Our first trip to the Rivah

No better way to sum up the weekend, except to say that it was perfect. So special and so much fun. Sometimes we get a little sad that we are so far from our families, we don't get to take summer beach vacations like you hear about from others and defiantly no weekend getaways. It's hard to be so far from home. But then, we have a weekend like this one. Where good friends open up their family homes to us and make us feel like we belong. We have morning walks with 'mom' and afternoons spent on the porch with 'gramma'. Big family dinners late into the evening, with lots of red wine and too many good stories to recount. It truly makes us feel at home.

Thank you Matt and Meg, for welcoming us into your Virginia family and making us feel so at home. We can't wait to come back to the Rivah' and make many, many more memories with you all!

A few pictures to sum up the trip!

First stop, NN Burger in Tappahannock. Had to see what the 'Best Burger in VA' was all about. It was pretty tasty indeed! 

We made it to the Rivah'

I could get used to waking up at 5am, if this was the view from my bed every morning.

Annalee and I watched the sunrise. 

Saturday was hot  - and water was needed. 

A little outing to the Crazy Crab in Reedville. 

 Annalee's first Ice cream at Chitterchats. Birthday Cake, of course. 

And some afternoon playtime at the heezy.

After the kids went down, the parents got to play!

Sunday a quick trip to the beach before we had to head back to reality. 

Inaugural Rivah' trip in the books. Cheers to many more!

Annalee's first Dollhouse

This girl. Man, she just gets more and more fun every day. We surprised her with Little People Dollhouse on Sunday. Her reaction was worth every penny. I wish we would have video taped J carrying it in the house. She was SO happy! And she has played with it every morning and every night since.


We have tried to be pretty frugal when it comes to purchases for little miss. Only things that are 'needed' usually make the list, with an occasional new outfit. Don't get me wrong - the girl has more toys, puzzles, books and outfits then I can count, and certainly well more than she needs. But we are lucky enough to have great friends and family that are great gift-givers.

We didn't get her much for her birthday, since we knew others would shower her with goodies and I really couldn't decide on anything that she needed or could use right now.

However, after seeing how much she loves placing little things in spots around the house and carrying animals or puzzle pieces, I thought a doll house would be the perfect toy. And it was!

This age of discovery is just so fun.

Now, I did have three toy returns that were double-gifts from her first birthday party. So really those paid for it in itself, but it was fun picking it out! 

Speaking of toys... remember this cute table I got J for our 'wooden anniversary.' 

It has now been taken over by toys. but it really is the perfect toy shelf, sorry babe!

Cheers to a good week friends! We are working for Friday... when it's off to the Rivah' for a weekend of relaxation. 

Summertime Meal Planning

via.
Here is what's on tap for the week:

Sunday - Bacon, Basil and Peach Burgers with roasted sweet potato wedges

Monday - Balsamic Pork Tendorloin & Baby Lima Beans

Tuesday - Work event, Jam Rock Grill catering.

Wednesday - Fish Tacos & Blue Cheese Slaw

Thursday - Let's be real, probably a pizza from Dominos. Thin crust has been our jam lately. 

Friday - Headed to the Rivah (as you Virginian's call it - or NKN) So excited for our lunch stop at Northern Neck Burger on the way. 

Then.... this view is what I am looking forward to for a long weekend of relaxation and fun in the sun! 

Summertime Meal Planning

via.
Here is what's on tap for the week:

Sunday - Bacon, Basil and Peach Burgers with roasted sweet potato wedges

Monday - Balsamic Pork Tendorloin & Baby Lima Beans

Tuesday - Work event, Jam Rock Grill catering.

Wednesday - Fish Tacos & Blue Cheese Slaw

Thursday - Let's be real, probably a pizza from Dominos. Thin crust has been our jam lately. 

Friday - Headed to the Rivah (as you Virginian's call it - or NKN) So excited for our lunch stop at Northern Neck Burger on the way. 

Then.... this view is what I am looking forward to for a long weekend of relaxation and fun in the sun! 

Cupshe Swim

There are so many fun new styles out there for bathing suites. Especially for mommas - like me - who still haven't grasped the one piece, but also don't really feel comfortable in their old bikinis.   Swimwear by Cupshe is my new favorite (and affordable) shop for suits! The three below are on the way to my house now!

These are also super cute!

Shipping can take awhile, so order early! 

Save 18% and get free shipping with code FOURDIVISIONS. 

Celebation USA

For the past 14 years,  the 'Moore Street' house has hosted a fourth of July party dubbed, Celebation. It's basically a uber cheesy themed party complete with jello shots, games and lots of American spirit.

We moved into the Moore Street house in 2014, and while we did hold celebration parties in 2014 and 2015, this was the first real 'party' since 2013.

A little inside decor and a clean house. yay!

These were about the extent of my baking for the party... hot dogs and hamburgers were the real hit!

Annalee and friends made an early appearance and then was tucked into bed to let the adults play.

The kids corner.

Dinner outside.

Let the games begin.

With special guests... Mere and Stu! So good seeing you guys. Miss ya!

Until next year.