Trip to Virginia!!

Ben had a business trip planned in Washington D.C  and because it is only half an hour from my sister's house, I went with him. We both had different flights (because his was booked by his work) and I went to Andrea's house to stay, so we didn't see each other till the last day but it was fun to go 'together' on this adventure.

Ben's trip was for a class to teach him some new online data software. He said the class was good and he learned a lot. His hotel was a couple blocks away so he was able to walk to and from the class. He went out for fancy dinners (aka steak) and really enjoyed himself. On Friday he took the metro out and we picked him up at the station. He got to spend the weekend with us and it was very fun. 

I went directly to Andrea's house in Stafford, VA and instantly fell in love with the country side.  There are thick forests of trees and adorable plantation style houses. The Dawson's live out of the way in a 'red neck' neighbor hood. She said they never realized there were so many dead cars in her neighbors yards until the leaves all fell in the fall. Although you could hear gun shots all through the day (a little creepy) the neighborhood was cute. Their house was adorable both inside and out. We sat in the kitchen and watched every color of bird land on her bird feeder (it was a beautiful sight).  

I spent the week exploring the forest with Emma and Spencer. We decided to clear a plot of land (in the forest) for a club house; I was shocked at how dense it all was. When Ben came on Friday they were excited to show him their clearing and take him on a tour of the forest. I spent most of my time talking and reminiscing with Andrea and Ben.  Ben had just got back from a stint in Afghanistan and it was wonderful to see him and spend time with him. It was such a relaxing couple of days and I enjoyed every second of it. Andrea and I went and explored an old run down 'haunted' house and found beautiful bottles and pots (yes, we were looters). We also made a successful batch of delicious cinnamon rolls and she taught me other easy and quick recipes that I will defiantly be trying out. 

After 5 minutes of working. He only perked up when I dared him to carry a huge log out of the forest!!

When Spencer concentrates he sticks his tongue out. Ben dared him to climb up this tree till he reached that broken branch. It was high but he did it!

 

Picture of the 'Tough Brothers'

Saturday morning the boys planned a Polar Bear Plunge with some youth from their ward. There is a lake in their neighborhood and with the weather being a little cooler they decided to try it. It was a brisk morning but the water seemed warmer than the air. I swam out to the dock and took a video of all the kids running in; it was very funny and entertaining. Afterwards they had a bonfire, cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa.  

I wish they lived closer so I could see them more often but having these short stints is great. It was such an amazing trip and I loved it. Oh, and Ben loved it too.