A Wonderful Time With Family
We arrived on the East Coast late at night and had to sleep before seeing the grandkids. They had created a beautiful room for us by adding fall decorations like pumpkins and autumn leaves. June made drawings for us and left them on our pillows for us to find. She also made a pretty bracelet for Gramma to wear that said, “June is Here”! around colorful beads. In the morning, the kiddos had let us sleep in and when I came down to greet them, it was a little awkward at first. I had expected them to run up and give me a big hug but everyone was absorbed into what they were doing. So, I felt a little strange. Then, I thought to myself, everyone is comfortable with their new home and I was happy with how normal it was for everyone. The kids were happy and doing well. Everyone is adjusted to Virginia and this is their home. 
What happened on the first day really threw me for a loop. First, we got up early
to drive out to the James River and we went on the colonial national historic highway which was a beautiful country road with forest and waterways all about. We saw three-stripped turtles in the mud flats and huge Turkey buzzards perched in the snag trees. We hiked around and got our feet sandy and wet. Soon, it was time to get the youngest home for a nap. That is when all panic set in for me. In my room, I found my pill case emptied and lying on the floor. After research, we figured out that it had been messed with before we left for the hike. What we did not know was whether it was the dog or the toddler who had found it. I felt awful and responsible for any harm that could have come from my carelessness. After lots of craziness, waking up the baby, calling different veterinarians, and poison control, we were super happy to find out the quantity of medicine I take would have no ill effects on babies or animals, and peace set into the house again. Whew! What a relief. Unfortunately, another mishap happened shortly after naptime was over. The kids were playing and having fun. I opened the refrigerator door to get some water and it just so happened that, Halle, the youngest was at that moment bombing through the kitchen at full speed ahead. The next thing I know she is lying flat on her back, shocked and with a huge bump forming on her forehead. Immediately, I picked her up and she cried so hard at the insult to her plans. Of course, all she wanted was Mommy. At this point, I felt like I was practically breaking up their home sweet home. I was so happy when day two turned out fine without any mishaps. 
We visited the downtown Williamsburg and met Thomas Jefferson. We rode rollercoasters at the Busch Garden amusement park. We had a wonderful visit to Sweet Haven Lavender Farm with live music, hay rides, and free pumpkins. We played in the ocean at Virginia Beach chasing the waves and enjoying the jungle gyms and ate at a beach restaurant. We enjoyed a long leisurely walk at Yorktown with the Coleman Memorial Bridge as a backdrop. The kids made butt impressions in the sand, peaked inside the Cornwallis’ Cave, took pictures with George Washington and some of his admirals, and had french fries and hot dogs at the Yorktown Pub. It was a wonderful trip and I cannot wait to go back to hang out with the kids again. I will get another flight booked as soon as possible so I can withstand the separation anxiety!