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.

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.

Sand Tasting

As you know I have been ill since Saturday and Brooke and I have spent most of our days in pajamas at home. Well today I had to drive to the Virginia Beach Convention Center to get my race bib for Sunday (yes, I’m still contemplating running sickness and all). Since we were a mile from the beach I decided since we both had a 2 hour morning nap to take Brooke to the sand after the expo. Here she is playing at the sand playground on 1st street in her new shoes since she prefers to be on her feet these days.

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When I put Brooke in the sand I should have expected her first instinct would be to taste the sand. I am sure this is the first of many sand tastings we will have this summer.

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Erin Go Bragh!

Virginia Children’s Museum

Brooke has been standing so well that now you can let her hold on by herself. In fact, today we went to the Virginia Children’s Museum and did lots of standing (and some steering) with our friend Jackson and his mom Heather.

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Ready to go to the museum!

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Driving the bus with Jackson taking the fares.

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Maning the compass.

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Standing while steering the ship.