Never Getting Married

Today Abby and I watched an episode of Downton Abby together - one in which 2 of the main characters got married. When it was over I looked at Abby who looked on the verge of tears...

Me: What's the matter Abby?
Abby: I don't want to get married ever in my whole life!
Me: It's ok Abby you don't have to get married if you don't want to.
Abby: Good because I want to stay here with you guys. And if you marry someone you have to go stay with them. And I don't want to stay with them I want to stay with you guys! [insert the sound of sweet, innocent 4 year old tears]
Me: Abbygirl, you can stay with me for as long as you want. [insert big ol' hug]

 I'm documenting this because one day I know she will change her mind. But for now I am soaking up her innocence and love for her family. When the teenage hormones start a ragin', I'll have this conversation to look back on and smile.

Love you forever my sweet girl!

2015 Christmas Letter

I'm sorry to say... I didn't get Christmas cards out this year... I had a letter written, just never got anything in the mail. It just wasn't in the cards. (Ha. See what I did there?) So, here you go... the electronic version for anybody who actually reads this blog!

In case you were wondering what’s new with the Donohoes:

Nolan

Age: 6

This Year I: played tee ball in the spring and baseball in the fall. I really enjoyed them both! I am in 1st grade.  I am learning lots of new things – how to read, math facts, and more! (My teacher calls me the “Math Man” - that makes my mom very proud!) My favorite things at school are recess, eating lunch, and technology.

My Favorite Things Are: building things with Lego’s, playing board games, reading chapter books, playing baseball, and playing games on the computer.      

Favorite Memory of 2015: going to Busch Gardens and Water Country. This year I was tall enough to ride on some roller coasters and big water slides. I loved it!

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: participating in the Lego Club at school where I will learn all about Amusement Park rides and then build them with Legos!

Abby

Age: 4

This Year I: enjoyed another year of preschool – I learned all of my letters and sounds, all the planets, presidents, and states. I love my teacher Ms. Lisa and all my friends. I played lots of dress up and pretend games, and loved being a big sister! I also got my first cousins this year - a boy in September and a girl in November! 

My Favorite Things Are: playing dress up, Barbie’s/princess things, Peppa Pig, and helping Mommy in the kitchen.

Favorite Memory of 2015: Learning to swim and pool hopping this summer.

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: going to “big school” with Nolan. I will be in Kindergarten in the Fall!

              

Joey

Age: 1

This Year I: learned lots of new things - walking, talking, eating solid foods, etc. I continue to be a happy guy and bring joy to everyone!

My Favorite Things Are: climbing on things, shutting doors, putting things in the toilet, and keeping up with whatever my brother and sister are doing.

Favorite Memory of 2015: everything! “Everything is awesome…” (sung to the Lego Movie them song)

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: Being taller so I can reach more things that people try to hide from me.

Katie

Age: younger than Jack

This Year I: weathered lots of ups and downs… It seems like 2015 brought challenges and heartache to many I know. Most noteworthy for me was the loss of my cousin in February. Her passing happened quite suddenly and we all miss her terribly. But I am comforted by the many memories I have of us together and the joy she brought to so many lives. Otherwise I stayed busy balancing teaching, and life with 3 kids. I still enjoy my job (this year I’m teaching Algebra 1 Collab, Adv. Algebra II, and AP Statistics) and enjoy being a mom even more!

Favorite Memory of 2015: Jack and I had two awesome trips this year - In January we went to Costa Rica and in November we went to Punta Cana. We are very blessed to have awesome parents who will watch our kids so we can have some time away! The scenery was great but most of all I enjoyed sitting by the pool/beach and reading (without any interruptions)!

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: enjoying life’s blessings. Tomorrow is not guaranteed and each day is a gift! (I know that sounds cheesy but if I learned anything from 2015 it’s that). I am also hoping for some snow days and a family vacation – destination TBD!

