May Round Up

Well, we certainly had one busy month.  Virtually every weekend was filled with some sort of going on. However, two events deserve recognition -- the first one being this past weekend.  We had an exceptional Memorial Day weekend up in PA.

Even though Tony stopped drilling for Navy Reserves over a year ago, he officially retired from the Navy this month, and Simone and I worked hard to plan a celebration of the occasion with a special family dinner with our closest family members.

We had the dinner at a restaurant named Ocean -- how could we resist?-- and it was really lovely. In addition to the impeccable service, it was a cozy, private space with great ambience and terrific food. We made Tony blush with a slide show of his Navy years and champagne toast.  And Simone recited a customary Navy poem called The Watch for her daddy. She also helped me design the card and cake below.

Aunt Sue made treat boxes for everyone.

With daddy at one head of the table and Simone at the other, we enjoyed a  dinner to remember forever.  So special!

Helping dad open gifts.

What's a party without a little dancing?

The Dotson family.

The retirement event was made even more meaningful because Tony was invited to be the main speaker at the local Memorial Day ceremony.  The whole family, of course, attended to mark such a special remembrance. Despite the rain, it was touching tribute to honor the fallen of my hometown and all who have served.  Truly what Memorial Day is meant to be.

Finally, I would be remiss not to highlight Simone's annual spring piano recital last weekend.  She did a great job once again! Each year the song gets a little harder and she rises to the challenge.  So proud of her for sticking with it and continuing to make progress.

Our June promises to be a bit less busy, but July then picks right up again.  No complaints though. Simone's years are racing by and we cherish every memory of every month we share together.

Hamilton Invasion!

Last weekend we turned over all of our yard work to a hopefully-very-capable lawn company.  In celebration of our new found free time, we decided to go all out with a Hamilton-themed, road trip weekend.

We kicked it off with Simone's school Variety Show.  This year, Simone and her friend performed a song--Aaron Burr-- from the smash Broadway musical Hamilton.  Simone was Aaron Burr, and they were a hit! They were literally signing autographs at the end of the show!  LOL!!

OUR STAR!

Pre-show pizza party with her friends!  Lots of smiles, but nerves were running high in anticipation of their big performances.

Much more relaxed after the show!

The final, go crazy, all hands on stage dance.

A quick pose with a very proud daddy.

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We're so happy for her.  She had such a great time on this big night!  

On Saturday, we rose early to get on the road to Staunton, Virginia-- a small city that had the distinction of being the locale of the VA legislature in 1781 when British troops forced them to flee Richmond.  For our purposes, it is now home to the super cozy Anne Hathway Tea Cottage that serves an authentic British High Tea. 

We had a very relaxing tea here before we explored the historic part of Staunton for a little while. Simone chose Masala Chai, dad opted for Earl Grey, and mom stuck with the reliable London Cuppa.  

Our delicious final dessert trifle.

 A few shots in the lovely English garden out back.

So yummy that we just had to grab a few items to enjoy at home.  Can't wait  to try the Welsh Glengettie tea which is the  Tea Cottage's current best seller.

From there we did a little sightseeing and shopping in downtown Staunton.

Simone was totally captivated by the old school TYPEWRITER that she discovered in one of the  antique stores.  I was more than a little dismayed to see more than a few items from my childhood now featured as "antiques".  

By late afternoon, we headed over to nearby Charlottesville to visit Jefferson's Monticello.  Much to our delight, they offered an evening Hamilton Tour that offered a look at the historic home in the context of Jefferson's relationship with Hamilton.  It was so interesting and informative; a great way to see this place.

Tony in his element!  Should have been a professor.

The tour ended with a small group discussion on Hamiltonian versus Jeffersonian democracy which history buff daddy THOROUGHLY enjoyed.  Such a unique take on Monticello -- so glad we did it!

And last but not least, we ended the night in downtown Charlottesville

for dinner at none other than....

HAMILTON'S FIRST & MAIN Restaurant!

We grabbed some coffee, hit the road, and got back home super late, but had such a great day.  It's a little strange to think that we're raising a little Virginian. But we are very happy that she enjoys history as much as we do!