Virginia

Everyone keeps asking me when I am going to blog about Virginia. I haven't for various reasons. I was tired and worn out when I got home. Paxton got sick on the way home so he's been a whiney, sick mess. My internet works at a snail's pace which means it will take forever to upload any of the awesome pictures I got while we were there. Excuses, excuses.

The road trip to TN and then VA can only be described as long. 5 kids and 2 adults and all their weeks worth of luggage shoved into a Chrysler Town and Country minivan makes for a tight fit. The kids were very well behaved. Thank heaven for portable DVD players. Whoever invented them should be given the Nobel Peace Prize. The one thing we didn't take into account while planning our trip was the traffic. What we thought would be an 18 hour trip turned into a 28 hour trip. We managed to hit every big city along our route during a traffic jam.

The highlight of the trip had to be when, upon arrival to Virginia Beach, we realized the only way to actually get to the beach was to take a tunnel that went under the ocean. Eek! To the average joe this wouldn't be a big deal but both Misty and I and out anxiety induced selves were not to keen on the idea. Add to that a 10-15 minute delay due to traffic and we were a hysterical mess! After a couple cigarettes (on Misty's part) and a few prayers (on my part) we made it safely through the tunnel without any incident. It is an experience I do not wish to repeat and let's just say we found an alternate route home that only involved bridges.

The ocean was incredible. The massiveness of it was almost scary. But it was so beautiful and hypnotic. The kids loved playing on the beach. And I have to admit I loved playing just as much as they did. We played in the waves despite the frigid temperatures. The kids played in the sand and collected sea shells for Jody. It was wonderful.

The greatest part of the trip was meeting mommies from all over the US whom I have gotten to know since joining a message board when I found out I was pregnant with Olivia. We have been chatting since June 2002 and I honestly would be different person if I had never met them. They are such a wealth of knowledge, love and support, and I have learned so much from them. And I am a better person because of them. I can't describe what it meant to meet so many of them in person. We had a blast! I had wondered if it would be akward or weird meeting everyone IRL but it wasn't. We "knew" each other instantly and had a great time hanging out together.

So yes, I had a great vacation. The kids had a great vacation. It was so great Olivia didn't even want to come home. I told Jody we have to go the beach next summer. I...I mean the kids...can't wait to play in the ocean again. Until then, I just might catch you in the Juniverse. ;)