Pumpkin Patch

In all of the move madness, we still found a minute to hang out with Leo's best buddy at the pumpkin patch. 

The Start of the Lasts

We are starting into the lasts.  The last time to see friends, the last activities together, the lasts before everything changes at the end of the month.  Lasts are hard.  It feels much harder this time though.  I think it's because I have worked so hard here to build networks and friendships.  I've had to rely on these friends in different ways than I had to before. 

At glass last week, the gang organized a farewell celebration.  I was so touched by their kindness, especially because I feel like they've given me way more than I could ever repay.  I have learned so many things from them.

Last Wednesday, I gave a talk at our Enrichment Meeting about friendship and how to make friends.  Who would have every thought that I would be qualified to give a talk like that, but there are definitely things I've learned in the past few years. I think that was one of the reasons we moved out here, so that I could learn those lessons.  Heavenly Father sure has a plan for our lives and helps us to become better.

It was an interesting night because we did a speed friendshipping activity.  We did this same activity two years ago and I remember knowing maybe 4 people.  At the activity last week, I knew every person I talked to by name and a few things about them.  What a difference from a couple of years ago. 

We went into Eastern Market on Saturday and I felt nostalgic the whole time.  That was probably the last time we'll be there in a long time, if ever.  It's been one of those places that I loved, a place that was always uplifting.

We enjoyed some Italian hot chocolate at Pitangelo's (yum!) and it reminded me of going there right after Leo was born.  Like I said, I was just pretty nostalgic and sentimental about the whole thing.  That's really what I've been feeling lately though.

I keep thinking in terms of lasts and it makes me sad.  I finally feel settled and good and it's time to move on.  It's time to say goodbye to some really good things, some good friends.  I know it sounds cheesy, but I hope that I don't forget what I learned here and the relationships we made here.  We're moving on but I feel like a different, a better person.  I don't want to forget that. 

Our Washington Fall

We have unintentionally been participating in a Washington Fall, George Washington, that is.  As I was looking through our pictures from our last few weeks, I was surprised to discover that almost all of them had to do with George Washington sites.  Considering we celebrated the Lincoln summer just last summer, this shouldn't surprise me.

We went down to a period fair at Mount Vernon.  They shot cannons and had all the period wares.

 

Checking things out

 Then there was Washington's Grist Mill.  One of those sites that not as many people visit but that I think is really neat.  They actually have an operational grist mill that you can watch flour being ground. 

 And of course, one last visit to Mount Vernon.  I'm sure that if it hadn't been 90 degrees Leo would have been a bit happier to be there.  Still one of my favorite spots in the area.

 

Finds

This has been the best weekend.  I've been looking forward to it for ages.  Not only did some friends come up to visit (yay!), but it was the big consignment sale this weekend.  The big one. 

Let me preface this with I've never really been one to buy things used.  I always felt a little gross going to the Goodwill or to D.I., like I needed to shower after the trip.  There's that smell, you know the one I'm talking about.  They just give me the hebejeebees.  I know that great things can be found there, my sis has lots of great vintage finds.  I just could never get into it. 

And now here we are, I guess it's time to let it out.  I love kids consignment sales here in VA.  They're like crack, I can't stop going thinking I'm going to find that awesome thing. And I found so many great things this weekend.  Clothes, shoes, a train table, a razor scooter for Leo, a swing, some car toys, and the list just goes on.  The best find of the weekend was a HUGE lot of Geo Tracks, I'm talking 4 tupperware bins worth of stuff.  I'm never going to have to buy a train, a road, a remote control car ever.  And it was $40.


Best weekend ever.  Thanks to the Kudins for joining in on the fun with us!