Back... and to school

Blogging has been light because we've been on a vacation with Grandma Aileen and Grandpa Ken to Alaska!  We went on a big pirate boat.  I'll tell you more about it when mommy finishes her paper and we all get over jet lag.

The really exciting news though is that today was my first day at big girl school!!  It wasn't really a full school day since Mommy came with me but I did get to meet a bunch of kids and play a lot.  Its going to be great.  Tomorrow is really school, just us kids.  I can't wait!

and underground

For the afternoon, we tried to beat the heat by going underground into a giant cave - Lurray Caverns. It was pretty darn cool - temperature-wise and otherwise. There were ICICLES hanging from the ceiling! 

 My favorite were the reflections!  I thought they were coming out of the bottom... but it was an underground lake.  Awesome.

 Davin was fascinated too.  He kept pointing and squeaking.

We were sad to come up into the heat (still only low 90s instead of 107 in the city).  I was comforted by a yummy Popsicle. 

After all the excitement from the day, Davin and I both went to bed quickly.  Unfortunately, Mommy & Daddy woke up Davin when they came to bed and then none of us slept for about 45 minutes. We almost drove back to DC (only 80 miles), but we stuck it out and made it through.   Davin and I were both sad to pack up camp the next morning after a yummy sausage and eggs breaky.  We were going to try another hike, but it started raining so we headed back home.  On the way home, I started a new tradition... collecting wildflowers.

 Apparently it wasn't raining there... it was in the 100s again.  It was a perfect time to try out Davin's birthday present from Grandma Aileen & Grandpa Ken.  A great mini-pool, sprinkler playground!

Into the woods...

After discovering the forest down the street, I've been super excited about going camping.  And finally Mommy and Daddy got the courage (read... were stupid and crazy enough) to take Davin & me camping!! They decided to go during probably the HOTTEST weekend this summer.  They said that we didn't go far, but it seemed like a long car ride (especially in the traffic on I-66).  Luckily we had Cheetos to snack on.  FINALLY, we made it there!!  Shenandoah National Park.  Yeah!  One of the best parts was that it was cool... relatively.  It was only 82 when we arrived instead of the 102 in the city.

Our new tent in all its glory.  REI - need a pix for your website?

The first night was a little out of control - since we got in at 7:30pm and had to make dinner and pitch the tent before Davin and melted down (or Davin jumping into the fire).  Mommy & Daddy did okay.  Davin screamed for less than a half an hour before going to bed and well... I eventually went to sleep... maybe by 1 am.  The morning went better.  Davin woke up with a HUGE SMILE on his face and started pointing outside.  He was so excited to wake up and see a forest outside the windows.  I wasn't quite as excited to wake up.  Like Daddy, I don't "do" mornings. I do "do" playing with kids around the campground and chasing after butterflies.  

Davin checking out his 1st pair of shoes.

Despite the heat warnings, we went for a 'kid-friendly hike'.  I would have to disagree with the lady who said this was good for 'little ones'.  I complained continuously... even going downhill.  (Yep, I'm that girl.) I DIDn't complain though once we found the stream.  Daddy was disappointed because he hoped for more water.  But it was enough for Davin & me.  

How gorgeous is this!?

Playing in a different kind of pool

The butterflies loved my shoes.

And me too!