Travels to Virginia

Emma and I headed to Virgina for a quick weekend trip to see "Papa" while he was away for work.  Emma and I did another one of our solo trips that we have become accustomed too.  Luckily Emma likes to turn on the charm and smile, giggle, and flirt with TSA agents, flight attendants, and other travelers.  Especially the travelers that are located in the seat next to us. 

While in Virginia, we took the opportunity to visit some friends and family that live in the area.  We visited an old friend of mine from elementary school and her family (they have a 2 1/2 year old daughter, Harper).  We also visited Seth's brother and his family.

While we were in Virginia, Emma enjoyed time with friends and family and lots of fun activities, including:

• Eating some yummy frozen custard (coffee chocolate chip) and sorbet (orange blossom) at the Dairy Godmother (she prefers coffee, just like her Papa);
• Exploring the Del Ray neighborhood in Alexandria, Virginia with the Etten Family and their lovely daughter Harper;
• Playing with the older and wiser Harper and all of her new and exciting toys;
• Going for a wagon ride in Harper's double-seater wagon;
• Conversing with Harper (or mimicing Harper's mouth movements while Harper talked to Emma);
• Playing on the see-saw and other playground rides at a local "Tot" park (which caters to toddlers);
• Hanging out with Mama and exploring by foot what Manasas has to offer (thrift store shopping and yummy eats!) while Papa worked;
• Going for a dip in the hotel pool;
• Drawing pictures and writing notes for Papa and leaving them in various hiding places for Papa to find;
• Catching up on the day's headlines with the free hotel newspaper;
• Watching cable tv - she really enjoyed a program on Alaska grizzly bears;
• Enjoying a free breakfast at the hotel every morning (the raisins in Raisin Bran were her favorite);
• Hanging out with her Aunt, Uncle, and Lil Cousin (Big Cousin is away at summer camp);
• Petting and playing with her Lil Cousin's dogs and cats;
• Sleeping in a play pen which her Lil Cousin set up for her (complete with his pillow, blanket, and stuffed animal - so sweet!!!);
• Going for a dip (really just fussing the whole time!!!) in her Lil Cousin's pool;
• Traveling well and sleeping in the car while being transported from location to location;
• Putting on a show at the airport which involved climbing onto and off of a window sill located a few inches off the ground surface (the other travelers smiled and clapped for her);
• Walking the terminal three times (a 40 minute trip each lap) while our flight was delayed almost three hours; and
• Taking a snooze on mom while waiting for the plane (it was way past her bedtime).

Here are some photographs of our recent adventures in Virginia.

Emma's first official "Kid's Meal" at Chipotle - she was thrilled. 

Exploring the hotel room - she loved the air conditioner.

Catching up on the headlines.

Lounging and watching cable TV with her Papa.

Drying off after a dip in the hotel's pool.

Enjoying the see-saw at the Tot Park in Del Ray.

Riding in Harper's double wagon!

Ready to take off - where is our plane?