New Year’s Eve

After a two day stay in Richmond, we set off to the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Mother Nature treated us to a beautiful new layer of snow that made the already gorgeous scenery that much more spectacular. It was perfect: enough to cover the ground, but not enough to hinder the roads.

We stayed at the Retreat Center, a house built by one of James’ relatives designed to host Lutheran camps and retreats. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it turned to be perfect. Our entire family was able to stay in one place. There was a huge common room in which we kept a roaring fire blazing the whole time and a large kitchen that we could all sit and enjoy each other’s company. This was the ideal set up for the children. I can’t imagine how this trip would have been with the four us in one hotel room.

That night we enjoyed a feast at Chad and Kinnett’s and began the wedding festivities. James and I didn’t make it until midnight as we thought it would be prudent to get two little flower girls into bed that night. They did stay out until 10:30 and had a blast.

Building a fire at the Retreat CenterSarah Ellen checking out the snow boots. This bride was truly glowing. I have never seen Kinnett look more beautiful. The whole Baker/Weatherholtz clan together. Lily enjoying one of about the ten pieces of cake she ate that weekend.Kinnett with one of her nearest and dearest, Sheree.Lily fell in love with James’ cousin Anna and her boyfriend Rob. By the end of the weekend, she was calling them Mommy and Daddy and basically wearing them out. Like real parents, I think Anna and Rob were ready for a little rest by the time they left Miss Bean. They were troopers, though, playing night-night and fighting off alligators nonstop.Doncie enjoying some cuddles.