Cheers to our Virginia Friends!

I know, I know. We have not been keeping up with the blog - but sometimes it feels like we're barely keeping up with life!

The quick update is that after two+ years in Williamsburg, VA, Brian and I are back in Seattle. It is nice to be back to familiar territory, but we miss our friends in Virginia. So this quick post is dedicated to them.

Here are a few of the characters that we left behind, that will always be in our hearts:

Joe and Barbara became very good friends of ours. We met Joe at church because we were sitting in the same general area, and he adopted us. He calls us "the kids" and every week, saved us a seat in church. I'm already missing his commentary and warm smile. On numerous occasions, they opened their home to us. They kindly hosted us for Thanksgiving and me for my birthday and Easter. Now we have to figure out how to convince them to visit us over here!



And this is Joanie and Bernie! They are also friends from church, always ready with a hug and time for coffee.

Last, but definitely not least, are my buddies from LL. Livy and Dan are two co-workers that are friends that I'm so glad found their way into my life.

Miss you all!

Halloween and a new baby - Lyla

Colleen and I have been friends since 5th grade - and it's a friendship that is still going strong!

On Halloween, Brian and I went down to visit the Ladd's. Gwen was a perfect
Raggedy Ann and Colleen let me play along. We went trick-or-treating with Gwen, and it was hysterical. She was more interested in the dogs living at each house than the candy.

We had to get back down to visit the following weekend because Lyla Jane was born on November 3. I have no doubt she'll be as cute as her older sister!

Old Friends in a New Town

Colleen and I (Sarah) have been friends forever! We met in 5th grade. We use to pass hours just walking around our neighborhood in Anchorage. Skipped school together (only once!). Played pepper in the street (just volleyball back and forth), swapped stories during college, attended each other's weddings. And now, here we are.

Colleen, Brad (her husband) and Gwen (the 3-year old) moved to Virginia two months ago. They are about an hour away from us, but we are happy to see them when we can. So far - we've been able to hang out quite a bit!

Here we all are enjoying lunch at the Cheese Shop in Williamsburg:

Busch Garden pictures to come soon...

Colonial Williamsburg - FINALLY!

For two years now, we have lived in Williamsburg, VA. The home of the second oldest university in the country, William & Mary AND Colonial Williamsburg. Colonial Williamsburg (or "CW" as the locals call it) is the historic area of town where every day is sometime between 1774 and 1781. Everyone is dressed in period costumes and you'll get invited to listen to the reading of the Declaration of Independence because most likely, you can't read.

We have been taking advantage of some free time on the weekends to explore CW. We have sat in on conversations between slaves as they debate whether to leave and fight the British, listened to Benedict Arnold announce the British occupation of Williamsburg, and cheered a general by the name of Washington, who went off to battle.

It's been a trip to hear things like "the house of Burgess" and other things that remind you of your US History classes. Plus, it's just fun!

This is Sarah showing you how those held in the Public Gaol used the facilities.


And here's Brian in the gardens behind the Governor's Mansion:

It seems that a few hours is all we can handle, so we take in a few things and then head home to relax and enjoy the modern amenities.

Graduation is/was here!

We can't believe two years have gone by so fast! On May 11, 2008, we heard my name announced as I was awarded my MBA. We had a great day - an MBA brunch, class picture, Mike Tomlin (Steeler's head coach) gave the main commencement speech, and we went out for a fabulous dinner.

My folks joined us in Williamsburg for a few days and it was great to see them. We talked and laughed a lot and were definitely sad to see them head home.

Kentucky Derby Time!

All dressed up to watch the races! We (right) joined Sage and Morgan (left) and Carter and Lisa (below) for homemade mint juleps during the Kentucky Derby. I am starting to understand this sport, but all of this for a TV viewing of one of the fastest sporting events? Either way we found a way to make it fun!

What did you do last weekend?

Well here in the booming metropolis of Williamsburg there was a lot of activity...or at least one big activity in town for us. We went to a MBA dance aka prom.

This event was a huge hit last year and this year was no different. We had a mix of first and second year students doing the coordination and my hats off to them, because it was a blast. However, before you start reminiscing back to your high school days you have to think about how you would have done prom differently if you could do it all over again. That said this was a lot different than what I remember prom being back in high school and a step up from last years party. Part of the reason it was so different is because HS prom consisted of tuxedos, fancy dresses, hair being done, and it being pretty expensive...it was a racket back then for pictures! Yes, we did dress up and take pictures as you can see, but most importantly we all had a lot of fun!

We went to dinner at a place called Long Horn with some friends. After dinner we were off to the dance for music, dancing, drinks, and more great company like we had at dinner!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving Day. We sure did!

Volleyball...

We came real close to winning the tournament this time around, but came up just a little short in the third game in a best of three. Game one we killed the other team, game two we lost by a few points, and same story for game three...so close...unfortunately close doesn't count in volleyball. According to what my Dad taught me, close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...

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!

