Farewell to Richmond

Although the applying process for pursuing jobs closer to Aunt Kim was lengthy (aka all spring), the hiring and moving process happened very quickly (one month). We spent half of that month in Colorado, so we really had to live up our last two weeks in Richmond before we left everything we were familiar and comfortable with. Thankfully there are so many great places for kids in town and we've been blessed with so many great friends that it was easy to pack our last weeks full of fun! 

We took a "girls trip" to Busch Gardens with Cadence and Morgan. Cadence modeled bravery on the "Grover ride" for Willow (who otherwise would not have considered it). They also enjoyed riding a few other rides and playing in the water area. 

Awaiting the Grover ride:  Hmmm...what have I gotten into?

If one child is in mama's lap, both children must be. It's hard to tell because of the light, but Owen is flipping through pages of a book too. 

The best place in the world (aka Jumpology) opened a few months ago and thankfully we tried it out before we left (and even went back for a second trip with dada). It's a huge building full of trampolines connected together! Some of them even curve up the wall! There's even a trampoline that lands in a foam pit! It's quite a workout and your cheeks are guaranteed to hurt at the end from smiling so much! The pics are blurry because you're constantly on the move!

We made a fun evening routine out of heading to the local city park after dinner. We MUST get the kids in swimming lessons. Owen has no fear in walking straight into the pool. Willow, on the other hand, cements herself to the steps. 

Richmond had some actually manageable summer temperatures with survivable humidity levels so it was nice to head to some of our favorite parks with friends. 

Mckenzie and Willow

Owen and Holly

 ONE more trip to BG:

Owen loved riding the dinosaur ride...

This was his reaction when he had to get off it.

They'll be driving before we're ready!

Fun seeing Jason and Cadence on the "Ferris Wheel."

Willow with sweet Cadence

 How often do you get to see professional football players from around 50 yards away...for free? Only when Redskins training camp comes to town! Willow wasn't too impressed but it was definitely a fun experience! 

Mama wasn't quite aggressive enough to push her way in to get an autograph after practice. Gramma waited patiently while this very kind player (don't even know who he is...) signed autographs LONG after others had left. She was in 2 feet of him when it started to rain and he apologized and said he had to leave. So...we walked away autograph-less. 

More Jumpology:

Our beloved Inflatable Palace:

The stools that my grandfather made for us.

 When you get sick of packing boxes...play in them!

Willow became quick friends with a 6-yr old two-doors-down named Ande. They played together a few times while we lived in the neighborhood and we had nice conversations with her parents. The day before we moved, Ande's mom invited Willow over to their house to play. We quickly accepted the offer, but my heart stopped for a minute as I realized it was the first time she'd gone on a "playdate" without Chris or myself. She went over to play for an hour and when I picked her up Ande's mom talked about how sweet and thoughtful she was and what a great job she'd done playing. Unknowingly, both of us had plans on going to the minor league baseball game that night so we sat together to watch the fireworks after the game (Willow's first!). Thankfully the game started at 6pm instead of 7 and the game went fairly quick so it wasn't too late when the fireworks started. Willow did cover her ears the entire time but couldn't stop talking about them afterwards. On "moving day" Ande came over one last time to jump on the trampoline. I think it was a nice release for Willow as well as she was sensing the reality of the move as the house started to clear out that morning: 

We've been blessed with such a great community in Richmond!