Jack

Age: Old enough

This Year I: enjoyed the trips mentioned above, replaced our carpet downstairs with laminate hardwood, and convinced Katie to get a puppy. I am still working at Morton’s and enjoy the challenges that business and working in sales bring on a daily basis.

Favorite Memory of 2015: See above – all of those are on the list!

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: working on some house projects – particularly landscaping the outside.

Boomer (our black lab)

Age: 8

This Year I: Slept a lot, ate a lot, and continued being awesome. I also got a new puppy sister - Sophia. She’s a lab like me but yellow. I can’t say I’m super excited about this. She is very hyper and always wants to play and eat my food. Overall she’s ok though I guess. Abby lets me sleep in her room now so I can escape from the crazy puppy.

Favorite Memory of 2015: going for walks on the farm.

In 2016 I am Most Looking Forward To: Sophia calming down some.

 2015 was a very blessed year for our family.

I hope it was for yours too!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love, The Donohoes

Christmas Letter 2014

In case you were wondering what’s new with the Donohoe’s:

Nolan

Age: 5

This Year I: started Kindergarten! I am learning lots of new things – how to read, counting money, making patterns, and more! My favorite things at school are math stations, PE, and art.

My Favorite Things Are: building things with Lego’s, playing board/card games, reading books by myself (easy ones), playing baseball, and playing with Boomer. 

            

Favorite Memory of 2014: going to Busch Gardens and Water Country. I love going on the roller coasters and water slides!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: playing tee ball on a team and Summer break with lots of “not a school” nights.

Abby

Age: 3

This Year I: learned to ride my bike (with training wheels), played countless hours of “tea party” and “doctor”, discovered the wonder of Disney Junior, and became a big sister!

My Favorite Things Are: singing Frozen songs, playing with blocks (and building “farms”), riding Meemaw’s horses, and playing outside.

Favorite Memory of 2014: becoming a big sister! And getting my own room for the first time in my life!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: getting spoiled since I am the only girl and middle child (which my mom can relate to).

Joey

Age: 0 (5 months)

This Year I: was born! My parents waited to find out if I was a boy or girl until I was born. It was a fun surprise! They named me Joseph Robert but call me Joey. I was 8 lb and 11 oz when I was born!

My Favorite Things Are: eating and sleeping (I am very good at both).

Favorite Memory of 2014: coming home to my family. My brother and sister (and mom and dad) are great – they love me very much and like to make me laugh!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: Learning new things like eating solid foods, walking, and playing with toys.

Katie

Age: younger than Jack

This Year I: turned the big 3-0, had a baby, moved into a new house, and survived another year of teaching – including taking on a new prep – AP Statistics! It has been a busy (but wonderful) year!

Favorite Memory of 2014: On July 2, we welcomed our newest addition into the world. From the very beginning, Joey has been the best baby! (don’t tell Nolan and Abby). He is a great sleeper and eater, and is generally a very happy baby. He literally never cries. He smiles a ton and laughs and “talks”, and just brings so much joy to our lives!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: getting settled into our new home and life with 3 kids. Hopefully there won’t be as many major life changes next year!

Jack

Age: Old enough

This Year I: enjoyed trips to Busch Gardens with the family, went to several Nationals games, welcomed a new baby boy, and moved into our new house. I am enjoying being a homeowner. It’s the first time in a long time we’ve had a place to really call our own. I enjoy working on the yard and finding projects to do. We are loving our house but have more to do to “make it our own”. I am glad that all of the hours of dealing with the county and permits are over!  I am still working at Morton’s and enjoy the challenges that business and working in sales bring on a daily basis.

Favorite Memory of 2014: See above – all of those are on the list!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: going to Costa Rica with Katie in January.

Boomer (our black lab)

Age: 7

This Year I: Slept a lot, ate a lot, and moved into a new house. I’m not allowed to get on the new furniture and that makes me really sad!

Favorite Memory of 2014: moving to my new house and checking out all of the surroundings. I have my very own pond that I get to go swimming in any time I want!

In 2015 I am Most Looking Forward To: finding new mischief to get into!

