East Coast

We took our first real road trip as a family, and we all survived, phew!  A couple of weeks ago, we packed up and headed east to see Uncle Warren graduate from the University of Virginia School of Law.  On the way out there, we drove straight through the night, and although it was hard on Kris and I, the kids slept most of the way which was wonderful.  On the way back, we split up the drive and stayed for a night in Dayton with Aunt Loeta & Uncle Randy.  The kids did really well during those hours of traveling as well, despite the long stretches strapped in and fully awake.

Our time in Charlottesville, Virginia was a lot of fun, somewhat relaxing, and very special.  We made some great memories. We took hundreds of photos throughout the week, but here's a "handful" from our time there...

We stayed at a beautiful house with my parents, Warren, Kirsten (we missed you Jon, Evie & Zach) & Katie.  Seriously, this house was incredible.  Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the actual house (what was I thinking?!), but trust me....it was amazing.

I did get a few pictures of outside...

  A highlight for the kids was this great tree swing.  Higher, higher!

They also loved to explore...

There was even cattle to feed!

One day, we drove to D.C.  Neither Kris nor I had even been there, so we wanted to make the trip. 

Sweet girl taking a rest.

Caleb was very excited to visit the Air & Space Museum, which was the highlight of his trip to Washington.

His first impression of the inside of the museum...he just loved it.

Going into the space station - Caleb's favorite part.

After spending time at the museum, we checked out the Capitol, which is at one end of the Mall.

Poor Shaner-bug was so sleepy, he fell asleep.  Here's proof that he visited the Capitol.

We (Kris & I) really wanted to see the Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial, which are of course at the complete opposite end of the Mall....as long of a walk as it was going to be, we were determined to do it. 

Thankfully, all 4 kids could fit on the stroller if necessary. =)

And there were cold drinks along the way.

Although we didn't visit the White House, we were able to see it from our walk.

Thanks to the great zoom lens my Dad let me borrow for the day, we could take a closer look.

Almost there!

 

War Memorial...

Ducklings in the Reflecting Pool...

We made it!

Washington Monument (still under construction)...

After our long and very tiring day, the kiddos enjoyed some milkshakes.

One night, the McCarty fam went out to dinner in downtown Charlottesville...thanks, Kris, for staying with the kiddos!

A few pictures of our littlest love...

Sweet time with Auntie Kir.

Warren & his best law school buddies...a great group of guys!

One day, Meredith woke up sick.  She fell asleep on the couch mid-morning...

Thankfully, she felt better as the day progressed...

And of course, the main reason we took this trip in the first place...Warren's graduation!

War is in the bottom left of this picture...on the aisle of the last row.

Congrats, Warren!  we are so very proud of you!