My family: 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.