2014 was a very blessed year for our family. I hope it was for yours too!

Merry Christmas!

Love, The Donohoe’s

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17

Progress

Progress is really a beautiful thing. It can be so easy to get frustrated because I'm not where I want to be or things aren't finished yet or whatever. But, this week I've been seeking contentment in seeing progress. For example...

Truthfully, I'm kind of over being pregnant. I'm 28 weeks and feeling huge and wanting nothing more to meet this baby (and find out if it's a boy or a girl)! So it's easy to get down because I'm so far away from being done. But, the flip side is that I've made great progress. I'm already 2/3 of the way there! The baby is healthy and and moving around a ton - literally, a ton - like, I'm pretty sure more than Nolan or Abby ever did. Maybe that is just his/her way of making sure we remember to remember him/her? Either way, I love that I can feel those kicks so often. Progress!

There has been some good progress in our house too. I'm anxious for it to be finished and wish it were already done, but given the challenges of this winter I'm pretty thankful that any work was completed at all. Over the last few weeks they've done all of the siding, dry wall, fire place/mantel, and even put in kitchen and bathroom cabinets and counter tops.* So while we're still a long way from it being finished, I'm just thrilled to see progress!

Here are a few pics:

Outside view:

(This pic was taken on March 25 - during one of our many, many snow storms this winter. See, with that much snow it's a wonderful thing to see progress!)

Nolan checking out the kitchen cabinets:

Nolan and Abby pretending to be the refrigerator:

*I was really nervous to see the cabinets/counters in place. After we picked those options last summer, I agonized over our choices and thought many times about changing them. It's really hard to get a picture of what the kitchen will look like when you're choosing colors based on a 3" square of material. So, I was glad when they went in and I didn't hate them. There is nothing special or fancy about them. In fact, most people might look at that and go "that's so boring". But, I love it. It is perfect for us right now. Maybe someday when the kids are grown we can afford to upgrade to the kitchen of our dreams. But for now I am happy just to have a kitchen that is my own. I am already dreaming about what to do with all that cabinet space! :) 

Winter Fun

We are now in the first week of March, and as much as I've been enjoying this winter and all the snow days that came with it, I'm hoping that it's about time to pack up the sweaters and snow gear. Mother Nature tends to have a mind of her own though so we'll see. In the meantime, here are a few highlights of this winter... I don't have a  ton of great pics because I refused to be more focused on taking pictures than on my kids and enjoying the moment. So, here's what I've got...

This was the first winter that the kids were old enough to really enjoy going sledding. Abby was a little more hesitant but Nolan had an absolute blast! He would go down the hill, come back up, and immediately go down again - like 30 times in a row. Meanwhile, I made it down and up once and had to take a 10 minute break ;)

(in this pic you can see Nolan and our cousin Colby walking up and Abby riding down with our cousin Hunter)

(Abby making a snow angel)

(Nolan climbing on a big pile of snow)

(Our snowman)

(Nolan getting the royal treatment by Uncle Brendan)

(Family trip down the sledding hill :) 

(Testing out the frozen pond. I told them both to stay away because it was dangerous. Notice that Boomer listened and Ben didn't ;)

(Once we were sure it was safe, Pops and Abby ventured out)

(Nolan and Uncle Ben "ice skating")

We've had a lot of other fun moments that I didn't catch on camera... so needless to say we've had a great time this winter. But now I'm ready for some warmer temperatures! Come on Spring!

Big Girl Milestone

Sometimes it feels like the kids are growing up WAY too fast. But, one area where I am glad for them to grow fast is the area of potty training. Recently we celebrated a big milestone... Abby is
officially potty trained!

This is a picture of [crazy-haired] Abby with her certificate and prize from her awesome babysitter (who did a lot of the work), Ms. Lisa! She got her first ever barbie doll for her reward. She was very excited!

