Adventure #47: Sweet Home, Virginia (Finally!)

"Virginia is for Lovers." - Virginia slogan

September 25-28, 2015

The Pope was coming to town, which meant we were getting out of town. Nothing against the Pope, but we heard everything was going to be crazy busy. Jordan's school even cancelled classes for two day for the Pope weekend. We decided to use those two days off to our advantage and take a trip down to Jordan's hometown. He hadn't been there since before he left on his mission, seven years ago. He had been telling me stories and describing the beautiful scenery for years. We both couldn't wait to go there together!

We left on Friday morning. The first bridge we crossed was the Delaware Memorial bridge. We had no idea that the east coast had so many bridges everywhere! It makes sense because of how much water there is.

The second bridge was the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel. It was incredible. It took us about 30 minutes to cross. I didn't even know bridges/tunnels like this existed! The water was gorgeous, and we were surrounded by water for 30 minutes... so ya, it was awesome.

Here's a video of us on the bridge/tunnel:

The tunnel part...

(We tried to hold our breath, but I'm sure you can guess the outcome)

Once we crossed the bridge, we stopped in Virginia Beach so that I could touch the Atlantic Ocean for the first time...

And Jordan decided Maria needed the same experience. Also, let me explain. It was extremely windy, so we had a blanket over her head to block the wind. I promise we're good parents and we're not water boarding her.

A still shot of "the moment."

Oh, don't worry! Maria was just fine! We warmed up her little toes and got back in the car... Only to hit traffic. And Maria filled her diaper. And was hungry. We were at a stand still in traffic, so I hurried and changed her and fed her before the car moved.

We made it to Yorktown and we drove past Jordan's old house. Then we stopped at our gracious hosts house, the Andrews. They are basically Jordan's second parents and they are absolutely amazing. It was their first time meeting Maria, so it was extra special.

Saturday morning we went to historic Yorktown.

I had never been to a historic battlefield in person, so I was in awe. It was beautiful, but it was difficult to think about the lives lost there.

The Revolutionary War Victory Monument.

So we went down to the beach in historic Yorktown and Jordan showed me the coolest place. It's the cave where the British finally surrendered! Like, THE place. Where the war officially ended. Cornwallis surrendering... ring a bell? I don't know why I had never realized ALL the historical significance of Yorktown, but thanks to Jordan and this trip I finally do.

Maria was sleeping so you can tell she really loves Yorktown. haha

The beach right by the cave.

We went back up to the town part of historic Yorktown. The buildings were all so cute. We got a few family photos there...

Still sleeping.  :)

Starting to wake up as we set her in the middle of the street. Alone. lol

Within a few minutes of taking the previous picture it started to drizzle, then pour. We ran to the car and fed Maria. A few minutes after that, Maria filled her diaper... and her clothes.... And kept going while I was trying to change her.... We finally got her all cleaned up only to realized we forgot to pack an extra outfit for her to wear. So we put her in the car seat with just her diaper on. And because I am obsessed with making her clothes last as long as possible. I went out in the rain and washed her clothes in a puddle. All good memories.  :)

We were going to go to Williamsburg that day, but we had to go back to the Andrews so that we could get Maria dressed and wash her dirty clothes. It turned out to be a nice relaxing day just hanging out with the Andrews. 

The next day, Sunday, we went to church and attending Jordan's old home ward. He was so happy to see so many old friends and they were all happy to see him. The last time most of them saw him was when he gave his farewell talk before his mission. They all told him how proud they were for the man, husband, and father he had become. 

Here's a picture of us hanging out with the Andrews!

We also took some time to drive around Yorktown and check out Jordan's old home, schools, etc. Here's Jordan's old house:

Driving around with Jordan in his hometown was by far my favorite part of the trip. When he saw roads or buildings or just something random, it would remind him of memories and stories I had never heard before. I love learning new things about Jordan.  :)

The next day was Monday, which meant that we had to go back home. We still need to go to Williamsburg, so that was going to be our first stop on the way home. Jordan took the Colonial Parkway and it was one of the most gorgeous drives I've ever been on. So much green and so much water.

Colonial Williamsburg was so much fun! And once again I got to learn more about history from Jordan.

Me and Maria hanging out with TJ (Thomas Jefferson).

The Governor's Palace was spectacular. It housed people like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson.

You can't go to a colonial town and NOT take a picture in the stalks!

You also can't go to Williamsburg and NOT go to Pierce's Pitt BBQ. It was soooo good. We even bought a bottle of sauce for later.  :)

With full tummys we continued our journey. We also really wanted to drive by DC and look at some the historic places there.

Lincoln Memorial

The White House from far away.

After getting confused and sitting in traffic, we made it out of DC and about 3 hours later we were home.