Seth was finally able to take a break with me, and we went home to Norfolk to visit our parents! It was so, so, so much fun to be able to spend time with both the Powells and McFarlands. We went to Stockley Gardens Art Festival, where for the first time in 24 years my grandmother (who turns 90 in August!) chose not to show. It was probably for the best, as yesterday was cold and wet, but still, it was the end of an era, and people were sure to ask after my grandmother. <3 She is amazing. We had lunch with her, and while lunch itself was less than exciting, it was fun to hear about her life down here in Charleston and just get to see her for a little bit!
While in Norfolk, we were able to go to the one and only Busch Gardens Williamsburg!
It was amazing to ride Verbolten the day it opened. I was sad that we missed the Physics presentation-- it brought back good memories of high school with some of the most amazing friends, including my MOH, Chach! She was having fun in New York this past weekend, so I feel less bad, but I miss our Busch Gardens dates. But, yeah, Verbolten was amazing! Mom and I knew what to expect more, having watched the Virginian Pilot dude go on the coaster, but the free fall was still amazing. We also got ice cream (for me, for the first time in 4 years!!!!!) and went on my all time favorite ride, Griffin. I am totally a roller coaster junkie, so this was a lovely way to get my fix with my family.
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| My parents in front of the Verbolten ride! (Dad didn't catch the 1-2-3 cue, but they still look cute.) |
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We got to see aunts and uncles as well as my younger cousins, who crack me up. I helped clean my aunt's place, which has cats, so I realized when I went home that my smile of hello behind the allergen mask probably didn't look all that welcoming.... Whoops. Seth was a champ and a half and was able to help my dad move everything out to prepare for my brother and his roommate to move in as soon as Jon's done with Navy stuff.
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| Seth and I enjoying Busch Gardens! |
It was so nice to have relaxation time with Seth. He and I are both now proven contortionists in the McFarland household. Rosie napped at my feet while I curled up into an easy chair to take a nap while Seth worked on the computers, doing the IT thing quite nicely. We loved seeing both sets of our parents, and remembering how amazing (and COLD) Virginia is. We were truly pathetic the first couple of days-- the 60 degree damp weather was positively frigid compared to our normal Charleston weather.
On another super happy note, Seth's parents and aunt and uncle may be joining us for part of restaurant week! I am so, so excited. About the only thing to make it better would be my parents joining in the festivities. :-) We'll get there, though!
Anyways, yes, we had an amazing trip home, got Jon's Christmas present (which I left in Norfolk by accident, but compared to normal isn't bad to leave), and just in general had a wonderful, relaxing, family-filled trip. Next item on the list: get my camera so I can better record everything! I might give in and just get a cheaper camera, but I think I'll try to hold out for the camera I really want.
Cheers,
Cassi