Potty-training is one of my least favorite things about parenting so I am glad to have another one down! We get a little bit of a diaper break now before D3 comes along. This will be our first break from buying diapers in almost 5 years! Hurray for that and Hurray for Abby!

It's a _____!

This week we got to get a look at baby Donohoe #3 - or D3 as we affectionately call him/her. The big 20 week ultrasound is usually used to find out the gender of the baby. But, this time we decided to keep it a secret. So there won't be a big "It's a girl!" or "It's a boy!" announcement until the baby actually makes an appearance! We found out with both N and A so this will be different for us - it's definitely harder not knowing. But it's more exciting too - it will bring even more anticipation as the big day gets closer!

Nolan and Abby got to witness the ultrasound with us this time. I thought it might be something fun for them since they know that there's a baby in my belly, but they don't really understand why it can't come out yet. Abby frequently asks if she can hold my baby. Or she'll find a baby toy and say "this is for the baby" and then drop it down my shirt. Needless to say I think she is going to be excited when the baby comes! (At least until she realizes she is the center of attention anymore). Neither one of them was super excited about seeing the ultrasound - it would be kind of hard for a 2 or 4 year old to see what you are looking at. At first Nolan said "Is that a monster?" And then later on said the baby looked like a dinosaur - I think that was around the time she was checking out his/her spine. In an event, D3 looks healthy and got a good report. I am officially over half way done now so hoping that the 2nd half flies by as quickly as the first!

In other random D3 news, we've started talking about names some (which we are not sharing). But, did want to share that if it's a boy, Nolan thinks we should name him Peter (he got fixated on this name once and not thinks that everything that is a boy should be named Peter), and if it's a girl, Abby says she should be "Hope" (after her favorite baby doll that is named Baby Hope). Not knowing the gender will make it harder to pick a name. But we've still got several months to narrow it down!

House Update

It's been a while since I talked about our house, so here is the latest construction update!

Over the past few months they have been hard at work on the foundation. We had a bit of a set back because we found out the soil on our house site really sucks, so we have to have some extra work done on the foundation to make sure it is secure. Of course you all know what that means - more $$$ and more time to redo plans and such. But, thankfully we are back on track and the foundation is now complete. Here are a few pics from along the way:

Nolan posing with the beginnings of the foundation:

Lots and lots of cement trucks pouring the foundation:

Nolan and Abby playing in the "basement":

The back of the house (walk out basement):

The front view of the house - left side is the garage, right side will be the front porch:

So there you have it... It's been really cold and rainy/snowy the past few weeks. Hoping that the weather cooperates enough to get it under roof. Then bring on the snow days! :) 

D3

There's big news in the Donohoe House... Baby #3 is on the way and due to arrive next July! (Which you already knew if you read the Christmas Letter - but I didn't want D3 to be deprived of his/her own big blog announcement post)

We waited until Christmas Eve to tell the kids. As we were getting ready for bed we told them we had a surprise for them. When we told them what it was, Abby was super excited - she LOVES babies - and immediately tried stuffing a dolly inside my shirt. Nolan was less excited - but not upset. He mostly wanted to know if he could see it. And then cautioned me to be careful because the baby might bite me from the inside. 

I think it is too early for them to really understand what this actually means for them. But for now, they are excited. While Nolan and I were cuddling on the couch recently he started patting my belly and said he was "petting the baby". And Abby talks frequently about the "baby in you belly". 

I know that 3 kids is a scary thought. And there are times that won't be a picnic. But we know this little life is a blessing from God and are excited to meet him/her next summer!

Christmas Letter 2013

Once again, I didn't manage to get Christmas cards sent off BEFORE Christmas. Seriously, how do people do that? With all of the other exciting things happening around that time, sending out cards is usually one of the last things on my mind. So, in case you're interested, here's what you WOULD have gotten for our Christmas Letter:

In case you were wondering what’s new with the Donohoe’s:

Nolan

Age: 4

This Year I: practiced learning all my letters and sounds, learned to ride a bike without training wheels  (sort of), and learned to swim all by myself.

