Billmans Bitmoji

What we learned to make today:

Off to Illinois

Another chance for us to get out of town - this time to IL to help Brian's parents move.  Because Brian can work remotely and the boys can do school remotely, we were able to take our time driving and stay longer than normal.  We drove 7 hours to OH and stayed the night.  Then another 5 hours the next day.  This is normally my preferred method.  

I felt a little bad that they had to do school while on "vacation," but they would have been bored otherwise considering the move didn't happen until the end of the week.  It was a pretty jammed packed weekend but so glad we were able to come and help Brian's parents through this transition.  Moving is not fun, but not too bad when it's not your own.  To make the week extra special, we also were able to see and spend time with Brian's sister and family as well thus, resurrected our Memorial Day family reunion!  The kids had a lot of fun!

Gavin helping Grandpa put together his new end table.

An intense game of four square.

Lots of cousins time.

Happy Friday 5.29 is even better with Nana and Grandpa!

A Breath of Fresh Air

Originally, our friends the McCallisters were going to come to NOVA for a teacher's training/visit us at the end of June.  However, COVID-19 put a damper on things and it was cancelled.  So instead we decided to go visit them and see their new house in WV!   

Picturesque view from the front door

Riding in the truck country style

Gavin finally got to use his new fishing pole from last year's b-day

1st time riding on an ATV

What a relaxing oasis

so.much.fun

What's a bonfire without s'mores

This trip was much needed more than we realized.  Not only to get out of town for the weekend, but also just to be able to see/socialize with our friends without being paranoid about everything.  It felt like a normal weekend which we haven't felt in 2 months.  Plus, it was everything I've ever dreamed of for our boys to experience "country" living.  They spent every waking moment outside, exploring and creating their own fun on the 6 acres of land - playing with the chickens, digging for worms, hanging out in the tree house and crashing at night from sheer exhaustion...only to do it again the next day.  What a blast!  

Good times had by all. Thank you Zac & Jenn, so good to see you guys!!

A Day Full of Surprises

1st surprise: a special delivery on my front door 

2nd surprise: this surprise Mother's Day video - both from our church

I was so touched by what the boys said and I feel so honored that I get to be your mom!  I also got the sweetest text from a friend who used to be in our old small group:

Watching your kiddos say how much they love you (and your food, Kay) and I just want to say I'm super thankful for many things about you, but I very much appreciate that I get to see you being a great mom! And although I'm not a mom yet, I have loved learning from you and watching how you love your family. I am thankful for you! Happy Mother's Day!

So thankful for God's continual love and wisdom through the years in guiding me to be a mamma to our boys!

 3rd surprise: flowers and Starbucks from Brian; beautiful cards from Ethan + Gavin

4th surprise: warmer weather than expected so we hit the trail

05/10  Another section of W&OD - 9 miles

05/02  Capital Crescent Trail - 10 miles

04/25  04/25  Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD) - 9 miles

04/24  Our house to the Blounts' house - 6 miles

04/19  Cub Run Trail System - 5 miles

Total:39 miles

Dinner from Chili's (not a surprise) picnic style in the back of the car (5th spontaneous surprise) - Hey whatever works!

Lastly, a special shout out to our moms for all the love and sacrifices they have given us and still do to this day.  We love you!!

Capital Crescent Trail

With a beautiful day forecasted, Brian and I started our morning with a make shift date.  We grabbed coffee and pastries to go and sat at a bench at a nearby school.  It was nice to talk and catch up since he has been traveling for work.  In the afternoon, we headed to Georgetown in DC to go biking.  Apparently, everyone had the same idea and the trail was pretty busy.  We had to dodge a lot of people!  But despite that, I always love the DC vibe and enjoy being right by the Potomac River.  

 Not quite sure what this is all about - a metal ball chained to a tree?!

05/02  Capital Crescent Trail - 10 miles

04/25  Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail (W&OD) - 9 miles

04/24  Our house to the Blounts' house - 6 miles

04/19  Cub Run Trail System - 5 miles

Total:30 miles

We capped out the night with a bon fire and soaked up the outdoors every minute of today!

Happy Friday 4.24

Yesterday we celebrated Brian's 4 year work anniversary at Cornerstone with a yummy carrot cake from Wegman's.  Congratulations and thank you for providing for our family!!  

This is how we celebrated our Happy Friday today:

Given to Brian on his birthday back in September

Brian finally found a bike and made a purchase

Ethan and Gavin enjoying a FANTAstic drink after a 6-mile family bike ride

04/24  Our house to the Blounts' house - 6 miles

04/19  Cub Run Trail System - 5 miles

Total:11 miles

Our Eternal Hope

Celebrating Easter at home was kinda weird this year being stuck home and all.  But despite the circumstances, we were determined to not let Satan steal our hope and joy.  So we got dressed up and celebrated this great day ever knowing that Jesus is Alive!!

Here's a He is Risen video from Fairfax Bible Church - we are at 1:08 mark

Bunny ears are appropriate for the occasion

Outdoor egg hunt included Giant Eggs

Weekend Warriors

Saturday morning, Brian and I went on a spontaneous coffee date at Starbucks drive-thru.

Today, we tried to mix it up and went hiking at Burke Lake Park (5 miles).  It was a lot of fun!

Happy Easter!

Lake Accotink

Spring Break for the boys is coming to an end.  But before that, I wanted to get out and spend some family time on a hike. We drove to Lake Accotink in Springfield and enjoyed a beautiful day on the trail followed by a picnic lunch. We all (Kaika included) hiked over 4 miles.  Way to go Family!

Ethan found the tiniest baby turtle.  It was so cute!

More turtles sun bathing.

Easter 2018

 The kids helped lead the worship.

 

 Easter egg hunt and yummy pot luck food.

 

Easter baskets

The coolest part was that I sent an email to a co-worker inviting him and his family to come worship with us on Easter Sunday...not really thinking he would actually come.  But to my surprise, he texted on Saturday saying that they would like to join us.  So they came and heard the gospel preached and even joined the after party with activities for the kids.  Praise God!  Brian and I were able to connect with their family who has two boys as well.  Our hope is that we would be able to get together again and get to know their family better.

Spring Break 2018

Spring Break this year was different for the boys since I have to work and couldn't have our own week long adventures together.  Thankfully they still had their own fun with friends and at Sherry's (our new daycare).

Monday: Steph took the boys to Chuck E Cheese.
Tuesday: Steph watched them at the house and went to a nearby park.
Wednesday: Sherry took them to Burke Lake Park and went on a hike.
Thursday: Sherry took them to Clemyjontri Park with a picnic lunch.
Friday: Made white chocolate covered pretzels and an Easter egg hunt at Sherry's

After picking them up from Sherry's that Friday, we headed to Ocean City, MD for a spontaneous family trip.  Because we've had such an usual cold winter, we've had talked about taking the boys somewhere with an indoor pool.  But none of the weekends have worked out for one reason or another so now was the time.  After hearing about this amazing place called Princess Royale with a huge indoor atrium/pool from a friend, we were sold! 

The only downfall of the whole trip was the Friday traffic + Easter traffic + a major accident on the Bay Bridge which ended up taking us six hours to get there instead of three.  Craziness!  Thankfully the trip back went smoothly and made it feel super quick.

Refreshing ocean air.

 

So much fun at the pool.

 
 

 

 

Super short but fun trip!