Shenandoah National Park - Our new tradition

Let's be honest.  Jason is not a camper.  Never has been, never will embrace it.  His idea of getting away is to go to Hilton Head, South Carolina.  I'm ok with that - I have grown to love that place!   He and I, over the years, have compromised on many things and camping is one of them.  But, I do love to be in the outdoors.  I love the silence, the smell of the earth, the breathtaking beauty of God's creations.  When we took off on Mother's day a few weeks ago, we bought a year long pass to go into the Shenandoah National Park.  Using twice meant that it paid for itself.  Sunday, after church, we took off.  Where we live, it was hot and muggy - the valley was perfect!  Going for a couple of hours is a perfect compromise for being able to get away in the "wild" and enjoy nature!  And, really, I am ok with not camping sometimes.

 Memorial Day in Washington DC is the gathering place for the Rolling Thunder, the hundreds and hundreds of motorcycles that ride the streets of DC and surrounding areas.  It is amazing.  They have a big parade on Sunday morning, but we had church, so we missed it.  But, we get to see them ride around EVERYWHERE!  I love being reminded as to why they are there.  Their Harley Davidson motorcycles with the American flag flying proudly, the leather jackets, the ponytails, the rumble of the engines....all of it makes me appreciate how blessed we are to be in America.  They gave so much and I am so grateful for the soldiers who served and those who currently serve.
All the way there, the motorcycles were everywhere.  They passed us on the main road, they were on the winding road of the Shenandoah National Park, they were on the road on our way home.  I love it!

 I have another tree-hugger in the family!!!

 This is one of my favorite pictures of Garrett.  I cannot believe how grown up he is getting!  So handsome!  

 One of the things I love most about going out to the valley, is the fact that we can explore.  Grandpa Johnnie took the girls and I on a walk and we "knocked" on rocks again to let the bugs know we were going to look at them.  We talked about leaves and birds and I love that they are experiencing nature.  

 This tree was amazing.  We aren't sure what lives there, but the hole was awesome!

 I am always so grateful that I have two girls and that they have a sister.  I am so blessed to have so many sisters.  There is something so special about having a sister to grow up with!

 I seem to always be on the other side of the camera, but here is proof that I was there!

 This one is for you, Jason!

 Jason is such a hard worker.  He is a great husband, a wonderful father and is just plain amazing.  Poor guy is always working.  Here is another reason I take him away.  So he can relax, even if it is for a short amount of time.

 Last time, we just packed a picnic lunch.  This time we made chicken kabobs and corn on the cob.  We also made s'more.  Below you can see Xander praising the S'more gods for how great they are!

 The face says it all!

 Did you save me a s'more?

 We, of course, had the s'more Master of the Universe with us.  He decided to make the perfect marshmallow for s'mores.  Not that the other ones were lacking, but the last one had to be perfect.  And perfection was definitely achieved.....

Too hot to eat.....

 Who needs chocolate and graham crackers when you have the perfect marshmallow?

 Four of my favorite people.......

 Xander, the stud....a.k.a The "X"

 Garrett, sooooooo coooooool G-man!

 Eleanor, the Diva girl.  

 And Savannah, my little sassy Savvy!

 This picture of Xander makes me want to cry.  He is so grown up and handsome.  I am embracing every moment I have with him.  I have so little time left until he is grown up and gone.....

 I love this man....

 I really love this man......

 Did I mention how much I love this man?

 You can't go anywhere with Grandpa Johnnie without getting a story told!  

 I had to add this picture.  It is Savannah's latest quirky thing....she yells "Stupify!" and then falls to the ground.  Garrett obviously got stupefied also!

 Another reason to just hang out.....Garrett is such a great big brother.  He loves Savannah so much.

 On our way out, we stopped at an overlook and took some pictures.  They don't do the scenery justice.  It was so beautiful!

I am loving our new tradition of the Shenandoah National Park!