A surprise visit with Noni

Recently, Jerry took a two-week business trip to Ireland. I had no idea that he had been plotting and scheming for weeks prior to have Noni come spend a week with us while he was gone.  Imagine my surprise and screaming excitement when I walked through our front door on a Saturday afternoon after having a manicure – that he scheduled for me so that I would be gone when he went to pick her up at the airport – and saw her sitting in the floor playing with Alex! I did a double take because I couldn't believe my eyes! It was the BEST. SURPRISE. EVER!! So grateful to have such a thoughtful, sweet husband!

The boys and I had so much fun running here, there and everywhere with Noni. It was the first visit in a while that didn't involve a holiday or birthday planning, so we just set sail wherever and whenever we wanted to. We most certainly wore ourselves out and had the best time doing it! And I sure was grateful to have the help since we were a man down in this household. ;-)

Here are a few of our adventures...

After hitting a local yarn shop for Noni's knitting addiction, we shared pizza and a bottle of wine (for the grown-ups, of course) on a beautiful covered patio in downtown Blacksburg,VA.

One of the Hokie-birds near the Virginia Tech campus.

We made it our mission to find as many Hokies as possible that day.
We kept busy – there are a TON around this part of Virginia!

Frozen custard after our lunch in Blacksburg.
His flavor choice? Chocolate. With M&Ms and hot fudge.
Is there anything else?

Roo-bear attempts his first paint-with-water project while Noni helps.
He got a wee-bit over zealous and tore his art project. LOL!

Alex found this monster mask at Joann's one day. He's into the monsters for the moment.
Noni and I laughed because this little monster seemed to suit him -
neat and tidy with a similar little hair style. =)

Painting his mask. The boy only uses one color these days - BLUE!

All done!

Mister/Uncle Troy - or, Mr. Cun-Cho as Alex calls him - dropped by for a visit and spent a couple of days with us, too. Mr. Cun-Cho took Alex on his first Jeep ride around the block in our neighborhood, and now Alex is very much looking forward to riding in Pop Pop's Jeep on our next trip to Texas.

Noni rewards hard work. After Roo reached and reached for the crackers,
Noni couldn't help but give him a few for all of his efforts.

We visited our favorite creek spot for the first time this summer.
Alex could spend all day here.

Alex and Mr. Cun-Cho throwing rocks. Life doesn't get much better than this for Alex.

Roo-bear had a fun time wading the waters, too.

Getting sleepy and taking some time out for Noni-loves.

Fast friends.

Noni was gleefully giving Roo-bear a little treat.
Not sure who took more delight in this – Noni or Roo.

The boys sporting their Where's Waldo eye-wear. So funny!

Such sweet boys!

Many thanks to Daddy, Noni, and Mr. Cun-Cho for a week full of wonderful memories! We love you all!