where have we been?

A big THANK YOU to all of the Peterson family for making the long trek out to Virginia! We LOVED having you out here, and it makes us painfully aware of what we're missing being so far from family.

A few quick highlights of the reunion, just so I won't forget:

• The first night, we got in later than we'd hoped and while James went into town to round up dinner, Eliza, Seth and Rachel all headed straight for the waves fully clothed. I had NO idea they would want to get in the ocean so quickly, especially since it was COLD, COLD, COLD. (Thank you Uncle Scott, for being ready to jump in after them!)
• Seeing those three little girls together--Olivia, Jillian and Caroline. Sarah, you made the cutest headbands and matching onesies for them!
  
• Watching Eliza write pages in her journal each night to document all that happened. It was an assignment for school to begin with, but a sweet thing to see nonetheless.
  
• Quilt shop hunting and loving the same pattern as Nettie (again). Lucky for us they had a second copy this time! I still don't know how we ever found that quilt shop--or made it home for that matter!! Those roads at Virginia Beach were CRAZY.
• Playing that boy vs. girl game until we were all WAY confused and had no more interest. We're lucky that game ever ended!
  
• Watching Jeff T. teach Eliza how to play pool, or "billiards" as Eliza puts it!!! So SWEET!
  
• Seeing little Sam so excited about throwing rocks into the pool.
  

We equally enjoyed the visiting that took place before and after the reunion at our house: sitting out on our deck grilling on Mother's Day, Jeff and Seth racing in the yard and Morgan and Rachel on the swings, ice cream with Brett and Sarah, playing hearts with Mom and Dad, James and Jeff T. playing basketball, to name just a few!

And of course--a blog just isn't a blog without a few pictures...

Our quick run through Jamestown on the way back home. Very cool boats, but we wish we'd had more time to enjoy the stop.
At the aquarium in Virginia Beach. Aunt Sarah cut Eliza's hair the day before, and LOVES the compliments she gets daily.
James trying to show Caroline how to catch a sea turtle. Notice how interested she is in the technique...
Outside of the aquarium.
Our one good beach day!

Aunt Britta showed Eliza a cool new way to build a sand castle. She's so creative!
Seth insisted on wearing goggles, even though I don't remember his head ever going under the water...