Spring Fever

It seems like we've been going at full speed lately. We had a great trip back to Lexington for our friend Leigh Ann's baby shower at the end of April! We sure do miss our neighbors Leigh Ann & David and are so excited that they are having a baby boy this month! Jackson went along for the trip too which definitely made it an adventure.

A benefit exhibition of Dicks' work opened at the beginning of May at the Reynolds Gallery here in Richmond. Yes we are biased, but it really is an amazing show. Jason, Eleanor and I were all in attendance at the opening. Do stay tuned for more on this... there will a Richard Carlyon retrospective coming to Richmond in September 2009.

For Mother's Day, it was a treat to share the day with both my Mom and Jason's mom. My parents, Eleanor, and the three of us enjoyed a yummy lunch at a new Fan-spot called Verbena. Jackson did great sitting in his seat for almost an hour and a half. And for those not so up-to-speed with toddler time, that is a VERY, VERY, VERY LONG TIME!

Later in May, Jason took a week to travel to Marseille, France for a work-trip. Yes, yes it does sound idyllic but just take a read of an excerpt from his e-mail to me about the trip just getting there...

"I finally made it after a trip that was a tad eventful. The detroit flight was delayed and I got to the gate as they were boarding. I sat behind a woman with a 3 year old and an infant. The guy next to me spilled his red wine, a little of it on me. A person had to be laid out on the floor of the exit row one row in front of me to get 3 bags of IV fluid because she was so dehydrated. Then a guy was having heart issues and we had to make an emergency landing in Shannon, Ireland. We then had to get all these approvals to take off so we were in Ireland for 2 hours. Plus, hardly anyone slept on the flight. I took Thomas Edison like catnaps throughout and don't feel too bad. Nearly everyone missed their connection. I ran through the airport to customs and got behind the posterboy for 'I've never flown before.' He showed up with his water bottle and didn't take his laptop out of his bag. I finally get through and literally ran over a mile through the airport. There was a line to the D gate that was over a football field long (seriously). After standing in it for 10 minutes, I asked this official passing by if I get to D85 from this line and she said 'NO sir, this goes to D1-57.' So I take off again and see the sign for the rest of the D gates. Of course the gates go to 87 and I am going for 85. By the time I arrive at the gate, literally with sweat pouring off me, I get to the line since they are of course boarding."

While Jason was away, Jackson and I took a trip to see my folks. My dad had arranged for Jackson to visit our cousin Andy the fireman at the fire station. He was SOOOO happy. He is the typical boy and loves all things TRUCKS, especially fire trucks!

Over Memorial Day weekend, we were able to spend one morning with The Carroll family (Mike, Michelle, Luke & Amanda). What a real treat it was. I made a very yummy egg & brie strata from Cooking Light (btw - there were no leftovers so I know it was a hit!). It was great to to see their two kids play together with Jackson, who by the way did a great job sharing!