My Favorite Things Are: Pretending to fight bad guys with my friends, playing baseball, and any/all cartoons.                               

      

Favorite Memory of 2013: Moving to the farm and helping Meemaw and Pops with the chores. (Katie’s parents have a farm – We moved in with them while we wait for our house to be built)

In 2014 I am Most Looking Forward To: starting Kindergarten in the Fall!

Abby

Age: 2

This Year I: starting potty training, learned my colors and how to count.

My Favorite Things Are: singing, playing outside and playing with my dolly’s – especially Baby Hope.

Favorite Memory of 2013: being the flower girl at Uncle Mike and Aunt Meagan’s wedding.

In 2014 I am Most Looking Forward To: getting a little brother or sister! (Baby Donohoe #3 is due in early July!)

Katie

Age: younger than Jack

This Year I: survived another year of teaching math and SOL’s, tried some new recipes, read some good books, and enjoyed keeping up with 2 busy kids!

Favorite Memory: the surprise trip that Jack planned for us to Abingdon, VA. We stayed at the Martha Washington Inn, watched a show at the historic Barter Theater, and biked down the VA Creeper Trail – in the snow! Jack even called my principal and arranged my sub plans for me. It was a much needed break from the normal routine.

In 2014 I am Most Looking Forward To: having baby #3! And our new house being built. They have started on the foundation and some plumbing work. It should be move-in ready sometime in the spring. I think I am most excited about the closet space and being able to get everything out of storage!

Jack

Age: Old enough

This Year I: Spent countless hours dealing with County officials and arranging for building permits, soil tests, etc. for our new house. I am still working at Morton’s and enjoy the challenges that business and working in sales bring on a daily basis.

Favorite Memory of 2013: Taking lots of day trips with the kids – we went to the zoo, Busch Gardens, played at the lake, and more. I also really enjoyed seeing my little brother get married!

In 2014 I am Most Looking Forward To: our new home and having a yard to take care of. (And baby #3 of course!)

Boomer (our black lab)

Age: 6

This Year I: Slept a lot, got in trouble for getting on the couch all the time, rode on the gator around the farm, and learned not to chase cows because they are much bigger than me.

Favorite Memory of 2013: moving to the farm and getting a new friend, Belle (one of my parent’s dogs). I love it there! I am glad I will never have to live in “town” again!

In 2014 I am Most Looking Forward To: finding new mischief to get into!

Christmas Time

While I haven't been feeling the greatest the last few weeks (more to come on that later), I have been trying to do some fun holiday things to get in the spirit. This year the kids are 2 and 4 - ages that allow them to actually get excited about doing Christmas-y things and enjoy them. Here are a few things we've tackled so far:

Cutting Down the Christmas Tree:
(Nolan and Abby did the picking, Mom did the sawing - she is truly a woman of many talents)

Making a Ginger Bread House:

The kids had a really good time with this one. Of course, Abby didn't really understand why you weren't suppose to eat the candy, and Nolan couldn't comprehend the fact that the house didn't have to look EXACTLY like the one on the box (yes, I used a kit from a box. Don't hate.) "Mom, the gum drops are suppose to go THERE." Anyway, once I got Abby to stop eating everything and Nolan got in the creative spirit we all had a great time. Too bad our finished product lasted less than 24 hours because I'm an idiot and left it within reaching distance of a certain dog who shall remain nameless.


Annual Christmas Parade:

I haven't been to the local Christmas parade since High School - when we would march in the marching band. I was hesitant to go this year because it was freezing cold and Jack was working, so I knew it would mean me tackling the crowds by myself. But, we went. And I'm glad we did! Everyone had a good time. The kids especially enjoyed all the candy they handed out. Nolan like all the "army" people and the fire trucks, and Abby like the dogs and "princesses" (pageant winners).

