Saying Goodbye in NC and Visiting Williamsburg with the Thompsons

Sadly, our two weeks in NC flew by much too quickly, and we had to say goodbye.  We went over to Marcia's house to see everyone one last time:

 

And we snapped this picture of the kids with Papa and Grandma before we left Saturday morning:

We were supposed to go to the Keyes' house in Virginia Beach, but found out that they were sick with the flu.  The Thompson's had driven to Williamsburg to stay the night the day before, and were going to the Keyes' also to see us, so we changed plans and drove to Williamsburg.  We chugged way too much coffee anticipating 1.5 hours to the Keyes' and ended up being in the car for nearly three hours in traffic.  What a relief to finally arrive!

 Charlie and Macy joined our three for this picture in the Visitor Center.  Then we headed down the path to see the village.

First stop, the Governor's mansion:

Josiah and Ben were in full-blown war reenactment mode.

 

 Quinn pointing out that they got what they deserved in the stocks:

 Patrick and Logan sporting full beards.

 Ben almost darted out in front of this horseman!  He was very impressed.

 Ben, Toula and Brooke were impressed with this garden.

 I love Toula's hat!

 

 

The kids played hide-and-go-seek on the College of William & Mary lawn while Logan and Patrick went to fetch the cars:

Then we went to Chipotle for lunch.

 Macy and Abbey were posing for a picture, and then Brooke and I did the same. :)

We drove the rest of the way to Mom's and then got on the road at 5:30 Sunday morning to go the rest of the way to Maine.  We were home by 2 and unpacked the car, did laundry, and even got our tree!  We were excited to be home, even though it was awesome to go see so many loved ones.

North Carolina Visit, part 4

Aunt Marcia, Uncle Barry, Rebecca, and Jared hosted everyone for our Thanksgiving meal.  The food was amazing, the afternoon was relaxing and enjoyable, and it was also good to see Barry's parents, Mr. Billy and Mrs. Jean.

 I got to sit with these charming table companions.

 I think Jared is the only one I missed for a picture.

 The boys had to wear their camouflage again because they were going to shoot skeet with Uncle Barry.  But first, we took lots of family pictures:

 Getting in place for the whole family shot.

 

 Papa and Grandma with their grandchildren

 Ben, Jared, Josiah, Rebecca and Abbey

 Our family with Logan's parents

 Four generations with Marcia's kids

 Four generations with Logan's kids

Finally, shooting skeet!  The moment Josiah was impatiently waiting for all day! :) 

 Abbey with her Aunt Marcia, and her Papa

At the end of the day Ben was getting sleepy!  But we headed over to Uncle Leonard's and Aunt Viola's and were able to visit with several relatives from their family.  The kids enjoyed playing with their third-cousins! :)

North Carolina Visit, part 3

We had Christmas before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday night.  These popped up in the opposite order of when they were taken, but it's too much work to fix that, so here you go! ;)

Daddy and Siah snuggling.



Logan looking suave in Rebecca's hipster hat.

The boys were happy with their nerf guns.

And Abbey was THRILLED with her Play Doh set!

 

Abbey got a cool plush shark!

We gave Rebecca a hat and Jared two Hardy Boys books.

Camo boys!

 

Papa and Grandma with their kiddos: 

Uncle Barry reading from Luke 2

Selfies are OK on your own blog.  Right? :)

Abbey was excited to start opening presents!

 

Thank you, everyone, for your thoughtful gifts!  We love you!  Merry Christmas!!!