Before we even flew anywhere, we had one of the coolest experiences of the whole weekend! We were privleged to escort over 30 Veterans (from the Vietnam War, Korean War, and World War II) on an "Honor Flight" to Washington D.C. as they were treated to a free trip to visit the memorials around the town. They were guided to the airport gate by a procession of Color Guard, bagpipes, and military snare drums.
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When we heard the announcement over the entire airport about the Honor Flight going to D.C., we thought, "Hey, we're going to D.C. too!" And then, weren't we excited when they stopped RIGHT at our gate and continued the ceremony with the national anthem and Amazing Grace.
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The gate was decorated. The jetway was decorated. The whole atmosphere felt proud and patriotic. It was really special.
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There was even more excitement when we entered the runway. The Austin Fire Department added a water canon salute over our airplane in honor of the Veterans on board.
Being that it had been YEARS since my children last flew on an airplane, the details and experience of the flight itself were incredibly exciting. Spencer enthusiastically reported, "There were even bathrooms on the airplane!"
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Getting our baggage, amongst other details, took longer because of the Honor Flight, but eventually, we made our way up to Silver Spring to enjoy Shabbat dinner with Uncle Dennis, Aunt Sharon, and 2 out of 3 cousin units: Zach and Mark (with Rachel). We were sad to miss Brian and Jenna but were so pleased at how easily our kiddos warmed up to these friendly extended family members that they were completely unfamiliar with.
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Even though we invaded their home for dinner, they still let us seek refuge and spend the night.
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In the morning, these Texan babies were so fascinated by the amount, size, and colors of the leaves blanketing the yard. There was obviously no other choice other than grabbing tools and getting to work.
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They definitely enjoyed the fruits of their labor with the leaf party after the collecting and piling.
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Team Cohen left the confines of Maryland and headed towards Charlottesville, Virginia.
(We have a ridiculous amount of these exactly posed pictures from various road trips.) |
We took time to stop at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello on our way and even met the author of the Declaration of Independence himself.
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After the guided tour that some members of our family appreciated more than others, we went to the Griffin Discovery Room, which had many hands-on activities to help the young people connect with life in the early 1800s. They were archaeologists, digging and analyzing artifacts. They also designed and constructed buildings at the block table.
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In 1822, the United States Federal Government commissioned 200 copies of the engraved print of the Declaration of Independence, and less than 50 remain today. We got to see 1 of them.
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After "Mochitello" (as Spenceman sweetly keeps calling it), we headed to our Airbnb in Charlottesville. The kids were excited to see the rope swing attached to the tree in the yard. I was excited to look beyond and enjoy the view all around! Wins for everyone.
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We have no pictures from the Wedding Weekend Kickoff Celebration that night, but we did snatch these shots beforehand, and we did clean up pretty nicely (if I do say so myself).
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Ethan woke us up in the middle of the night saying that Spencer was moving around too much in the bed. We figured out what he meant. To the couch, Ethan went.
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On Sunday morning, we met some family members (mostly unpictured) at a bagel shop across from UVA. AND I found Kim Holderness in line (of The Holderness Family social media fame), and I was super excited about that!
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Ethan with Uncle Harris |
Cousin Vincent with Daddy |
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Cohen Crazies with father of the bride, Uncle Howard |
We parted ways (temporarily) from the extended family to head across the street to explore the University of Virginia, another of Thomas Jefferson's proud accomplishments.
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We enjoyed exploring the Rotunda, known as UVA's crown jewel, which was modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. It was recently renovated within the last few years, guided by Jefferson's original designs from 1822.
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We walked around the Academical Village, designed by Jefferson to foster cross-disciplinary exchange around a central lawn.
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We stopped by the huge football stadium on campus. We couldn't go inside, but the kids were still impressed.
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Can you believe we had been on vacation for 3 whole days and hadn't gotten ice cream once?! We fixed that immediately.
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After a much-needed nap for 4/5 Cohens, we cleaned up nicely once more and got ready for the reason we had traveled this way.
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What you can't see in the picture: the rain that had already started at the intended outdoor wedding along the Virginia countryside.
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As the weather fluctuated between pouring and not, and the chuppah was being set up in its new covered location, we found ways to entertain ourselves.
Cousin Benjamin risks his back for these not-so-little cousins. |
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The beautiful ceremony eventually came and went. Then it was time for the PARTY!
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Not only did Ethan and Spencer get to use the fancy adult glasses, but they got to fill them with Sprite! Twice!
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Ethan enjoyed dressing himself up with the beautiful bridesmaid's flowers.
with sister of the bride, Cousin Rachel |
with Uncle Harris |
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There was dancing, of course.
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Big cousins Vincent, Benjamin, and Joe had a pretty intense game of tag happening outside of the tent:
Eventually, 3-year-old cousin Jordan received electronic babysitting (so he was distracted during his mother's toast), so guess what our children did next?
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With the bride and groom themselves! Mazel Tov to Cousin Jennifer and new Cousin Andy!!!
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OG Cousins with the newest addition!
Cousins in reverse age order: Andy/Jen, Vincent, Chelsea, Brittany, Benjamin, Rebecca, Rachel, Jonathan |
It was evening; it was a BEAUTIFUL sunrise in the morning. One more day of vacation.
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Last day of vacation breakfast included that much whipped cream, Oreo pancakes, AND M&M pancakes.
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Our last stop before having to head back to the D.C. airport was with Gigi in Bethesda, MD. Having not seen her in over 3 years, it was a very exciting reunion for us all.
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The concluding images of a successful vacation:
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