Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Amazing design and build work - a bridge that spans 17.6 miles and takes you under the water twice through tunnels. It links the eastern shore of VA with the mainland. The bridge eliminates a 95 mile inland drive to get from the Maryland area to VA. I didn't know we were only 60 miles from the Maryland border when we got on the bridge/tunnel. It is a toll road and it is $12 one way and if you come back within 24 hours another $5. You can get out at a scenic look and take a picture of where you are going. Then it was on to Colonial W'burg. We got tickets, saw the film about the making of a Patriot. We went to the Marketplace for dinner and are ready for a big day tomorrow, I love American History.

PS - Happy Birthday to Aunt Joyce today!

Cape Henry and VA Beach

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It was beautiful sunny and 75 here today in VA Beach. We started the morning at Cape Henry at Fort Story. It is the place where the first explorers came to the Americas in 1607. There is a lighthouse there. It is 75 steep steps up to the light house and then you can climb up in the light house. Dad decided to climb the additional 116 steps in the lighthouse. At the top he had to go up a ladder - we were content to let him do that! Then it was off to the beach for the rest of the day. Too cool to get in the water but not too cool to soak up the sun, read, and enjoy the sound of the surf. It was amazing to watch about 20 dolphins jumping and playing in the water - I watched them for 20 minutes. This is a very different beach area than my favorite SC beach but I enjoyed the day. I love the Atlantic Ocean! The last three years I have been from Cape Cod to Charleston, SC.

Lexington, VA - Nancy/Marlin/Carolyn

We are in Virginia Beach now. We didn't spend time on the beach yet but we are primed and ready for tomorrow. Today we spent time in Lexington, VA. We went to VMI and also Washington and Lee University. We went to Lee Chapel where General Robert E. Lee is buried. The office had Grandpa's favorite quote for the grandsons, "I have but one rule, that every student act as a gentleman". Ask any of the 5 boys what Lee said and they will say "Act like a gentleman"!

Monticello Visit - Nancy

This past weekend I made a quick trip up to visit with the Kruse's. I had a wonderful visit. Jake was busy as he had to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening, He works at Monical's Pizza. Matt and Rod went to the Illini game on Saturday (the Illini won - they beat Wisconsin) Lori and I spent Saturday shopping and goofing off - we had a wonderful visit.

This is a picture of Jake and Matt. I can't say either of them were thrilled at my request to take a picture but they did humor Aunt Nancy!

Oh so Cute! - Nancy

I had so much fun on September 28-30th as Lexi and Gracie came to spend the weekend. Aren't they precious? We went to see their "band cousins" at a football game, played at the park, they went to see Aunt Alissa and family, spent two nights and then went to church together. They are adorable and since they boys weren't much for bows in their hair it is fun to have the girls. They both have delightful personalities and oh how they say and do things that remind me of their mother, Angie!

And the Winner is - SCW Marching Warriors

CONGRATULATIONS TO COLTON AND KYLE and the St. Charles West Marching Warriors. They were in a Marching Band Competition on Saturday. Their band won 1st place for Color Guard, 1st place for drum line and 1st place OVERALL for their division! (The bands are placed in divisions based on the number of students in your band). You guys rock! If you want to see them march come out to SCW this Friday night at 7 pm. The band gets things going around 6:40 pm. JD caputred the band's reaction and cheers as they hear the announcement that they are winners! We are so proud of you!

Happy Anniversary JD & Carla 10-4-1986

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY JD AND CARLA!

These pictures were taken on their wedding day at the Maryland Heights Church of Christ. Wishing them many more years of together happiness!

We Love You!