Norfolk Botanical Gardens in Bloom

Today it started to feel like spring for a fleeting moment in Virginia.  Tomorrow it will be cold, but today it was 70 degrees and sunny so we had a family afternoon at our favorite spot – the Norfolk Botanical Gardens.  We had fun introducing Brooke to all the interactive parts of the garden.  She got to climb a sand hill, fire a cannon (of sand), and practice her stand up paddling in a canoe.  We got to see all the beautiful different species of cherry tree in bloom.  Also the dogwood trees and daffodils.  Then we had fun in the children’s garden and Brooke had her first encounter with their famous fountains.  On the next warm day we are going there in swim suits!  As AJ was getting Brooke back in the stroller for us to look at the Camellias in bloom a friend decided he really liked the color of AJ’s polo and landed on him and stayed for at least 5 minutes!  It was an amazing afternoon of fun!

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Hiking First Landing State Park

Today we went on a hike as a family to First Landing State Park.  Brooke was a trooper and did well being carried by Mom and Dad.  It was a nice time together on a beautiful day.

Brooke Pushing Her Walker

Brooke has been wanting to walk for a few weeks now.  She will practice by holding on to our hands and taking a few steps or furniture “walking” as well.  We decided to give her a little more freedom and bought her a “walker” so that she can practice on her own.

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Garden Girls

One of the perks of living in Virginia is the lush climate. Almost everything grows here. This year Brooke is helping me plant our garden. This afternoon she helped me plan it out then we took a trip for supplies.

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Always take your tape measure to the store!

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‘I get to do the measuring!’

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‘Like this, right Mom?’

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Smiling helpful girl.

Laura’s Shamrock Half Marathon

Today was a cold, cloudy, and windy St Patrick’s Day.  It was also Laura’s half marathon.  She and her fellow moms from Mom’s Gotta Run running group ran together in matching “Kiss Me, I’m a Mom” shirts.  Laura did a fantastic job and set a personal record for herself at a time of 2 hours, 5 minutes and 14 seconds.  Way to go Laura!  AJ and Brooke were cheering for her at the finish line.  Afterwards we all spent some time chatting and drinking beer in the after race tent.