Home again...

But for how long? You may ask. I can honestly tell you I'm here for a while.

The trip was FANTASTIC! We saw so many wonderful things, experienced history and learned so much. We visited places I never thought we'd get a chance to see. Ahhh. Vacations. :)

Of course, the best part of the trip was seeing our son, Jeff, graduate from Basic Training. Now I know I'm a little late on this particular post, especially because he returns home from AIT some time next month, but it's still important to write about, right? Right...

Holding the Company Flag

We flew into Jacksonville, FL and were accompanied by two of the best people anyone could ever ask for as traveling companions, my in-laws. Truly, they were a lot of fun to be with and we enjoyed the 15 days we had with them to tour and discover. They weren't sure they'd be able to make it at first but in the end they were there and 100%. It was great.

Lee and Ruth

After the long flight, we jumped in the rental car and took off for Savannah, GA. Now, anyone who knows me, knows I LOVE Savannah. Those who live there might call it the "Black Hole of the south," but I adore visiting and seeing all the sights. There's never a shortage of things to explore or beauty to behold. From the Spanish Moss to the canopy of trees that shroud the streets, Savannah holds a mystery and an air of discovery to her.

Savannah, GA

From the many squares that litter down-town to the quaint River-Front shops, Savannah entices. She entices you to walk back in time, slow down and become genteel, refined and well-mannered. I must admit to having a love affair here, in Savannah, an affair with history and Southern Hospitality. They are good mistresses.

South Carolina has its own choice places to see and visit but we never seem to get further than Ft. Jackson for some reason. One day, we'll go explore her shores and cities and see what bounty she has to offer. But for now, we are sufficed with the amazing soldiers she produces and that is good enough for me.

Virginia, now there's a place to set some visiting roots! From plantations that still function to cities that glow in the night, Virginia has it all. It's that southern pace that really causes a person to be drawn to these states. It's slow, easy and comfortable. And like Savannah, Virginia holds secrets from the past. I love to visit anywhere in Virginia. I'm never disappointed.

Jamestown, VA looking out to the Atlantic Ocean

Seeing Washington, D.C. was better this time than the first. We had the opportunity to tour the Capital Building, see the actual Senate House and take our son, and soldier, to Arlington National Cemetery where he had the chance to participate--although not directly--in the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns. Because he was in uniform, he was able to solute those men who gave their lives willingly for our freedoms. It was surreal to see my son solute them and know that some other mother, some where, didn't know the whereabouts of her son, a soldier. I was proud in that moment, proud and humbled.

The Tomb of the Unknowns

We met up with my sister-in-law in DC and had a great time touring around. She took her parents back with her to Delaware and Jeff and I took our son on to his AIT. We had a wonderful time with him and were sad to say goodbye after such a short time with him but we know he's doing what he's always wanted to do and he's happy. That's all that matters.

Jeff and I took a few days to tour around Virginia after that and went to places like Jamestown, Williamsburg and a few other spots. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves but were happy to head up to Beck and David's to see them and the boys and spend some touring time with them in Delaware and Pennsylvania.

Amish Country was a lot of great shopping! I highly recommend going there with an abundance of money! Just remember to either ship home or pack into a different bag any items that are liquid and check them in! I promise, you'll be glad you did when you get to security at the airport. : /

A great little band!

We ended up at the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall and many other exciting places while we were there. We had the best sandwiches ever at Reading Station and I did some more shopping. It was a great day, couple of days, in Philly!

This is THE place for Philly Cheese-steak Sandwiches!

But if you want a great Italian sub...look no further!

Beck and Jeff

You always have room for ice cream!

There's never enough time, is there? It always seems to be cut short and it's time to head home again. But we didn't pack our bags up quite yet. We went to Valley Forge and spent the day walking where George Washington and his troops wintered and lived. We visited the most amazing church while there and grew to appreciate those men who gave their all for our country. It was stirring and humbling to walk those grounds.

The monument to the Revolutionary soldiers at Valley Forge

I am glad we went and I'm even more glad to be home to share these experiences with all of you. I hope you enjoy the few photos and the little bit of story. If you want to know everything we did, well that, you'll have to ask me in person. :)