Staycation, Day One: Train, Splash, Park & Doumars

I've been so excited to post about our little family vacation! What a treat it was to leave our house in the morning and have fun all day before crashing and starting all over again.

Over the past five years, we have had three children, gone through life-threatening health issues, completed seminary, moved a few times...God is good and He knows what we need and when we need it. He allowed our family to take a few days off and we decided to stay around our area, since we haven't been able to explore with all the other exciting events we've had in our lives. We are quite familiar with most all of the Hampton Roads Hospitals though, ha.

Our first day we went to the zoo- I have taken the kids once every summer, but Michael had never been well enough to go. Watching the kids take new things in is such a happy experience for me, but watching Michael being able to share that joy with is just wonderful. We are thankful, and pray often that God will help us remember that each day is a gift and has a specific purpose for His plans.

{The pictures got out of order} The kids cooled off in the fountains at the zoo.

Since Emma and Elliot LOVE the opportunity (when given) to hold the camera and take pictures, you just might be seeing more of me and Michael...

After the zoo, we went to Doumars- an old-fashioned burger joint and ice cream parlor. It felt like we stepped back into time...everything was in it's original condition, the menu was simple and cheap, the burgers came wrapped in plastic, freshly made waffle cones with plain ice cream flavors...it was fun, and yummy, too. Here is what remained of my burger!

ooh la la. i'm sure i SWEATED the calories off the next day...it was SO HOT! (and notice the water. see, I'm balanced.)

homemade waffles cones every day

these weren't ours, although i was tempted to dip my finger in that whipped cream.

Emma enjoying her chocolate ice cream cone.

We rode the train around the zoo. Elliot was just beside himself with glee. That boy loves trains (except when he hears them go through town at night...then, he wakes up crying. ??)

Daddy and his crew

So on day one, we rode the train, played in the fountains, went to a park and then ate at Doumars...but, honestly- I think what made it so enjoyable was just being able to be together, uninterrupted by sickness!