Scottish Festival

The name says it all except for the fact that there were actual people tossing caber for a competition!

New Friend - Morgan

Where should I start? This is Morgan...

Morgan and I have been spending a lot of time together the past few weeks, and it's been a blast. Morgan is dating Sage, one of the guys in the program, and she has just moved to Willyburg to hang with the kool kids. (really to be with her man and work as a high school teacher and volleyball coach) I have been joking with her that she's my pity case because our friends were worried about her moving to town without knowing anyone, so I took her under my wing. hee hee The boys are out of town, and we really have had a good time hanging out.

Girls, remember the days when you had that friend that you called every day to see what they're doing and if they want to play. Seriously. We've gone out to eat, gone shopping and just hung out. We've figured out my new nav-system (thanks, dad!) and explored the area. The picture here is our excursion down the Colonial Parkway and lunch in Yorktown.

And with every good thing, it comes to an end...
Yesterday, Sage arrived back in Williamsburg, so I've started going through my Morgan withdrawal. But, Brian is back in Williamsburg tomorrow - YEAH! So now we can all hang out. And I have no doubt we will. The start of school will bring intermural softball and now I have a friend to go to the games with. (I was solo-spouse last year.) pictures to follow...

For now, I'm off to dinner with another couple here in the complex - wonder if I'm the pity case this time?! =) No complaints from me!

Chics Ahoy - Summer Volleyball

This summer, Monday nights were reserved for Volleyball - Women's 4s with my team, Chics Ahoy. It was a fun change, especially since it's been years since I've played on a women's height net. These girls were a blast to play with and playing fours keeps you moving. Let's just say, Sue, Kristen, Lisa and I did walk away with a new t-shirt, but we always got a few great laughs out of the night.

I'm sure some of you appreciate the old-school team photo shoot. You know I couldn't resist!

Night out with the Girls!

Okay, it was a few weeks ago now, but I wanted to make sure that I got these pictures posted because these are the peeps we have been friends with the longest in Willy-burg. To the right is Elizabeth (in yellow) and Bruster (the big dog), and Becky with LuLu.


Here is Will (Brian's carpool buddy last year) with his wife and their baby. (Yes, we are called Aunt Sarah and Uncle Brian) We left LuLu and Will in Williamsburg and went into Richmond.


The three of us went into Richmond for a night out on the town. It was fun to relax and enjoy the night scene. We went out in "the Fan" - think the casual bars that you can walk between...Fremont-ish. It was a blast! Then it was up early to attend the Nordstrom Sale and get back home.

Williamsburg's Saturday Market

It's our version of Pike's Place. Every Saturday morning and Tuesday afternoon in the summer, we have Williamsburg's Farmer's Market. There's no flying fish, but plenty of soft shell crab, crab cakes, crab meat, scallops, fresh locally grown vegetables, herbs, plants, cookies, goat cheese (a few booths to choose from, even though I don't like any of it) and mushrooms. Yum! (At this point, you all have realized that it's Sarah writing this post because Brian is not into mushrooms.)

People mill about with coffee, talking with friends, while the dogs all sniff each other. It's a casual meeting place, and there are treasures abound. The fresh scollops have made it home with me a few times. The vegetables are fantastic. And my must stop, is at Dave and Dee's Homegrown Mushrooms. They are gernous with their samples, smiles, and they have converted more than a few non-mushroom eaters. The big question is can they convert Brian!
Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)

4th of July in Williamsburg

Everyone is wondering how Brian and I are doing, since we're separated for the summer...and seriously people, we're good. I'm not sure who has it better this summer. I have friend insisting that Brian's the lucky guy doing the California thing, and believe me he is doing some cool things. (I don't want to ruin the surprise of his posts that are sure to come, so stay tuned.) But I am really enjoying work and it's nice in the summer here. I have had friends visit and we have new friends here that I can spend time with. Of course, it would be better with Brian here, but since we're married for-ev-er, what's 2 months?!

But I digress, I just thought I would post a little 4th of July fun, before it's really past the date...

After the Freedom Run, I had the day to relax and get a few chores at home done. Then it was time to get over to Stephanie & Eric's. They have rented a great house for the next year, and it's close to CW (that's VA speak for "Colonial Williamsburg") which was having fireworks. So I convinced Stephanie that we (those of us here in Willy-burg for the summer) should hang out at their house and BBQ. We all had a good time talking, BBQing and then the competitive natures came out with Trivial Pursuit, 90's edition. It was a lot of fun!


We walked towards CW, and stopped only a few blocks from the house. There was a grassy area and some people already camped out. We could have walked in further, but then we would have had the crowds and to stand up to enjoy the show. Here we spread out a few blankets and things got underway. Now, I have no doubt, that had Brian been with me, I could post some cool fireworks photos. But he wasn't, so I can't, you'll just have to imagine. But the fun part about the fireworks, was the 4 -year old boy behind us. He was SO cute! He was standing behind us, and every time a firework exploded, he leaned forward, eyes wide and "wwwooooowwwww" would escape from his lips. Exactly.

