July

Dan built a rock wall in our garage. I hope it never falls on my car.

 Afton drew family pictures.

 And her own personal "Poiles offeser Afton" computer.

For fourth of July weekend, we went to my parents' home. Dan worked on Wednesday while my parents and I took the kids on a little nature hike along a river. It was beautiful!

Later that night we set of poppers and some small fireworks.

July 4th we set out early to Luray Caverns. We totally beat the rush, thankfully. It was really packed when we got out. The caves were really cool.

Next we checked out the car museum next door.

Eli loved it.

Dad made the world's fattest burgers.

We went to a magic show at the library and Afton was chosen for a trick

7-11

Another visit to Mom and Dad's.

Stopping by the apartment we brought baby Sam home to...

Dan had to speak at a Virginia lawyers meeting at The Homestead again, so this time we took the kids. Let's just say it was a lot less relaxing this year... We still had a great time.

 While Dan was speaking, I took the kids mini golfing. Holy smokes it was super hot.

 We had a delicious dinner at one of the hotel restaurants and then Dan took Eli back to the hotel room while I roasted s'mores with Sam and Afton. Then they took turns rolling down a big hill.

The next day, Dan and I took turns exercising, then we all headed down for the amazingly huge breakfast buffet. Oh, it was so good. When we finally got ready to go swimming, it started to rain. So we, along with the rest of the guests, all headed to the indoor pool. It was chaos. The rain finally let up and we had lots of fun swimming outside in the pool, going down the slides, and floating along the lazy river. At night, we lounged in some hammocks and played some lawn games.

The next week, Sam and Afton were signed up for classes at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. They loved it. After class, we'd wander the halls for a while.

Here's some of Afton's artwork.

We also made lots of trips to the library. It was a fun July!