Rafting down the James

Thanks to Living Social (and Riverside Outfitters) we went go rafting down the James River. It was so much fun! 

One of the great things about Richmond, you can go river rafting through the middle of downtown.
We got a completely different view from the river of our favorite parts of the city. Did you know that Richmond is the only major city in America with Class IV rapids going through the city?

The best part of the trip was the very end, where we stopped and "surfed" the Pipeline Rapids (my favorite place in the city and home to the blue heron rookery). We had used up our camera by then, so no pictures. That's what happens when you are used to unlimited digital picture taking.

Even better is that Riverside Outfitters offered another deal through Living Social, so we are going again in 2 weeks. Next time we are taking more water cameras.

Duck Race

Every year there is a rubber duck race down a canal off the James River. It is a fundraiser for the Big Brothers, Big Sisters organization. Thousands of little rubber ducks race to the finish. It was cool to watch them drop out the container, but the water was low and the wind was blowing the opposite direction, so the "racing" was assisted by kayaks. We didn't have the winning duck, but still had fun.

Virginia Beach

We spent a day in Virginia Beach while Chuck attended a conference. Our trip was shortened due to my discovery of lice on the girls literally minutes before leaving on our trip. I stayed home to de-louse our heads and home, while Chuck left for the beach. We joined him later that night and the next day got one full day at the beach.

Appomattox Courthouse

On our way home from Smith Mountain Lake we stopped at Appomattox Courthouse National Park, which is where the surrender meeting occurred to end the Civil War. It was a really interesting place and gorgeous.

McLean House where Generals Lee and Grant signed the treaty to end the Civil War. 

Leland's a total Gates girl and loves to use a map.

Sweet Daddy

It was HOT and they were done with the picture taking.

Smith Mountain Lake

Back in July we spent a few days at a house on Smith Mountain Lake. This is the third year (2010, 2009) we have gone together and we always have lots of fun.

This year, my dad was able to come on the last day to hangout with us.

The ice cream boat is always a hit.

We love having our own beach area to swim in.

Playing game on the phones.

So glad I went on this round with Suzanne....

...and not this one. Andy took my place at the last minute.

This is Chuck "taking it easy" because of his back.