#11 for Bay

Our beautiful Bailey turned 11 this month.  She is going into 6th grade, which is weird for me because that is about the time that I really start remembering things from.  I can't say they are very good memories from middle school time, but whose are right!? 

 Bailey asked for rollerblades for her birthday. Her and Elli are going to have a fun time learning together. I used to be good but would likely cause some serious damage to myself if I attempt it now.

 

Of course she had to get some "fancy" clothes. These girls love to dress up and be all glam. They even have a sign on their door that says, "Caution, high fashion.  Only in style clothes allowed."  I guess it was about 6th grade that I started really wanting Girboughs (sp?) and Doc Martins.  I even remember getting my first pair of Silver brand overalls that were super cool about that time.  I remember one of my friends wearing two different colored socks (red and yellow) with black dance jazz shoes to school and I thought she looked so cute. I wanted to copy her but she would have gotten mad.  Sad thing is, I probably had more style back then than I do now. My girls LOVE when I wear something other than jeans and T shirt and pony tail.  You would think it would motivate me to dress nicer when I get the, "Wow mom, you look so pretty today!" But it doesn't. I'm too lazy.  

Wow, that was a tangent.  Back to Bailey...

Bailey requested mud pie for her birthday cake.  She wanted specifically "Nana's recipe".  Good dessert choice for a hot summer day!

Virginia

Steve, Chase, and I were able to spend a few days in Virginia with Steve's family.  Unfortunately it wasn't all for fun.  Steve's uncle Howard passed away and we went to his funeral.  It was a wonderful celebration of his life. Although I didn't know him, I had the opportunity to meet his three darling daughters and nice wife.  After hearing them speak at the funeral and being there while siblings reminisced, I felt I did know him somewhat.  He proved to be a great guy and many looked up to him.  He will undoubtedly be missed by many.

Steve's extended family has a summer house right on the creek.  Every summer growing up his family would spend time out there. This was my first chance to do so.  I can honestly say I have never been so hot in my entire life.  But we survived and even had a good time!  I love Steve's family.  I am so lucky to be part of it. 

I was especially glad I got to meet Steve's Papa.  I have heard so much about him and it was great to meet him and see Steve with him. 

I think Chase handled the heat better than I did! He was such a trooper!  Lucky for us, because we have the youngest baby, we were blessed with the use of the ONLY room with A/C.  It was a nice escape at night to cool down and after a day in the heat.  Because it was such a hot summer, by the middle of the trip they ended up purchasing another A/C unit for another room.  There were many more happy people after a good nights rest in a cooler room.

I admit the idea of an outdoor shower made me a little nervous at first but I tell you what, it was very refreshing!  It was a break from the heat and sweat and nothing else mattered.  (Steve was thrilled about this picture! )

The house sits right on the water of the Rappahannok River, part of the Chesapeake Bay. (I hope I got that right!)  The small town called Irvington is a beautiful, old waterfront town.  Not something you see very often anymore.

I have been hearing that blue crab is the best.  Now I got to try it. 

Here is my 1st crab. All cooked up.  I got a personal lesson on how to break, clean, and eat it!

 I only managed to eat 3, but everyone else downed a lot more than I did! 

The next day, we ate some delicious crab cakes.  I do like crab, but I think I had my fill for a while!

 Chase had his first experience swimming.  First try he only lasted about 5 minutes, next day he took a naked dip to cool down, the 3rd try we put him in a little floaty and he enjoyed it much more.  Pretty dang cute no matter what!

It was a hot but fun trip that I am thankful I was able to go on.  Steve and I are so blessed to have such wonderful families, near and far.