our trip to virginia

Two and a half weeks ago, hubby, myself, and our little bumpkin left the blistery northlands for a nice little vacation to Virginia (where he and i both grew up). We went down, not only to show off our new little baby, but to get my brother married off as well :)

It's a 28 hr. drive. I was a little nervous about attempting the trip w/ a 3 week old baby, but Brighton did so good :) she traveled like a pro! the problem always came when we stopped traveling...that's when she decided it was time to fuss! I guess she liked the movement of the car.

Part way through our trip we actually passed through the town of Brighton, MI.  

 Mom and Grandmother making gourmet potatoes for the wedding. 

Family picture before heading to the church.

A very happy groom and new uncle!

youngest to oldest: Autumn (20), Rebecca (21), Benjamin (22), Christian (24), and Me (25)

a big ol' smile when Ben first saw his beautiful bride coming down the isle :) :) :)

"you may now kiss the bride"

Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Cline!!!

welcome to the family Melissa...we are so glad to have you :)

the beautifully decorated fellowship hall for the reception

Melissa chose gold and pink for her colors.

While home i took the opportunity to get a "4 generations" picture with both my Mom and Dad's side of the family:

 Mom, Grandmother, myself, and Brighton

Granddaddy, Grammy, myself, Dad, and Brighton

on this side of the family Brighton is the oldest child of an oldest child of an oldest child :)

One evening my family went out to eat to celebrate Mom's 50th. Her birthday was in November but she wanted to wait until all of her children were home to celebrate. 

Myself, Mom, Dad, Autumn, and Rebecca

Abe (Rebecca's boyfriend for those of you who don't know), Melissa, Benjamin, Christian, and Dave, and little Brighton was in her car seat at the end of the table...she slept through the whole thing lol

Mom, you are the best! You have taught me so much about what it means and what it looks like to be a woman of God. Your gentleness, kindness, devotion, and love surpass that of almost any woman i know. I am so thankful that you are my mom. I feel that i could not have been given a better example to follow as I now step into motherhood and raising my own daughter. Thank you!

Brighton spending some quality time w/ family who won't get to see her for approx. 6 more months:

Brighton and my Grammy

Brighton and Dave's Grandma

Brighton and her Grandpa (Dave's dad)

Brighton and Grandma (Dave's mom)

with Auntie Bec

and with Auntie Autumn

getting some quality time in with Dad:

 nap time

 play time :)

The week immediately following Ben and Melissa's wedding was the week of my family's annual sewing retreat...when my mom, her sisters, and any of the rest of the family who wants to join, get together for 7-10 days to sew!!! It's amazing what all they accomplish!!! I come from a very creative and talented family :)

 the "workshop"

 Grandmother sewing away

 Autumn working on her newest project

 Brighton keeping up with the action

 and hanging out on one of Mom's quilts

It was unusually warm while we were in the States. In some areas the grass was green!!! It even got up to 70F one day!!!

 I sure do miss my rolling hills and beautiful mountains!!!

 a few more snapshots:

 snuggled up in warm, fuzzy towel after a bath

 a bit of tummy time on Dad's chest

 bright eyes!!!!!

We left Virginia on Friday, traveled 6 hrs, and stayed at Dave's grandma's house that night.

Saturday we traveled 14 hrs, and stayed at a Super 8 for the night. Unfortunately Brighton left a bit of a surprise on the bed for the cleaning ladies :(

she doesn't seem too bothered about the fact...

she woke up around 5:30 and was fussing around so i picked her up and laid her up on the bed w/ Dave and i...i soon learned why she was grunting and groaning!!!

sorry about that Super 8!!!!

hanging out on the bed after we got her all cleaned up :)

and since we've been home...

 Brighton got her 1st piece of mail!!!

her Canadian health card :)

 SMILE!!! --- 5.5 weeks old