A full dose of Virginia

Over the last 4 weekends, we have enjoyed the wonderfulness of Virginia. Our state has so much to offer, and I am grateful to have been able to take in a full dose of it this month. At the end of March we participated in the Ukrop's Monument Ave. 10k. We are so proud of Steve parents who made the annual trek to Richmond not only to cheer but also to participate with us! They walked the race together and finished well. That evening we celebrated the completion of the race as well as a new job, finally, for Dave aka Papa Norris! Praise the Lord! The following weekend we stayed in town to enjoy Easter services at our church, a wedding at The Valentine Richmond History Center, and a splendid Easter meal with our home group. Since it was gorgeous outside on Easter Sunday, the boys & I decided to head into the city that afternoon to explore the James. We discovered the North Shore Trail as well as Hollywood Cemetery, which was kind of an odd place to visit on Easter; however, in the cemetery there is an overlook of the city where Steve and I stopped to pray for Richmond and also to thank Jesus for His resurrection that brings true life & hope. It was awesome. Celebrations continued the next weekend for our 3rd wedding anniversary. 3 years!? Time really does fly. I feel like we were just back in college, dating, awkwardly talking about our future, and trying to hold back the urge to just shout "I want to marry you!" Now, we're married, and there are plenty of other things we are refraining ourselves from shouting :) Really, these last 3 years have been great, many trials yet many joys along with an abundance of laughter and sweet memories... and the adventure of marriage goes on! So in honor of 3 years as hubby & wifey, Steve surprised me (like always) with a trip into the mountains. We stayed at a cabin in Wintergreen, which was less than stellar, BUT let me tell you, the place was totally overshadowed by the spa visit, the weather, the mountains, the food, the basketball hoop (my anniversary gift!), the hike, and the company (Riley came too)! For any of you who venture out into the Blue Ridge near Wintergreen, here are a few recommendations... Basic Necessities restaurant - the epitome of quaint and country, the place was small but the food was big on flavor and creativity! Simply delicious especially the rhubarb crisp made from rhubarb picked that day, yum! Crabtree Falls - this hike was beautiful! It's a popular hike, so not so secluded but well worth the views. It's quite the incline too, challenging on the knees although mine held up pretty well. We all got a good work-out. And Blue Mountain Brewery - another great local spot, get the lager! Finally, last weekend we took the high school youth group to a retreat called MODGNIK (kingdom spelled backwards) at Rockbridge, talk about natural beauty, this place has got it along with a long list of other amenities. The retreat was great and allowed for significant bonding time with students. We learned more about what it means to be a part of God's kingdom, and one of our students made a decision to trust in Christ for salvation! Hallelujah!! God is so good, isn't he?