Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive

On July 19th, the Goldlust family decided to take a nice drive out to the country and see Luray Caverns. When we arrived to the caverns after a beautiful and scenic drive the weather had got much hotter, so we were looking forward to escaping to the cool climate of the caves. The Goldlust's quickly bought tickets, got through a rather long line quite quickly and then Ben's Mommy proceeded to carry Ben down 70 stairs while Ben's Dad carried his stroller down. Thank God for Daddies!

The caves was beautiful and Ben looked around in awe. He was probably wondering what Mommy and Daddy were doing by taking him to such a weird looking place! The beauty of such a natural enviornment is hard to explain unless you have been there and although I will provide photos, it hardly does it justice.

Ben And Daddy


The Family


Ben and Mommy


After the hour or so long tour of the caves, Ben, Daddy and I headed to the Car Museaum. Ben's Dad LOVED looking at all the cars, but Ben was more interested in the ropes that surrounded the cars. I guess it will take a few years for him to gain some interest in them. At least it was free and fun to do.

The Ropes Ben Loved


Finally we decided to start heading home and instead of using the regular roads back to Centreville, we decided to take a more scenic drive down Skyline Drive. It was absolutely gorgeous! We stopped at several spots to look at the fantastic views while Ben slept soundly in the car. When Ben did wake up we took the opportunity to show him what he was missing. When setting him down for a photo (like all Mommies do), I looked before I sat him down to make sure no trash was on the stone wall. Needless to say I was shocked and screamed a bit when I saw a snake skin. Ben's Dad certainly had to take a look and of course a picture. Ben didn't care much about the view. He cared more about the motorcycles whizzing by. What a guy!

The Gorgeous View


The Sleeping Prince


A Photo Mommy Took


What A Ham!


Looking At The Motorcycles


Two Handsome Guys


So Cute!

Ben Turns One!!!!

Yesterday was Ben's 1st birthday! I can hardly believe that my little guy is already a year old. Where did the time go?

For Ben's 1st birthday, his Dad and Mom took the day off work to spend the special day with him. We wanted to make the entire day all about Benjamin! Ben started the day bright and early at 6:00 am. I made him breakfast of scrambled eggs and small pieces of apple. He ate half and gave the other half to his two silly poodles. After taking his usual morning nap, we all got ready and headed out to Bull Run pool. Ben had never been to a real pool before and he enjoyed having the baby pool too himself. He splashed around for a hour or so and then he made the cue that he was ready to leave. After a quick and delicious bite at the European Bistro, we then all headed to Reston Zoo.

There, Ben was certainly entertained by all the animals. He meet a parrot and a chicken up close and personal, as a zoo keeper was taking the animals around to the different children at the zoo. Ben's Dad had bought some feed for the animals in the feeding barn, so we headed over there next. We were first greeted by two ducks and three very large, white swans. The swans were very interested in getting their necks high enough to steal some food from Ben's Dad. The ducks thought Ben's feet were pieces of food and tried to bite them. Ben's Mom almost gave them a quick kick in the hiney but instead shooed them away with success. We then went to the other animals in the feeding barn, which consisted of Alpacas, lambs, sheep, and goats. Ben really enjoyed watching his parents feed these silly animals. Ben also had his feet licked by the baby animals as we passed their cages. After we had a full day at the zoo, we all went home to relax.

In the evening, Ben enjoyed a chocolate cupcake frosted with green icing. He ate half and threw down the other half of the cupcake to his doggies. After a much needed bath, Ben feel asleep in his Mom's arms.

Happy Birthday Little Man!!!!

The Cake Ben's Nagypapa Made


Birthday Boy



Enjoying The Cake


Opening Presents (After a quick bath)