Butterflies and Rockets

We spent some time Memorial Day with our friends the Zimmermans.  After dinner, the kids went outside to release some butterflies Hannah and Alex had hatched.  While out, they found that one of their neighbors was setting off model rockets, so we headed down the driveway to watch:

Setting the butterflies free

There they go!

Ready to watch the rocket launch

Rocket #1

Rocket #2

Perfect end to the weekend!

Garden Party

We spent Saturday afternoon in Crozet with our friends the Rothmans. The kids kept themselves busy building a "garden" in the park, and then proudly presented the results:

Pool Season

It's finally pool time! First morning at the pool (Memorial Day weekend, of course):

In the Bleachers

Watching Kevin's softball game on Thursday:

Yard Sale Junkie

We had a yard sale, but Benji couldn't bear to part with these items, so he is wearing them.

Encore Players present...

The kids were super excited to see Gammy in a play this weekend.  Benji, in particular, laughed uproariously throughout:

Gammy in her skit, "The Journey"

Still in his fancy clothes, Benji also shows off :his" flowers from Kiley's party the day before

Pharsalia

We at long last visited Pharsalia, the 1815 home of William Massie in Nelson County.  It is only open a few times a year for tours and we've always managed to be busy, but they are hosting a number of events this year for the 200th anniversary of the plantation and we managed to get to the first of these, a folk life festival:

Scenic wagon ride to top of the hill

foot powered sewing machine

18th Century egg beater

Making powder horns

Abby and Benji play hoops game

Benji tries his hand at wash board

Pharsalia plantation house

View from the house

Fun Run and International Fair

Annual Greenbrier Spring picnic was held last Friday. Abby decided to pass on the fun run, but here are Kevin and Benji in the final leg:

Girl Scout Gold Ceremony

Abby and some other local scouts turn out to support a fellow girl scout getting her Gold Award.

Art Project

Abby and some of her friends are working on an art website with their art teacher, Ms. Pagni. Abby, being a big fan of order, apparently asked her teacher to xerox this permission slip she made and hand it out to all the parents:

Mother's Day 2014

We were able to spend it in NY with both grandmas, as well as all of the cousins:

Paquette clan (in funny shadow)

The kids made a sign

Uncle Tom leading some sort of nature walk

Boys everywhere

Josh and Kaeli

Abby, Benji, Patrick and Brian

Kaeli's First Communion

All dressed up

Attempt at a family photo.  Benji is apparently trying to join another family.

Family photo - Paynes

Sweet girl cousins

Gammy and Gavin

Benji checks out the program

Aunt Ruth and Colin

Ready to start

Offering of the gifts

Three handsome boys

Out at the gazebo

Throwing stones

Cake!

Meeting the new puppy back at Uncle Josh's house