We flew into DC because we found a good nonstop flight and just rented a car. We drove down to Richmond that night and got in at about 2am. The next day we slept in, went to Ukrop's now Martin's (sad day for any of you that remember and know of Ukrop's), ate some mediterranean food, and then headed to the Romans house (where we were staying). We caught up with Suzie for a little while and then headed out to walk around downtown Richmond. We stopped at the James River Pony Pasture where I used to go swimming when I was a teenager. Then we headed to Carytown and looked at the shops and then got some dinner. Later that night we met Rachel and her husband Brian for dessert. It was so good to see them! Lindsay and Regan got in at about 12:30am that night with their little boy Carter. We chatted for a few minutes and then headed to bed.
Simon's view from the plane heading in to DC
At Martin's formally the much better Ukrop's
Simon's pita for lunch at Zoe's Kitchen
My chicken kabobs, rice, pita, and fruit
The chapel I went to church at growing up
The England's house, my mom's best friend and where I spent a lot of time and every Thanksgiving
Pony Pastures
Me and Simon
Shadow Simon
Me
The Byrd theater... they have an organist every Saturday night, went here quite a bit growing up
Simon and the box office
Saturday was Simon's 27th Birthday. We celebrated by walking to Martin's to get breakfast with Linds, Reg, and Carter. We had some biscuits and gravy and breakfast pizza. So yummy. After we went home and chilled for a bit. We then met up with Rach, Brian, and their two girls (Jilly and Mattie) and went to lunch at Chipotle and then went go karting at some putt putt place. It was hot, but we all had a good time. Later that day we dropped the kids off with Rachel's parents and all went to dinner at Chuy's. It was so fun. Then we had cake and ice cream at Suzie's for Simon's birthday and Rachel's parents came over to join.
Trying to figure out the best ticket options
Linds getting ready to race
Simon
Waiting to go... me, Linds, and Regan
Me trying to pass Simon
Rach and Jilly
Simon
Simon... pure joy
Carter, Regan, Linds, Rach, Jilly, and Simon... Brian was inside the arcade with Mattie because she was not tall enough to ride the go karts
Linds and Carter on the bumper boats
Simon and Regan
Brian and Rach riding motorcycles w/ Jilly and Mattie
Such naturals
The soaked bumper boat crew
Simon blowing out his candles
Me, Simon, and Suzie
Rach and Linds
Me, Rach, and Linds
Sunday we went to my old childhood ward. It was fun to see lots of people I grew up with. One of the speakers in sacrament even called me out in his talk and let everyone know I was sitting on the back row. Ha. I used to baby-sit his kids. After church we had lunch with Greg and Suzie, took a nap, and then went to see a bunch of historic sites in downtown Richmond. We drove down Monument Avenue, popped in to see the Jefferson Hotel, walked around the capital building, went to St. John's Episcopal Church (where Patrick Henry gave his famous "Give me Liberty, or give me death" speech. It was closed so we could only see the outside. Then we stopped by my old middle school and old high school. It was a nice day.
The Romans house... where we stayed and where I spent a lot of time in my childhood
Monument Avenue
Monument Avenue
Houses on Monument Avenue
Simon
Love it
VCU
VA is for LOVERS!
Jefferson Hotel
Inside the hotel
Capital building
Washington getting a face lift
Me and Simon at the capital building
Governor's house
So pretty
"Give me liberty, or give me death!"
Fan district
Burger
They were so kind to welcome me back
Such a dumb mascot, ha.
The location of my first real job... working at Ukrop's
Monday we packed everything up because we were going back to DC for the last two nights. We said goodbye to Suzie and headed on our way. We had such a good time staying with the Romans. We made one last stop at Martin's so I could get the Ukrop's fudge pie and we stopped at Casa Grande so I could get some tacos. Both so delicious.
Love this lady, she has a heart of gold!
Love VA houses... brick with black and white
My childhood HOME!!!!
Ah I love this place!!!!
