Shenandoah Valley

Who would have thought that the changing of the leaves would be so popular? People actually track when Fall will go through the East coast much like when the cherry trees bloom up in DC. Well we thought it was going to be an East coast trip to remember so off to one of the Meccas for Fall color changing!

However, this story starts about a year ago when Sarah made reservations for us to go up to the Shenandoah Valley and stay at a hotel in the park. Not only were we trying to go during a popular season, there are only a few places to stay in the park. We were nearby mile marker 51 at the Big Meadows Lodge. Being in the park was awesome during peak Fall color time because there are tons of nice and entertaining people, you are surrounded by the bright leaves, and there are lots of hiking trails within a few miles.

At night there was a little pub downstairs in the lodge that had some local entertainment, which was very fun. The first night there was a guy who had been playing there for around 25 years. That night was his last so he was going to play what he wanted...He was very musically talented and got the crowd involved by teaching us the chorus to the song he was singing then he would listen to the crowd and harmonize with us. Very fun!

On our way home we stopped by the Luray Caverns, which turned out to be nice one mile walk through a beautiful cavern filled with stories from our tour guide. Good weekend!

Sarah's Mom Came to Visit

My Mom (Sarah's) came to visit for a week in September. It was great! She was a lot of fun to have around. I still had to work and Brian had school, but she added some excitement to our evenings. Plus, we she helped me cheer on the MBA softball team...and some games, they needed it. It was fun.

We explored one of the plantations in the area. Anyone remember Shirley Plantation that Pastor Mike spoke about during our wedding? He spoke about the giant pineapple that travelers could see from the river. It served as a sign of hospitality and welcoming, so travelers knew they would have a place to stay. Here it is:


You'll have to trust me, that it's a pineapple on top. It was very cool to see! Thanks for the memorable homily, Pastor Mike. On another day, the three of us drove to Smithfield to see the Virginia countryside, try some country ham and she-crab soup. It was a fun morning.

We love having visitors -you're more than welcome to come!

NYC

A nice long three day weekend in NYC with our friend Anne! Anne, thanks for letting us stay with you. Also for showing us around the city even though we taunted you with large touristy maps and destinations that you would only give us directions to.