Life as a Leach

Here are some various pictures of our vacation, and even a little proof that I actually went on it!  (I love being the photographer, but it's nice to have a few of me with the kiddos as well!) Williamsburg   I have a real phobia of giving someone my third child camera to take a picture of all of us.  Therefore, I rarely have family photos.  This couple looked nice enough and had two small children who would slow them down if they tried to run off with my beloved D90, so I took a chance.  Interestingly enough, they were British...in Williamsburg...watching the fife and drum core...listening to generals rant about England.  Kinda funny!  Bonus: they didn't steal my camera.  Sheeeew! The Farm These next few were taken at a farm when the kids were hot, sweaty, tired, and full of too much vacation.  Let's just say they were less than cooperative. My Caleb Boy What a handsome boy he is!  He was also very jealous ...

Our condo resort included free, unlimited mini golf--as well as a free arcade that Caleb spend waaaaay too much time visiting!  We played twice during the week, although Matt and I would have liked to play more.  Whenever given the choice, Caleb chose the arcade.  I'm so glad I avoid non-educational video games at home!!  This was Abby's first time "playing" mini golf, and she loved it!  She naturally chose a purple ball, and enjoyed carrying it around, throwing it on the ground, and swinging the club wildly.  Sounds about right! Matt did try to teach her how to hit the right way, but she was much more content to just keep us on constant look-out for the wild club! We didn't keep score for the first game, but Caleb claims he won.  No matter how many strokes it took him at a hole, he'd say, "Well, let's just call that a hole-in-one!"   I don't think we're raising any future Tiger Woods here.

There's a ferry in Jamestown that is free, and one of the main ways to get to the other side of the river.  Even though it meant taking the very looooooong way to Hampton (I had no idea how long!), the kids enjoyed our "River Cruise."   We were right in the front, so we let the kids get out and watch through the gate. These girls were feeding the seagulls that were hanging out on the edge of the deck.  Abby was absolutely intrigued.  I do so love that cute, wrinkly nose! Hey look!  It's a picture of Caleb--and a good one, at that!!  Woo hoo!  There was no screaming or running away involved either..bonus!

Ever since we got home from Williamsburg, Caleb has been obsessed with soldiers, marching, cannons, and various weapons.  (Well, that one has been going on for a while...he is a total boy!) He has been guarding the baby gate to ensure that Abby doesn't climb the stairs intruders don't get in the fort.   The order, "Piece the Cannon!!!" has been given more than once. And, of course, the sword has been right by his side at all times--just in case there are any bad guys that need to be attacked. BOYS!!!

The Viginia Living Museum has a little bit of everything.  It's part aquarium, part zoo, part museum, part marina....like I said, a little bit of everything!  Some is inside, and some is outside.  It's pretty big, and you definitely need a map to get around. Abby loved all of the fish tanks.  She would have stood here all day if we'd let her.  Although, the big fish that swam right up to her startled her a bit! The poor girl conked out about halfway through, but she saw most of the exciting things. These beavers were right below our feet!  Abby kept trying to reach in between the rails to touch them! We left the exhibit and I turn around to see Caleb hanging over the guard rail trying to get to them.  He was this  close to being beaver dinner, which I told him during my lecture.  The smart alec reminded me that beavers are herbivores.  *sigh* This was a beautiful waterfall with great landscaping. The boy wasn'...