We just spent a lovely weekend in southern Virginia with our good friends (since college) Christine and her Good Company. The trip started with me driving to meet Patrick at work - a little too close to DC for my usual driving enjoyment, but survivable nonetheless. Then we were rewarded for our choice of driving route, as heading through western VA is beautiful! It was such a gorgeous day, and the scenic landscape was a sight to behold. The serene view and the sounds of Les Miserables made the rest of the drive a perfect beginning to a weekend away.
The lake house is situated on a small inlet to Smith Mountain Lake, and with it's wooded setting and screened-in porch one can't help but immediately switch into "relax mode" despite the 3 kids running around! Bella loved having Clare and Gregory around, some new little people for her to follow... and learn a few lessons about being the smallest one around!
Bella's first boat ride left something to be desired, unfortunately. My little girl, who otherwise LOVES the bumps and wind and water and great outdoors, was strapped into a life-vest that was too big for her! She did not approve, but her ever safety-conscious (as I type this I remember a particular cliff-diving event and the resulting bruise of last year's visit) and law-abiding parents kept it on while the boat was in motion. The brief time it was off while we were trolling an inlet she was very happy. I see her enjoying the boat more as she grows into a properly-fitting vest. And learns to swim. 
It was so nice to have time to relax. It's amazing that even with kids and resulting chaos, not having your own house chores with which to deal for a whole weekend does wonders for the mind and soul. Moments of silence on the boat, thanks to the wind drowning out all other sound. Sitting on the screened-porch reading with the accompaniment of the birds sweet song and the gentle breeze. Sharing the cooking and clean-up with another Mom with great conversation. We watched some of the Olympics (AMAZING Men's 400 relay!) and discussed human rights concerns.
By the time we were on our way home Monday evening I felt like I had been blessed with a little recharge, and I didn't even have to leave my family behind in order achieve it! Rather it was because of the "Good Company" of friends and our little family that I felt so peaceful and renewed. Besides, it was just plain fun.
0 comments:
Post a Comment