As much as we are watching our children to see what they do with thier lives, they are watching us to see what we do with ours.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Town & Country

 We are lucky.  We are blessed.  We are thankful.
We have wonderful parents who not only sent us away for a romantic getaway but also came down and took care of the girls so that we could reap the benefits of having time together as a couple.  I felt young, relaxed, and like a newlywed again.  We started off our trip at a local hotel in Richmond called The Jefferson , which is listed as one of the best hotels in America.  After one night there, I concur!  From the moment that we checked in,  we received top notch service. The hotel sent up a bottle of champagne for a sparkling start to our evening before heading out.  We enjoyed dinner in the hotel resturant Lemair  which was absolutly marvelous!!!  For entertainment  that evening we checked out Christmas lights around town while driving the  exact route that I ran on marathon day.  Wow, 26 miles is a long way to go, even in a car!  Anyway, it was a great evening and just the start of our fun getaway.

 
Feeling like newlyweds again!
Delicious dinner at Lemair
Surrounded by sweets with my sweetie
Amazing candy train
I found Santa at the Jefferson!
Over the railroad into Charlottesville
Before checking into our hotel we ventured off to Moticello which was Thomas Jefferson's home.  This home took more than 40 years to be built and has 33 room and is four floors. Thomas Jefferson designed his home from books and buildings he saw in Europe. Although our tour only included part of the home, it was enough to give us a glimpse into the life of our 3rd president of the United States. Our tour guide was a wealth of knowledge and we enjoyed learning more about Jeffersons home life.
Back of Monticello
Front of Monticello
Having an eye to eye conversation
Chillin' with Jefferson

Following our scenic tour in Moticello, we checked in at the glorious the Keswick Hall hotel.  The warm, inviting hotel had a homey feel.  The hotel entry was not as grand as the Jefferson, but each detail was splendid.  Details such as the key to our room (which was an large metal key on a silky tassel) and the painted elevator.   The view from our balcony was relaxing, serene and the perfect contrast to the city life.   Also, a great spot for a little 4 mile run!  Before heading home we made one quick trip to Blenhiem Vineyards for lunch and wine tasting.  Our lunch was the perfect end to a romantic weekend away.  
View from our balcony
The elevator was painted to look like a door!
Pretty Paintings inside the elevator too!
Checking out of the hotel
Gingerbread house of the hotel
Santa in the gingerbread house!
The Vineyard
Blenheim Vineyards

A huge thank you to Grandmom and PopPop for an amazing weekend!    Even though the girls missed us (as we did them!), they had a blast with their grandparents.  Isabella said her favorite thing was putting lights on the tree outside with PopPop.  Sophia said she enjoyed playing and having hot coco.  It was a great time for all...though Grandmom and PopPop probably needed some R&R time to recoup from the fast pace of life with a 3 and 4 year old.
Feeling crazy after a weekend together
Sophia was happy to have us home again.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmastown

 Christmas Town at Busch Gardens is the perfect place to enjoy the holidays.  We enjoyed rides, a neat penguin exhibit, caroling, snow falling and lots of sparkling Christmas lights.  The highlight of my evening was the fireside dinner with Santa, Mrs.Claus and the elves.  Santa even read my favorite holiday book "The Night Before Christmas" .  Isabella was eager to chat with the Elves and Santa. Sophia, on the other hand, needed to warm up to Santa.  After dinner and desert she was ready to approach the jolly old man but only if "Momma comes too".  After dinner we enjoyed the sights around the park.  Our last ride of the evening was the train which is Sophia's favorite ride.  As much as Sophia loves the train, she could not keep up the struggle to stay awake.  She snuggled onto PopPop for a little beauty rest.  Christmas Town was a memorable holiday experience that was a treat for all!  
Grandmom & Sophia
Christmas Town at Busch Gardens
Giddy up!
PopPop & Sophia
Mommy & Isabella
Catching snow on her tongue
Checking out the snow
Sophia is hesitant to check out the Elf
The girls with the Elf
The Schaefer girls and Santa
Sophia warms up to Santa
Icy Penguin Exhibit
Merry Go Rounding
O' Tannenbaum
A sleepy Train Ride to end the evening
Sweet Dreams on the choo-choo train
Time to head out

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

First gift

The girls received their first Christmas gifts of the season in the mail last week.  They were thrilled to open a few gifts early and were eager to see what was inside the packages.   Things seemed to be going smooth until Miss Sophia erupted with tears...Isabella did not look guilty at all!  Thankfully the girls were all smiles at the end.  They loved the gifts, especially the dolls with matching pajamas.  Isabella named her doll Clara, after the nutcracker.  Sophia named her doll Sarah and explained that the two dolls were sisters.  So cute!  They loved them so much that they both wanted to wear the pj's to school!
Yay, its gift time!
Awesome gift to enjoy together!
"Bella took it"
"I did not do anything to Sophia"
Sisters with sister dolls Sarah & Clara

Speaking of Clara and the nutcracker, we went to the play last week and enjoyed front row seats!  Isabella brought her very own wooden nutcracker to the performance.  The girls have been prancing around like ballerinas since last week!
Hannah, Isabella, Abby & Sophia at the Nutcracker
Isabella & Clara from the ballet

68th Anniversary

On December 9, 1944 my grandparents were married in a courthouse in California.  Earlier this month they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary surrounded by family.  My grandfather, Pap organized a celebration in honor of his bride and their special day.  My grandparents have a love that is rare and is an inspiration to all.
Happy to spend time with Gram & Pap
Sophia with Aunt Gillian
Me and my sweetie-pies
Sophia & Isabella with cousin Kelty
Happy 68th Anniversary Gram and Pap
Me and my sister Gillian