It's been about a year and a half since we've made the (usually twice a year) trip to Virginia, so we were extra happy to be able to get there this year for Thanksgiving. This gathering includes all of B's mom's family...starting with all of her mom's siblings (there were 10 kids in all) and trickling down 3 more generations. There are a lot of people there!
On the way, we went through the alphabet and offered thanks. It is sweet and funny to see what the kids come up with :)
Before going to Granny Tolley's, we visited one of our favorite places right down the street. The mountains and river and bridge are gorgeous!
At her house...the prettiest creek runs in front and beside
The fun hill behind the house
Just one room of many that are filled with people. This year, we sang a hymn instead of saying a blessing before Dinner since it was easier for everyone to hear. It was beautiful...
After eating, we visited a bunch! The kiddos had so much fun with all the Georgia cousins and with Mammaw's iPad. ;)
We got back to the hotel late and they crawled into bed/cot and crashed immediately. It was the first time Garner slept in a big bed with everybody in a hotel. So cute :)
We headed out to Lexington the next morning to meet everyone at the park. Grabbing some breakfast first :)
So nice at the park...big open fields for the guys to play ball, a fun playground and good time for grownup visiting too :)
Most of the Georgia cousins...
Mammaw's family pics :)
Afterwards, we headed to grab lunch and lost the big two to the cousins' table and then beyond. They spent the rest of the afternoon with them and we headed back to Granny's to nap Garner...
Our kids asked a lot of questions about this special house this year. "Why do we call it Granny's house if she isn't there anymore? How many years did she live there?" etc etc. We asked around and found out that she first started living there in the 1930s and lived there on and off until she passed away in 2007. It has had many renovations and holds more stories and memories than we will ever know...and we love being there :)
We put Garner down for a nap there with some sweet aunts and went to hike up Lone Tree Hill. On the way, we saw setup for the evening's fireworks in the side yard! Thanksgiving Friday nights are not to be missed here :))
The creek on the side...it is all so amazingly beautiful!
After half of the steep climb, I took a pic looking down...
...and the rest of the way up! Poor Lone Tree must have been struck by lightning this year :(
We made it!
The panoramic Shenandoah views. Spectacular!
Loved having a quick afternoon date :))
The house filled up quickly again for the evening meal and festivities!
Charlie and Uncle B :)
Food and fellowship...
...and fireworks!
And the evening ended with a bluegrass band in the barn...so fun :))
Loved this shot of Mammaw dancing :)
And cuties Uncle Kenny & Aunt Nancy
All the men sang some karoake (and did well!)
And B and I enjoyed the view with Garner...
We didn't want to leave, knowing that we would be heading out first thing in the morning from the hotel, but we knew that we finally had to when we found Garner like this ;)
In addition to countless other blessings, we are so thankful for a precious couple so many years ago who led a family well and passed down such great tradition and strong sense of family. Our kids really started talking about their memories and love of Virginia this year and it made me smile, remembering hearing all of that from B when we first met 18 years ago. I hope it always stays that way :)))