Breakfast with Santa:

Each year my school puts on a "breakfast with Santa" and craft fair. I've been to the craft fair before, but have never taken the kids to the breakfast. This year we went and had a great time! Nolan walked right up to Santa without hesitating. Abby was still terrified of him. She did stand at a distance and wave - but that's about as friendly as she was willing to get with ol' Santa Clause. After we visited with Santa we had a lovely pancake breakfast and then walked around the craft fair. The kids went home with balloon animals - which only lasted about an hour, but were a big hit!

Ms. Lisa's Annual Christmas Party:

      

(Another pic with Santa - Abby still wasn't thrilled - but not crying at least!)

(Ms. Lisa with all of her "kids")

Ms. Lisa is our amazing babysitter. I think I've talked about her on here before - about how grateful we are for her. She has really touched a lot of lives throughout her years of doing child care. My kids have learned so much being with her. Each year she has a Christmas party for all of her "kids" - past and present. It's always a big hit. The kids have a blast visiting with their friends and opening presents. This year Santa even made an appearance!

That's all for now. I started this post several weeks ago and got busy with life so never published it. But here it is - just a little too late. Even though it is almost January, there will likely be some more posts about Christmas in the days to come!

The Farm Life

After a year in "town", we made the move back to the farm this summer. We weren't excited about having to pack everything up and transition to a different place for the 3rd year in a row, but it was definitely the right thing to do. While I never imagined myself living with my parents again at this age, we all couldn't be happier. The kids are especially having a great time. The have adjusted well and are enjoying every aspect of being on the farm. Here are some of the things the like to do for fun:

Every morning (except on school days), Abby gets up and helps Memaw and Pops with the chores - feeding the horses and checking for new baby calves are some of her favorites. Here is a picture of her "helping" Pops carry some buckets of feed:

Nolan and Abby both LOVE to play outside (and I would so much rather this than inside, where there is too much temptation to turn on the t.v.) They both like helping with the chores, but other interests include: Playing in the hay in the barn, climbing on things (on tractors, in trees, etc), and playing in water (ANY water). 

As soon as Abby wakes up, she is ready to go outside...

(Sometimes she doesn't even take time to get dressed or put on real shoes)

Another benefit of being on the farm...

I'm excited for our house to be built in a few months. But I'm even more excited that we will be just across the road. The kids will have many years of fun adventures to come!

Happy Birthday Abby!

It hit me out of the blue... we were leaving our babysitter's one day this week, and I was behind Nolan and Abby as they walked side by side up the hill to the car. And I stopped - literally stopped - and thought to myself "how did they get SO grown up!? Where did my baby Abby go!?" It's true - she is not a baby anymore!

This past Monday, August 26, we celebrated Abby's 2nd birthday!** We had a great time celebrating with family and friends. Abby loved blowing out the candles and eating ice cream cake! Nolan was more excited about opening the presents than she was, but she loved to see what was inside. She is a spoiled girl for sure!

Now that Abby is officially 2, here is a recap of her past year:
Favorite thing to do: play outside and/or whatever Nolan is doing
Favorite Movie/Show: n/a - she really could care less about t.v. - which I guess is a good thing! Although, she does have a favorite t.v. character, which would probably be Minnie Mouse
Favorite food: pizza and ice cream (smart girl!)
Favorite toy: any stuffed animals, swing set, stroller/shopping cart, whatever Nolan is playing with
Favorite song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Jesus Loves Me
Favorite book: All of them!
This year Abby learned: how to crawl, how to walk, how to talk, sing ABC's, counting to two, some colors, and lots more. I can't wait to see what the next year brings!


**One of the things I had planned on doing this summer was taking the time to plan a really awesome birthday party for Abby. I was going to have EVERYthing themed with elaborate decorations and games and food. But you know what? It never happened. And I realized - that's not what's important to us in celebrating a birthday. So, just be aware, that Donohoe Family birthdays will likely never be anything you see on Pinterest. But we will have lots of friends and family (and food) and that's really what it's all about. People who we love and who love us celebrating the lives we share together.

