Friday, September 18, 2009

Labor Day Weekend 2009

We enjoyed a great visit with Uncle Paul and Aunt Rebekah over Labor Day weekend. Our drive to and from the Virginia Beach area seemed especially long both going and coming... but we had so much fun while there. Poor Paul and Rebekah - I'll bet after we departed for home Monday, they just sat in the quiet and peace of their home 'cause we're a noisy bunch! But in spite of the noise (and lack of sleep thanks to Anna), we had a weekend full of great family time together.

Saturday morning at the beach was so much fun... sand, waves, snacks, throwing the football. It was a treat to get to see the ocean again. And Saturday afternoon included plenty of college football - it cracked me up watching Brian and Paul enjoy the Georgia game from our xm radio in our car because the game wasn't on tv.

We enjoyed visiting Paul and Rebekah's church Sunday morning then headed out for an afternoon of boating with the Ratz family. Crazy as it may seem... it almost feels like I've known Sue forever even though our boating trip was only my second time ever seeing her face to face. I love how the Lord can knit hearts together that way. We had a great time getting to know their family, and boy were my kids excited to be on a boat. We got to ride down the inner coastal waterway and see downtown Norfolk from the water. Benjamin was thrilled getting to see all the ships. And Mary Scott was so relaxed on the boat which really surprised me. She tends to be so fearful in new situations but not this time. In fact, she was so relaxed she ended up taking a nice long nap before the afternoon was over. Benjamin gave wake boarding and skiing a try for the first time. The wake board didn't work out but he did manage to get part way up on the skis. And Catherine wanted to give skiing a try so she got out in the water, skis on, then a big boat came by and made the water sort of choppy.... she was done, ready to get back in the boat. We really had a wonderful time, Ratz family.

Then to top off an already great day, Paul and Rebekah took us to Symphony Under the Stars Sunday evening. It was a fabulous time together. Lovely music, perfect weather, a picnic and great company to boot.... who could ask for more?

Thank you Paul and Rebekah, and Avery and Adam for a fabulous weekend all the way around.


precious baby Adam smile

Anna sporting some shades

Avery and Mary Scott having fun in the sand


Uncle Brian getting to know Avery

Avery holding onto her daddy's hand

sweet Avery face

love seeing them all together like this

all about snack time

Rebekah's classic grin

crumbs and all... such a cutie

I'd say this is desperate to hear a football game

taking it all in from the front of the boat

Mary Scott really enjoyed the boat

Madeline and Anna getting to know each other

one of the views downtown Norfolk


huge battleship

Benjamin giving the wake board a try



2 comments:

Rebekah Judd said...

We loved having you!! And it was a little too quiet around here when you left. Did you notice Adam has the same 'classic' smile as I do? It keep making me laugh every time I look at it (Avery's been going over this post several times). Can't wait until the next time we see you!

dandsratz said...

Monica!! I haven't had a chance to email you some of the pictures I took...agh!! :) I promise I still will though!! I have your email in my 'inbox' so I won't forget!! It was SO great to visit with ya'll!! The children were absolutely remarkable together and its so true how we can chat like we've known each other for years!! :) I LOVE the picture of the guys in the car listening to the game...that's hilarious!! :)