Virginia is for....Visiting

 Hello Family and Friends.

I took a side trip to see my friend Cathy and her family in Northern North Carolina and then onto Virginia to see Kristina and her family.

I'm visiting very special people in Virgina. Kristina and my son Steve were the best of friends in the Navy and always had each other's backs, laughed at jokes together were at the same command in Washington. The banter and jokes were always in play. I am so grateful for her to have been his friend. When Steve passed, I reached out to his Navy friends and she was the first to call me and we bonded. She has so many great stories about Steve and for that I am extremely grateful. 



This part of the country wins the "Most Beautiful Rest Stops."



At this rest stop, there are vending machines. I was surprised to see a hot dog. No way to cook it, but there nevertheless.



So, here's my bonus granddaughter Kennedy in her "Anna" dress (from the movie Frozen). She did a few dances and twirls to the music playing in her room.
                                                         Yep, she's two (as of next week).

Her baby is having a bit of a meltdown because he is hungry.

 
Kennedy is feeding him and he clearly loves rice and yogurt. (Even though he spits every bite out).


Here's Kristina's husband Frank helping fix something in the van. He is Italian and gave me some language lessons. Grazie Frank!

Kristina was promoted yesterday to E8 and is now a Senior Chief in the Navy. It was a wonderful ceremony.
I have been appointed Kristina's "Bonus Mom". Kennedy named me Mimi and I had tried "BG" (Bonus Grandma), but it's too hard for her to say. I told Kristina not to call me "BM" ha ha ha.
There was a special parking space and seating for me, Frank and Kennedy.

                                                                Mommy and Kennedy.



This is Kennedy's car when she grows up.


Take care. I'm heading back to NC today, a quick stop at Cathy's and back to Asheville for some much needed maintenance on the camper van. Calamity Jane has reached her limit on a few things. Nothing serious.

Laurie











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