Video of the Bluegrass Jam at Uncle Johnny's

Bert survives latest Appalachian Trail hike

Despite his recent illness, an outbreak of shingles, hip bursitis, blisters, a rare April snow and sub-freezing temperatures, Bert finished his 70 mile hike on the Appalachian Trail. We were in the middle of some hardcore thru-hikers and we still managed to match or surpass them! We met some great people and had a blast. Highlights include overnight lows of 22 degrees, singing songs at camp with "Smiley" the mandolin player and a post hike party at Uncle Johnny's Hostel that the thru-hikers will talk about for the next 500 miles!

You can view all of the pictures here:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=zrvqt1s.555awljk&x=0&y=fbgxrq&localeid=en_US

Bulldogs T-ball Opening Day

James and Trip had a big day! After team pictures, they enjoyed Opening Day Ceremonies, and then had their big game. Both boys had great hits - big line drives! James fielded a ground ball at the pitching mound and threw to first base for an out. Trip was preoccupied playing with the chalk line.

Big Fun at Busch Gardens!

There was no school on Friday so Beth and the kids enjoyed a day at Busch Gardens. It was a gorgeous day - 80 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. The crowds were pretty small so the lines were very short! Adrianna/Anna and Sara/Babe split off from Beth and the boys so they could enjoy all the big kid rides. Beth, James and Trip enjoyed lots of rides and 4D movies. They even went on the Curse of the DarKastle (James cried a little) and the Big Bad Wolf rollercoaster. The boys really enjoyed the 4-D pirates movie. They got to wear cool glasses! Another highlight was feeding nectar to the Lorikeets. Mimi would've lost her mind in the aviary! Big fun all day and we were exhausted. Fun Cards will let us go back all summer long!

The Shad are running!

Ethan took us out on the James River on Saturday for some shad fishing. Other than getting caught in a huge thunderstorm it was a great day.

Here are some more pictures: http://flickr.com/photos/8742176@N04/sets/72157604502097424/

Shad Cam: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/fishing/shadcam/

GLL Season Opener!

Goochland Little League had their first game of the season. James played third base and Trip was short stop. Both had good hits and were able to score runs. The game was in North Richmond and as we drove by the Diamond, James asked "Is THAT where we're playing? How many people will be watching!?"

Goochland's finest

Trip and James show off their Little League uniforms. They are so excited about their first game tomorrow. Go Bulldogs!

Little League practice

The boys had a good practice this week. They got their uniforms and are preparing for their first game on Saturday!

Spring Break Happenings

The kids enjoyed Spring Break the week after Easter. Everyone had different adventures. Adrianna went to Vermont with her good pal, Samantha, to visit Sam's grandma. The girls went dog-sledding, skiing, and visited a maple syrup farm. She brought home some yummy maple sugar candies and syrup for family and friends. Sara and Beth spent two nights at the Homestead. They had massages, slept in, went hiking and ate a ridiculous amount of food! The boys enjoyed three days at Bundle of Joy with their summer pals and got to go to the movies and bowling with them. Poor Bert was at home, sick in bed most of the week. The kids had a great time, although Beth was happy to see the bus pull up on Monday morning!

Happy Birthday Sara

Sara turned 11 on April 1st! For her birthday dinner, she chose "nachos" and then the whole family enjoyed watching the DVD she received as a present - "Alvin and the Chipmunks!" This is just the beginning of a week long of celebrations. First, there's cupcakes at school, then the family dinner, then the neigbhorhood gathering Saturday night, and lastly the the school friends party at Bogey's on Sunday. We will enjoy putt putt and the batting cage along with snacks and cake. It should be a birthday to remember! Lots of fun!

Barn progress: almost done

The barn is nearly done - just a few more days! Stuart and his team have done an incredible job. They have stayed on time and on budget. The only things left are to finish the center aisle lighting, install the cross ties for the wash stall, finish the trim on the gables, and install the washer & dryer. It should be completely done next week. Now all we need is to fence in the pasture and get some horses!