Virginia Weekend.

If beautiful is a feeling, then I felt it this past weekend. My arms were almost constantly filled with a child; my heart was completely full of the kind of love and joy one experiences when surrounded by the warm, opened arms of loved ones. What made this weekend extra special for me was the bringing together of two sides of my family. Sean’s grandparents welcomed my sister and her family into their home and hearts, gifting them with the opportunity to make the kind of memories I already hold dear, while also radiating sincere hospitality and love.

We arrived Friday evening and were greeted by Grandma, Granddaddy, and a hot meal. Our expectations were already exceeded. Slow-cooked meatballs, mashed potatoes, fresh fruit. Grandma didn't have to do that for us, but she did, and her generosity set the tone for our weekend.

My kids love babies. They are really enjoying their little cousins!

Ryleigh Michele turned 3 months old on June 30th.

Gracie had a blast trying on old dance costumes from Grandma's toy closet. They actually fit her this year!

Granddaddy took us out for a boat ride on Saturday. We were originally worried about the possibility of storms, but the skies literally opened up and the sun made its way through the once concerning clouds. Suited up in life jackets and sun screen, the 5 children boarded the Bay Wanderer, excited about our adventure. This was a new experience for Chandler, Austin, Ryleigh, and even Ashley. We spotted dolphins swimming leisurely in the York River and traveled under the Coleman Bridge, the bridge that we’d driven over just the evening before.

Ryleigh wore Gracie's first bathing suit! I love how both girls are pretty in polka dots.

The kids loved checking out Granddaddy's crab pot every time we walked to the boat.

Sean loves this boat. I'm so thankful he has the opportunity to share this love with his children, nieces, and nephews.

Ethan ended up falling asleep during the ride. Honestly, I could have fallen asleep myself!

Following the boat ride, Ashley and her family headed out to explore in the canoe; my family grabbed fishing poles and bait, and then headed back out so Gracie could go fishing. The adults were thinking we’d be lucky to catch one fish, and hoped for at least that. We were surprised and delighted as Gracie and Sean reeled in fish after fish! Gracie caught a total of EIGHT croakers (the type of fish most common in the York River; they literally sound like they're croaking when you bring them out of the water) and even a pregnant crab! Gracie thought the crab was hilarious; she kept going after the fish that was unfortunately caught on the line with her. Hungry Momma Crab wanted her worm!

After a full day of swimming, boat-riding, and fishing, we ended the evening celebrating Chandler’s 9^th birthday and eating cake.

On Sunday, we packed, cleaned up, and said our goodbyes to our Curling grandparents. We then headed to Colonial Williamsburg, one of my favorite spots in Virginia, to stroll the cobblestone sidewalks and splurge on goodies from the bakery. This was also a first for the Levan family; Big Landon is a huge history guy, so I was excited to share this special place with him. It still amazes me that Sean and I walked hand in hand as newlyweds on those same streets almost 7 years ago! Our honeymoon week in Williamsburg, Virginia still stands as one of the best weeks ever.

One of our Williamsburg traditions includes gingerbread from the bakery, an ice cold Cheerwine, and a bench where we can sit and enjoy both. This year, since Sean and I are soda-free, we just went with the gingerbread, but it was as delicious as ever. Ethan was also a big fan of his "cookie"!  

Sean’s two younger brothers, Becca and Bekah, and Baby Landon also joined us during our time at Colonial Williamsburg. I absolutely adored the passing off of babies from one set of arms to another, the chatting, and the way the families meshed and accepted each other so easily. At one point, Ashley was toting Baby Landon (who fell asleep in her arms) and Will was carrying Austin on his shoulders. It’s the little moments like these, as simple as they seem, that overwhelm my heart.

Here are a few more pictures from our morning at the pool! Sean was busy following my little explorer around the pool area. Ethan definitely enjoys doing his own thing!