Why I'm Excited to Go Back to School

It's a well known fact that teacher's love time off. In fact it seems that while school's in session, that's all they talk about - to the point it becomes an obsession. How many more days to the weekend? Countdown to Christmas? Count down to Spring break? Count down to summer? Come ON snow days!!! But here's something you might not know... each August, I secretly look forward to going back to school. Here are a few reasons why I am excited this year:

1. I really do like my job. I especially like that each year we get to start over - a fresh start. Everyone comes back refreshed and ready to take on the challenges ahead. See this pic? It's pretty darn accurate...

2. I crave the structure the school day provides. I always have grand ambitions of how I'm going to schedule my time at home, but when the time comes, I just can't do it. Or rather, I just don't know HOW to do it. I think we will all benefit from getting back into a regular routine again.

3. I feel like all I do all day long is referee between Nolan and Abby and clean up little people's messes. I'll be glad to do something else for a few hours a day - even if it is dealing with unpredictable teenagers.

4. The kids get to go back to Ms. Lisa's. I've mentioned it on here before, but we really have the best babysitter in the world. I love that my kids love going there. It makes it easy to enjoy my job. They will be glad to get back to their friends there because let's face it - Mom's just not that exciting. And maybe having other people to play with will make the problem in #3 a little better?

5. If school is starting that means its almost Fall. And Fall means football games, pumpkin patches, cool weather, and lots of other fun things. But this year it also means that our NEW HOUSE will be under construction. So the sooner Fall comes, the sooner we will be in our new home. I can't wait!

That's all for now... I'll probably be singing a different tune next week after sitting in meetings all day. But I wanted to blog about this now so that in a few weeks when I'm pining for summer, I'll remember this... the grass always seems to be greener on the other side.

Blacksburg's Still Got It

After spending 5 years at Virginia Tech and marrying a man from there, I quickly realized what a special place Blacksburg is. I have many (many, many, many) fond memories from college. And while everytime I go back the town has changed a lot, I'm happy to report, Blacksburg's still got it. It still has a small town feel with all amenities close at hand. It's still got lots to do, or total peace and quiet - whatever suits your pleasure. And most importantly, it's still got family in town so we can go there often with a free place to stay!

 

Jack was out of town this past weekend celebrating Mike's bachelor party weekend at the beach. I was craving a change of pace, so the kids and I packed up and headed down to Blacksburg for a fun-filled get-away. And let me tell you, we had a blast! I've been talking up the town and Blacksburg and how awesome it is - and, it really is - but the truth is, we really wanted to go there to spend time with Nini and Poppa. Here are some of the fun things we did:

The Playground

Since the Donohoe's live next door to an elementary school, one of the kids favorite things to do is go to the play ground there. They absolutely love it! They played on swings, slides, sand boxes, and even learned all about the USA on a map on the pavement!

Swimming

It was kind of cold and rainy while we were there - definitely not your typical August weather. But that didn't keep us away from the water. We went to the Aquatic Center and enjoyed some indoor swimming fun! Nolan jumped off the diving board and they both had a blast playing with Poppa and Nini in the water.

Drive-In Movie

This was one of my favorite things to do in college - the Starlight Drive-In Theater. Can you believe they've been around for 80 years? So cool. We had a picnic dinner and watched the movie Turbo. It was a cute movie and overall fun experience. 

Price's Fork Fair

This really wasn't that exciting, but hey, here's to supporting small town local adventures right?

Virginia Tech Football Scrimmage

What's better than VT football? Not much - especially when it's free!

Movies/Shopping and Ice Cream

The boys went to see a movie (Planes, btw) and the girls went shopping and to ice cream!

Putt Putt at Cox's

One of my favorite things... putt - putt! Nolan was suprisingly good - he beat us all on the first hole! And I loved Abby's enthusiasm throughout. She would usually start her ball about 3 inches from the hole, but when she got it in, she celebrated like no other. I loved it!

Ok so that's all for now. I think it's safe to say we all had a great weekend, but we were glad to get back home to Daddy when it was over!