Virginia is for Lovers

Did you know that this is the motto for the state of Virginia? Kind of weird huh. I thought it was very funny. Rusty and I took a little trip to Virginia this past weekend. We have had it planned for a while now. He originally wanted to surprise me with the trip, but since it is a 9 hour trip, he wanted to make sure I was ok leaving J for that long. So after much thought, I decided to go on this lovely trip my wonderful husband had planned. I know you are asking, "why Virginia of all places". Well, Rusty manages a plant up there and is familiar with the area. Secondly, it is usually very beautiful this time of year with the leaves changing. Thirdly, we have been to VA and West Virginia more than once and are familiar with the drive. Now that we cleared the air, I want to tell you about our trip. It was the first time we had left J, so I was a little nervous and knew I was going to miss him dearly. However, we are so lucky to have grandparents who are willing to give up their time to take care of our little man. They did a wonderful job taking care of J and I am thankful to have the help. Thanks Gam and GiGi. Ok......we left on Friday and got there around 4:30. On Sat. we had planned to go hiking on some mountain that Rusty had found. He said it had some good hiking trails and we thought it would be beautiful to see the leaves, and Sunday we would drive back home. On Friday night we ate a the cutest little local restaurant called the "Log House". It was wonderful. They had stuffed squash to die for. Anyway, we got up on Sat. morning (late!!!!!) and headed up the mountain for our hike. After asking a few directions and thinking we were never going to reach our destination, the heavens opened up! We rounded the curve and I swear I saw the most beautiful sight I have ever seen!  It was a hotel sitting on a hill made of rock. It was a very familiar hotel that I recognized from the side. I didn't even have to see the front before I realized where I was. I quickly looked at Rusty and said, "Babe this hotel looks like the Dirty Dancing hotel". I then said again, "Russ this looks just like Dirty Dancing". Still in awe at the possiblility that this was the actual hotel, I said for the third time in a much higher voice, "Russ, this looks just like Dirty Dancing". I finally look over at my husband and he has a grin on his face and says, "yes baby, this is the Dirty Dancing hotel". He had taken me to the scene of Dirty Dancing. I could not believe it. He then shared with me that he had this trip planned for more than a year and was so happy he could finally bring me. My wonderful, sweet, thoughtful husband had searched out this place and surprised me. Most of you know, that I love, love, love the movie "Dirty Dancing". I know it is pathetic and I know the movie doesn't really support my morals and values, but I still love it. I can act out scenes, quote lines, and know lots of trivia. I love to dance and this movie is all about dancing. I have always dreamed about being a dancer and for a few hours on Sat. I got to pretend. It was so fun to walk around and see actual places where the movie was shot. We took lots of pictures and I will never forget that day for the rest of my life. It was wonderful and I love my husband for being so thoughtful. Like I've said before, he knows how to touch my heart. Thank you sweetie for loving me so much that you would spend your whole Sat. learning even more about Dirty Dancing. Even though I've made you watch several hundred times before, you still seemed interested.

I could go on and on about the weekend, but I am sure you are tired of reading by now. It was great and very relaxing. I guess you want to see some pictures now don't you? Just remember pictures do no justice in this case. I am also attaching some beautiful pictures of the mountains. Thanks for reading.

Thanks again Babe for taking me on such a special trip. Just one more reminder of how lucky I am to have you. I love you!

 Before she carries the watermelon

Where the Houseman's stayed

Gazebo where they danced

Isn't it beautiful!

Asking directions!

Our view from the top of the mountain. Not a leaf anywhere!

On the way up

I love him!