New Years Day Hike

So, after a heavy brunch with Ally, Val, Jason and Cole-- it was decided that we should go take a hike to work off some of the food. First Landing State Park is a few minutes drive from our house and we decided to go and take one of the 5 mile hikes.

First Landing State Park is near the site of the first landing of Christopher Newport on 26 April 1607 as they established the first colony in Jamestown. The part is toughly 2900 acres.

So much beauty in one place! Even a swamp looks amazing here!

Val, Ally and I decided to hide in the woods from Jason and Val's son Cole to "scare" them, which started a domino effect of "scares" on the trail for the next 2 hours!

We just had to stop right here and take a moment to appreciate the view. It's insane to believe that this is just a few minutes drive from the house. 

Ah, Jason and Val make such great hike companions. Always up for a photo. Thanks Ally for taking!!

Sittin on the Dock of the Bay

Enjoyed some girl time with Valerie, Sheree and Ally at a dock near Ally's house on Broad Bay. It's absolutely amazing to sit down here with a nice glass of gin and tonic and wait for the sun to set through the clouds. We used my iPhone to take some pics using Sheree's flip flips o prop it up on a chair and then I leaned UNDER the dock to get a shot of their feet dangling from the dock in black and white. So much fun with these guys!

Boardwalk and Bikes

It was the American Music festival at the oceanfront tonight, so Lisa and I took some bikes out to the boardwalk and listened to a few bands, had a few drinks and some dinner. So much fun hangout out with her. She is definitely one of the most awesome people that I know!

Beach is Not for Bears

Sunset

Such a pretty night to hang out with my friend Ally and watch the sunset.

Thoroughgood House II

Took Laura to see the Thoroughgood House today. 

Hello Stranger!

Our daughter from Germany came back to visit after living with us as an exchange student while she was in High School in 2001-2002. Unfortunately, we only got her for a few days!

These were taken October 5-9th.

At the Beach!

Anke, Me, and Terry at the base of King Neptune

Chrysler Museum

Chrysler Museum had a Harley Davidson exhibit. Anke and I had our pictures taken.. 

Bowling!

Dinner at PF Chang's

Date Night

Francis Land Historic Home

We needed something to do today, so we decided to head over to a local historical site and see what it was. We've lived here for so long and had driven by a million times and had never stopped.

The house was built circa 1805, but the property was deeded to the Land family since the early 1630's and was originally surrounded by hundreds of acres of farmland. The home that sits on the site is that of the homestead of Francis Land IV. He was a wealthy man and plantation owner in the Princess Anne County area of Virginia, now known as Virginia Beach.

The architecture of the outside is classic Georgian and the internal is revised to Federal style. The Francis Land Family only lived in this house until 1819 when the Francis and his wife died. The home stayed with the two Land daughters until about 1851 when it was sold to a non family member. It was a farm, a dairy farm, and eventually in the 1920's a fine ladies dress shop. Virginia Beach City stepped in and bought the house and it's surrounding 7 acres and created the museum in 1986. The house is officially listed as a Virginia Historical Landmark

The tree to the left was a three pronged tree and was struck by lightening. An arborist attempted to save the tree by filling the joint with cement and bricks. It's nearly grown over the bricks and the tree was saved! It was an interesting place and I really enjoyed the afternoon.

:) Michelle

Thoroughgood House I

Today, after we went to Fort Story to see the Cape Henry Lighthouse, www headed over to the Adam Thoroughgood House. Daleena has never been there.

Afternoon at Fort Story

This afternoon, we drove (with Daleena) to Fort Story to see the Cape Henry Lighthouse.

*It's the brick one on the hill to the right.

The Cape Henry Lighthouse was built in 1792. 

THe view from the top of the non-functioning lighthouse.

Walked across the street to the First Landing Park Area.

 Except for the gigantic cross, it was pretty cool.