Williamsburg and Dress up

Last time I posted I was actually packing to head to Williamsburg to surprise Mom! Brian's parents had the kids from Saturday - Wednesday this week (very graciously ... I know they're a lot of work!) so that Brian and I could head to VA to surprise Mom while her and Dad were away to celebrate their birthdays. On Saturday we arrived at the resort around 1:30 and Dad and Mom weren't there, so we just made outselves at home until they got back. Mom walked in and didn't even see us sitting on the sofa right away. It was pretty funny when she eventually did see us ... she was completely shocked! It was great fun surprising her ... and there were more surprises to come thanks to Dad doing some great planning in secret! Saturday night the 4 of us went to see a boat show with boats all lit up with Christmas lights and as well drove through "Celebration of Lights ... 100 miles of lights" in Newport News. Then when we got back Ryan and Hollis were sitting on the sofa waiting to surprise Mom ... again, pure shock from Mom! So then on Sunday we enjoyed relaxing and hanging out for part of the day, then went to the outlets for a little while. After lunch we headed into Colonial Williamsburg for their annual "Grand Illumination" full of candles, fireworks and music! It was great ... some of the best fireworks we've ever seen! Anyway, while we were all there, Jared and Meg arrived to Williamsburg ... so eventually (through a much longer story) ... we were able to find them, then surprise Mom when they came walking over! We had told Mom after Ryan and Hollis arrived that Jared and Meg couldn't make it ... and she actually believed us (we love how gullable Mom is ... she thinks we're all very honest!). Sunday evening we had dinner reservations at Christiana Campbell's Tavern across from the Capitol. Monday we had breakfast together before Ryan and Hollis took off. It was neat having the 8 of us together on Sunday - Monday since it was the first time the 8 of us had ever been together without the kiddos. What a blast we had as we played games, fellowshiped and encouraged one another, relaxed and hung out! Ryan and Hollis were the first to leave on Monday, then Jared and Meg took off on Tuesday, and we came home Wednesday. It was a wonderful time away and so kind of Dad to bless Mom by inviting us all down ... thanks Dad and Mom!

Here's a couple pics of the gang:




Today I've been settling back into the routine at home ... cleaning, laundry (not too much thanks to Mom Herr and the washer/dryer at the resort!), caring for the kiddos, and catching up on my "homemaker" responsibilities!

Tonight we're REALLY going to get our Christmas tree since we were away over the weekend until yesterday. So that will be fun to do that as a family!

A little while ago I found Hailey and Justin playing dress up ... I suppose this is what happens to a boy who has a big sister that he loves to play with! He was so excited to be putting on the dress up clothes just like Hailey! I thought it was funny so I took some pics!