Virginia in June

Ella, Owen, and I went to Virginia for a few days so we could hang out with more cousins. Shellie and Jason B. live just outside of DC and Marcie, and Jason F. drove out from Indiana. Since we had limited time, we really lived it up. We seized the day. We lived in the moment. We had joy in the journey. And we tried to sleep as little as possible.

I have to describe my first morning there. Remember my life in Samoa--wild dogs, bugs, geckos, guys in lavalavas strolling down the dirt road collecting coconuts, right? In my sister's community, identical townhouses lined the streets with neat driveways, sidewalks, and mailboxes. Within walking distance of her house there was an elementary school, great parks, a couple of swimming pools, and even a protected wetland! They had regulations on yard upkeep, pets, hanging laundry--even the swingsets had to be wood, not plastic. Everything was so CUTE! And CLEAN!

We spent the morning at a big, fun park, with woodchips and everything (no graffiti!), surrounded by a semicircle street (with crosswalks!) and adorable homes with porches, bushes, nice lawns, and American flags waving. Moms pulled up in minivans looking for their playgroup, kids zipped by on scooters, and others knocked on neighbors' doors looking for friends to play with. The best part was when a firetruck drove by and Fireman Joe honked and waved to us! It was so American! I almost shed a tear. Have I been in Samoa too long that I think this is extremely extraordinary?!

Later we went antique shopping in historic Leesburg (picture cobblestone alleys, brick store fronts, oak and maple trees). Great antiques--I felt like I was buying history. Shellie is hilarious. She tried on all sorts of wild and wonderful vintage dresses, hats, and gloves.

We went to the pool, had a Samoa night with my cousins Brent and Mali (hey guys!), practiced some yoga, roasted marshmellows, camped in tents in the backyard, ate a lot, played a lot, and went to Historic Bull Run to check out Stonewall Jackson and a musket demonstration.
Thank you Browns and Francis' for showing us a good time on the East coast.

Now the pictures.

Say Tasi, Lua, Tolu...

Show us how it's done, Annmarie.

She's a trained professional. Don't try this at home.

That's a fun party trick!

Kumbaya...

Shellie passes Bull Run National Park on her way to the craft store. I love the East!