The Doodle and The Bug: All About Our Trip

Yes, we have been back for a little more than a week now. I've been meaning to share pictures of some of the fun we had on our trip. It's just taken a while because I've been feeling quite melancholy and unmotivated (more than usual) for obvious reasons.

I'm really glad that it worked out for us to take the trip. And overall we enjoyed our visit. Especially all of the time we got to spend with my side of the family. I think for the first time I might have taken too many pictures. It has taken forever to sort through them and post the highlights. Here we go.

The following photos were taken Thursday, August 27, 2009. We spent some time at the hospital to visit my grandpa, took a break at my dad's house, and then went out to eat for dinner.

Miss Doodle on Grandaddy's "country swing." (her words)

Bug and Grandaddy (my dad) goofing around.

My brother's super cute baby girl, hammin' it up for the camera.

Nana (my step mom), Uncle Tim, and baby Ivy.

My Grandma is about to turn 90. She looks really good for her age, wouldn't you agree? (I hope I'll be that lucky.)

Next up are pictures taken on Friday, August 28, 2009. We spent most of this day at the hospital, but also made time to go out for dinner with the other side of the family.

Miss Doodle with Grammy (my mom).

The Bug and the Queen (aka Auntie Cass).

Aunt Jess and cousin Madeline.

My sweet baby niece and me.

The Bug showing off her skills after dinner.

On Saturday morning we found out that my grandfather had passed away during the previous night. My father told us to go on over to my other sister's house in Maryland, he said that there was no need for us to stick around while they planned the funeral. So on Saturday, August 29, 2009 we made our way over to Aunt Crissie's house. Miss Doodle had a blast playing with her cousin Madeline and swimming in my sister's deluxe in-ground pool.

Grammy and all of her children and grandchildren. All in one place! Amazing.

Fast friends.

Three beautiful girls.

My sister Crissie's three kids and us. From left to right: Mason, the Bug & me, Miss Doodle, Mads, and Chris.

On Sunday, August 30, 2009, we stayed at my sister's place all morning, while the kids swam. Then right around lunch time we said our sad goodbyes and headed back to Virginia. On the way back we stopped at Harpers Ferry. We got some frozen custard and played in the water. It was a gorgeous day and a lovely location. I have many fond memories of childhood trips to Harpers Ferry and it was fun to go there with my own kids.

Pure bliss. I would be happy to sit at the water's edge all day.

Miss Doodle and Auntie Cass get their feet wet. Miss Doodle also soaked her pants while collecting shells from the river bottom.

The Bug was intrigued by the friendly goose.

A Bug on a rock.

On Monday, August 31, 2009, we made our way over to my Grandad's house. Poor Miss Doodle wasn't used to the hilly, curvy country roads and got a little sick on the way there. I blame myself. I was having a little too much fun joyriding on those beautiful back roads. I took the curves much slower for the remainder of the trip.

We stayed over that night. On the morning of Tuesday, September 1, 2009 we picked elderberries, and went for a short hike down to the pond. I also did some quick cleaning, and fed the birds and deer for my Grandad before leaving that afternoon.

We hated to leave so soon, but had to be on our way because the viewing for my grandpa who passed away was set for Tuesday evening, and we also had to get ready for our flight back to Minnesota, which left Wednesday morning, September 2, 2009.