Happy 4th of July!

Wow - what a great weekend! And it is not quite over.
Daddy only has one class this semester, so we have been enjoying a lot of family time (or split duty...Daddy with Owen and Mommy with Avery). :)

But this weekend...all four of us got to do some fun things together. AND...we explored more of Richmond and took advantage of some of the great things it has to offer. Our adventures started on Saturday morning. We were one of the first families to arrive at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.

"Founded in 1984, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is located on 80 acres in Richmond. A public place for the display and scientific study of plants, Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is one of only two independent public botanical gardens in Virginia and has the designation of a state botanical garden." (reference: LGBG website)

We arrived just after 9am on Saturday morning and made our way through the garden to the Children's Garden. There, Owen and Daddy played in the Water Gardens (both being in their swim suits and shirts for water play!). While Mommy and Avery watched from a bench in the shade. Daddy and Owen also did some climbing and after a snack for Owen...more water play. Although by that time there were more kids playing in the water garden which resulted in Owen standing still in the middle of it all just watching all the other kids play. All but one little girl were older than Owen, so they were moving quickly and loudly...probably a little much to take in and play at the same time!

After a quick lunch at Chick-Fil-A on the way home, Owen took a three hour nap! Then Daddy took him to get his haircut as it was getting long and out of control.
Ready to go!!

Water Gardens



Climbing


After going to church and having a nap on Sunday, we headed to Short Pump Town Center for a little shopping (to find a bike helmet for Owen) and to ride the train.
Owen had to decide between the blue, green and red train cars. He picked blue. At the end of the train ride, he said "Now GREEN!!!". Next time, buddy!


Then, this morning (Monday July 4th), we headed to Maymont.

"Maymont is a 100-acre American estate, an extraordinary gift given to us by James and Sallie Dooley who lived here from 1893 to 1925. Whether strolling in the gardens, touring the mansion or watching river otters play, there is something for everyone to enjoy." (reference the Maymont website).

Although I didn't get any pictures of us all at Maymont, I did get a few before going. Avery was not too pleased about the photo shoot with Owen (it was delaying nap time). She quieted down when Owen held her hand for a split second, but not long enough for me to get a good photo. Oh well...it is a photo we will still smile at for years to come...good times! :)