Here are the goof balls after the show - it wasn't Gasworks, but we all had a good time.

Freedom Run

This year, I started off July 4th right! Which (this year) that meant meeting up with a few friends early in the morning for the FREEDOM RUN. This area definitely gets its money out of the patriotic souls. The race was set around the Yorktown victory monument and it was a great day for a run. (With the humidity and heat around here...you can't always say that!)

Before the race:It was Stacie's (in the green) first 5k run, and she did great! She's a personal trainer by trade and I definitely benefited from her words of encouragement. It was a nice route, with a few big hills that made it tough. 3.1 miles later (about 30.3 minutes) we were stretching it out.

Tony and Molly joined us, too. Let's just say one spouse is encouraging the other spouse to run more often, so they stuck together...anyways..Stacie and I were glad they were still on speaking terms when they crossed the finish line. =) They are a great couple, so it was fun to spend time with them.


Yes, XL shirts was all they had left...but at least we got one!
A perfect way to start the day!

More of Lovely Williamsburg

We are still new enough to town that we're working through the list of "Williamsburg To-Do's." We grabbed Molly & Tony (you guessed it, MBA friend and wife) and were off. Now, realize, that these lists are not always created by adding the best things in town to do, but more so, the things that keep visitors busy. So, we started at the winery (always a good place to start).

The Williamsburg Winery is small. I know we're tainted by Washington State, but we enjoyed the tour. It was Molly's first winery tour, so it was fun to hear her comments. The tasting...was fine, we'd go back if we had guests in town that were interested, otherwise, considered it checked off the list.

And JAMESTOWN. That was our second mission of the weekend... it is a living history museum. Being the residents that we are, admission is free. It is a very well done exhibit, and the boats are cool to see. (The weather was anything but cool - yet another reason why Sno to Go was so tasty.) This one we'd go back to, guests or not. Long story short, we came, we saw, and we conquered.

Ok, so we didn't really take the canoe out on the water, but you could imagine what it would be like.

Sno to GO!

If you thought that Zip Lines + Hot Springs was crazy delicious we have found something that takes the cake.

Imagine it is 90+ degrees outside and the humidity is at approximately 80-90% and you have in front of you a cup layered with snow cone, ice cream, snow cone and lastly ice cream...it is a recipe for a wonderful afternoon!

Such a place exists, and thankfully, nearby. It's called Sno to Go. This wonderful shack has a chilled treat like no other that I have ever seen. It is a snow cone puree stuffed with vanilla or chocolate ice cream served up in a variety of wonderful flavors. We tried "Frog in a Blender" and "Sea breeze." YUM!

BTW: They can and will change the color of your tongue.

Side note related to Sno to Go is brain freeze! Our friend Molly said that if you are prone to brain freeze or have it, you should take their tongue and lick the roof of your mouth to help reduce the likelihood/pain of the terrible condition, brain freeze, that goes along with frozen treats.

We love jet noise...

This guy showed his love at the show!

One of Sarah's friends came to town for a conference, which got Sarah looking around for things to do in the area when she ran into the Air Show at Langly Air Base. I was siked that she was interested in going to an air show.

When I was younger we used to go to the Abbotsford Air Show every year. I was always excited to climb into a handful of the planes that were on the ground, see the heat wave as the temperature climbed throughout the day, spend some time with family, and of course hear and feel the roar of the newest jets as they went ripping through the sky at break neck speeds.

We arrived at the show right as the action began at Langly Air Base, but there was a decent line ahead of us. However, before we could get to the back of the line a man and his son approached us with incredible kindness and gave us a couple of tickets. This man's son worked at the base, they were at the show the day before, and didn't want to wait in the long line to get in that day. So they passed along two tickets to the tent where there was food and drinks...we thanked them and had no idea what we had gotten into. Thank you again to the kind man and his son at the air show.

After watching the show from line for a little while, we got through security, and nearby the jet way where we saw how much some people really do like their jet noise. We stayed there until the first half of the show passed, where we saw a warthog, stealth fighter, stealth bomber, a few acrobatic planes, and of course the amazing F-15.

It was approximately noon by this point so we decided that during the break in the action we should check out the planes on the ground and see what the tent, where we had tickets for, was all about. The ground displays were great. My favorite was the F-22 raptor!

When we arrived at the tent, we found out that it was for friends and family of the people that worked at the base as well as the pilots in the show. It was wonderful and in hindsight we should have come over sooner, since they had chairs that we could relax in. The tent was fully catered by the likes of Carabba's, an Italian restaurant, along with a few other companies like Budweiser, hence the self serve taps on the side of the truck. As you can imagine, we stayed there for the 2nd half of the show. The 2nd half of the show was more of the jets that I love including the new F-22 raptor, but the real treat was a showing of the Thunder Birds!

For the roar of jets or air shows in your area check this state by state schedule.