The rest of the trip

We made it home!! And aside from a lovely "10 over" speeding ticket, the ride home was pretty uneventful, and the whole trip was great from start to finish. Seeing all the cousins playing together was so cute!!

After we left Gus and Stephs on wednesday, we drove over to Charlottesville to see Ginny for her 21st birthday-we got to see her lovely apartment, eat out at "the corner", and see the Lawn. Oh, and Caitlin and Matthew's favorite part was riding the UVA bus:

Caitlin and Matthew REALLY liked riding the bus....

Birthday lunch with Aunt Ginny. Matthew says it's always sunny when youre cool.

On the lawn at UVA

After a way too short visit with Gin, we got back on the road to Elizabeth's. We made it there and settled in-Caitlin and Matthew were pretty shy at first, but that wore off very quickly once they saw all the toys that Lauren, Drew, Sophia and Alex were willing to share. Drew taught Matthew all about light sabers, and Star wars. The next day, they resumed playtime in the basement....Unfortunately Lauren had to go to school (FIRST GRADE!!!), so Matthew and Drew played light sabers while Caitlin and Sophia played tea party. Elizabeth and I enjoyed uninterrupted adult conversation...it was GREAT! I want a toy filled basement!

Playing "light sabers". And yes, that is my darling daughter, holding the pretend automatic rifle.

Later that day, we picked Lauren up early from school so that we could all go and visit "Granny" for lunch at the Jefferson. I think we may have overwhelmed the people there a little-three adults and SIX kids...all under the age of 7. However they behaved themselves, and we had a great time visiting with Granny.

At Granny's for lunch

Later that night, it was time to celebrate Alex's first birthday. I think the pictures do a pretty good job of describing the party...Alex thought Mom had made and excellent choice on which plates to use (he kept trying to lick the icing off of Elmo), and thoroughly enjoyed his party:

Before Cake-nice clean sweet baby.

After cake!! Still nice and sweet, just not quite as clean :)

Bathtime and bedtime followed the party, and I think we were all pretty exhausted! However Andy and I discovered a mutual love for icee's, and couldn't go to bed without one. Or a few. mmmm!! The next day, Elizabeth took us out for a fantastic lunch at my new favorite restaurant-it was so nice! We also got to see Aunt Carol while we were there, but i forgot to take pictures...too busy enjoying Clydes!
After lunch it was back on the road to Gus and Steph's. We spent one night there, and then we headed home. It was a great week, and while Im not QUITE ready to do it again, I know that I will do it again!! Hopefully Matt will be able to get some time off next time and come with me!