Family Visits

So within the last month, we've gotten the opportunity to visit with a lot of family. A few weekends ago Dan and I took a quick trip up to Valparaiso, Indiana to visit Sean and Ty (Dan's bro and sis-in-law). We had a great weekend of just visiting and playing Wii (and I did a lot of "shooting hoops" with Dane).

Then the next weekend we went down to North Carolina to visit with Dirk and Erin and Dan's parents. Again, it was a quick trip down there, but it was great to surprise Big Bri for his birthday and to spend some quality time with everyone down there. (We also retrieved Boscoe, and he is now living with me in Charlottesville...what a treat.)

Then this last weekend my brother Mike was out here for work and chose to stick around a few days to spend some time with me and Dan (thanks for letting us borrow him, Kallie...we appreciate it!) We spent some time walking all around the city on Friday and had some AMAZING seafood for dinner. Then Saturday we had a lot of great food and played a lot of Wii. Then today we went to church (yes, we made it to the early service even with the time change) and a brunch and then Mike headed home. It was a great visit, and we're very glad to have had so much time with family in the last few weeks. We love our families!!!

Don't have a cow!

(This is Holly typing) :) There are many things that I have come to like or appreciate by being out here in Virginia (just look at my post about the fall if you need more examples). But one of the funniest things is my love for cows! I love cows! I drive by thousands of cows each week as I drive to/from work and to/from D.C. (my favorites are brown cows). When the weather is nice and my windows are down, I'll often yell "hello cows!" or "good morning cows!" One day there was a cow right up near the road (on the other side of the fence, of course) that was staring into the sun and squinting...but I swear she was smiling at me. I also love seeing tiny calves running around fields. That will make my day.

But the tragically ironic part about my new love for cows is the fact that my belly has decided to hate cows. After having an upset stomach for about 5 weeks, going to the doctor, and changing up my diet, I've learned that I've become extremely lactose intolerant. No more milk or cheese...or even anything with milk product in it. What an unfair thing for someone who loves milk, cheese, and ice cream so much. It's going to be difficult, but at least it's managable (and thank God for lactaid pills).

And if you're worried...don't be. I'll still say good morning to the cows! :D