Virginia, Day 2

Luke and I had a really great sleep, which was nice. Upon waking we ventured up the stairs to the kitchen and greeted our youngest family member, Ryan, and Aunt Mary. They somehow ended up waking early, which was not exactly thrilling for Mary, but Luke was happy to have a playmate. It was a pretty relaxing morning with nobody really in a rush for anything. Luke and Ryan played, I conversed with Mary and my parents. Around noon David came home from work to change clothes. That was our cue to get ourselves dressed and ready for the promotion ceremony.

It didn't take long and we were on our way to the base. It was an uneventful ride and easy to find a parking spot. Into the building we went, armed with cookies, brownies, and iced tea. Not only was David being promoted, but he was liked because he provided treats. Military folks are all the same! We had a short amount of time meeting with certain individuals, like David's Commander, some of those conducting the short ceremony, and our escort. It brought back memories for me because it used to be the world I worked in. Different location, same idea. Luke chose this moment to act out and not behave....I felt horrible for David because of it, but he wasn't concerned.

The ceremony was short and David was able to share a bit about his career. Dad and Mary pinned on the silver oak leaves, and I was actually a bit glad to have the distraction of a misbehaving 2-year-old because I would have teared up. I'm a softie that way; this is my big brother, afterall! We then mingled a bit, had some goodies, and packed up for the trip back to the house. There was some time spent at the static display out front....fitting that my Navy husband was missing while the Air Force family took pictures on a Navy base in front of a Navy plane (F-18, for those interested). I do wish my husband was there to complete the scene, but we ended up with some very nice pictures. Always a plus!

Once we made it back to the house it was time for Ryan to nap. I had promised my oldest nephew, J.T., and my boy that we'd go say hi to the horses at Cleydael House. While I wanted to share this moment with the boys, my actual intention was specifically to see this house. It's just down the street from my brother's place, and historic. Being the history buff and lover that I am, I had to see it. You see, John Wilkes Boothe, the man who killed Abraham Lincoln, hid at this house while on the run. That's the short version, and I will refrain from boring everyone with details. The boys were very good and patient while the owners of the property allowed me to walk around and have a look. They even invited me to walk down the old, original road! I, of course, took them up on it, and was in heaven.

There are a couple of sheep and goats allowed to roam the property. Good for lawn mowing, and common on historical farms, so it wasn't a surprise to see them. We were warned, however, that the male sheep sometimes gets a bug up his rear and starts butting. It's good we were warned....he and I had a tussle! He actually was interested in the kids, but I distracted him and was able to keep him away from the boys and hold my own until the owners could grab him. What a crazy animal! Cause for laughter, though. I kidded my parents that I was disappointed they didn't get pictures of the event...I think they were just happy I didn't get trampled. Stupid sheep.

J.T. and Luke had a good time feeding and petting the horses, and then it was time to head on home. It was an uneventful night from there. It simply consisted of dinner, bath time, and bed time. We sat up and enjoyed some adult company, then headed off to bed ourselves. I was anxious for the coming morning, and sleep came quickly......