Spring Break 2009- Chapter 4

So we left West Virginia and started our drive to Virginia where a burrito fete awaited us. When we planned the trip I realized that Matt's friends, Sarah and Tom, lived pretty close to my aunt and suggested we make an effort to see them at some point. The last time Matt saw either one of them was when he was serving his mission in France. He was really excited to see them and I was excited to actually meet some of his mission friends. I know all his mission stories almost as well as if they happened to me and I feel like I already know so many of the people he served with, so this was very exciting for me. Even better is the fact that Sarah and Tom have three adorable children who are all pretty close in age to our kids, except Finn he will have to wait for a"Mitchy" to be born to have his own Mitchell playmate.

So we set off out of cold and rainy West Virginia and headed for Ruckersville, Virginia. Dax fell asleep right away and surprisingly Piper followed not too long after. I read for a while, handed Matt fudge rounds as requested and enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Once in Virginia we stopped at a rest stop and let the kids out to run around for a bit. Well it was freezing and Dax and I decided that we would much rather use the bathroom and then head back for the warmth of the van. Piper and Matt are two crazy peas in a pod and they opted to run up and down the mountain trail a few times- CRAZY!

We stopped at Rockfish Gap to take pictures and enjoy the view. Dax again decided he would much rather stay in the van and look at the pictures later, I stayed with him and Pi and Matt hopped out to take some photos. The view was amazing, but I myself am partial to the cute girl holding the camera.







Before we knew it we were pulling into Sarah and Tom's driveway. Their house is amazing! The pictures do not even come close to doing it justice and I wish we had had more time just to enjoy the beautiful property they live on- next visit for sure! They live on 50 acres or so in a gorgeous house. As soon as we got there the kids jumped out and Dax, our shy one, walked right into the house and announced that we were here. The kids made fast friends and were off to play and we didn't see them again until dinner. And what a wonderful dinner it was! We went with the "mission burritos" and they were delicious! I have enjoyed these many, many times over the last 9.5 years and I never tire of the delicious homemade tortillas and beans! Sarah made homemade guacamole and I was in heaven. Mmm how I love guac!

chez Southall




Dax and Asher



Is Piper ever not posing?!


Skye, baby Finn and Piper



After dinner we hung out and talked while the kids watched a movie and played. It was so fun to listen to old mission stories and catch up on the last 10 years. I look forward to seeing the Southall's again and spending more time together. Piper and Dax love their new friends, Asher and Skye, and have mentioned them several times since our visit. Piper is anxious to send her first email to Skye- that's the new thing these days, email pals :)

Fast friends


Photo by Piper



Thank you Southall's!!!