and T.J. for a little bit too. Whitney and I went to the outlets and to Friendly's and had fun. 

The next day we went to a festival at a park in Newport News. It was one that Danny loved to go to for his birthday as a kid and even when they moved to Chesterfield they had to go back sometimes. There were lots of vendors selling arts and crafts, some entertainers, food vendors, demonstrations, and a few free kids crafts too. The kids particularly enjoyed, listening to a singer who held a monkey on his shoulder, etching pumpkins, making bracelets, and having their faces/ hands painted. They also liked the playground, the water, and popping bubbles.

 Grant has a great smile in this pic with "Bapa"

Christian is really good with Teagan.

 I love that with all of the stimulation around a festival, they were still equally excited to go look at the water.

 

They thought that this talking bird guy, from the coast guard was pretty cool.

 A rope making demonstation

 

My two little divers

Thanks for the snow cones, Bob and Susan! Also, they almost got funnel cake, but Susan had the idea to make it at home instead. That was a fun idea. Yum!

 And "Chinish"(that's what Victoria called Christian when he was a baby and she was nearly 2) looking very "chinish". If it isn't a mustache, it's a goatee.

Oh, and the bubbles. These people sold really cool, bubble wands and bubble blowers. Papa could see how cool these were so bought one for each of the grandkids there. They had fun playing with them at their house and at our house since. Pretty neat. V's is a butterfly, Christian's is a peace sign, and Grant's is a ball. Pretty fitting, eh? They picked them out. Thanks Papa.

It was a fun weekend, we missed Danny on his birthday, but called and sang to him. We are glad that he had a fun time with his friends though. Time with friends is a good thing too. 

Meet Woody and the Field Hockey players!

Longwood University, the college in Farmville, is inviting the kids in the community to several sporting events each season. We decided to take the kids to a special women's field hockey game. They had some fun things happening for the kids. Woody from Toy Story came, there was a special dance performance, there was a hot dog eating contest at half time, drawings for prizes(our friend Kailyn won a game), and autographs from the team afterward. After the game and autographs they played Toy Story 3 on a giant screen outside next to the field. They really planned a fun event, unfortunately it was a school night, so we couldn't stay for the movie (even though we really wanted to see it- it'll be out before too long). I don't think any kids stayed for the movie, but hopefully some of the college kids did. Anyway, we had a fun time and want to go to more of the kid friendly events they plan. Here are a few pics.

 

V and Kailyn at the field hockey game. Go Lancers!

 It was fun to meet Woody.

 Hands up or I'll shoot.

 

The kids liked dancing like the Lancer Dancers

 

And it was cool to get a picture with the team!

Welcome Fall Big Kid Playdate

 The kids had a half day during the first week of fall, so we planned a fun play date for them and their friends. I got a book from the library called something like, 100 Games for Fall, and we were excited to try out a few of them. The plan was to go outside, have a snack(apples and my favorite fall soft ginger cookies), and enjoy the beautiful changing leaves and cool weather as we played some fall games such as a leaf blowing race (from the book).

It was rainy and I was a little disappointed to change plans, but still had a great time! Just inside. I only took a  few pics...

 Alexus peeling, cutting, and coring her apple

 Victoria and Annaleigh, showing off their slinky apples.

 

Kailyn, Alexus, and Ali playing My Little Ponies. (Glad to see V's toys getting some use)

 

Christian, Sylvia, and Mason playing batman. In the background playing are Annaleigh, Audrey, and Mattison.

Not pictured, but just as important were Josie, Cally, McKenna, Thomas, Jacklyn, Grant, Sarah, Gracie and all of the moms! It was really fun and made me glad to have such a big playroom (even if we still haven't painted it).

I think we'll do another "big kid playdate!"