Flying to Washington, D.C., with my two boys was an experience as I think flying with toddlers can be hit or miss. The boys were good but Jack did lose it for the last hour of the flight. I felt bad for him and all the passengers around us. 
Thank goodness his screams weren’t infectious to Eban as he was busy watching a movie and/or entertaining himself. Grammie Kass, Grandpa Jeff and Granddaddy met us at the airport. We ate there before embarking onto Rixeyville, Virginia.
Grammie Kass and Grandpa Jeff live on a several acre property with a charming house situated in the middle of a clearing. The woods were loud from all the insects and animals and that was new to me as I haven’t been in the woods in ages. 
The mosquitoes - - ugh!! I don’t miss those little creatures whatsoever! They were plentiful and hungry. Poor Jack got a bite smack dab in the middle of his forehead in between his eyebrows. The bump was so huge and red. 
We had a wonderful time in Culpeper, Virginia, and Rixeyville. One day, we walked around downtown Culpeper and had a blast! We went into the visitor’s center where they kindly greeted us with antique-like wooden train whistles. The boys loved blowing on them at the top of their lungs. We then played around a caboose that is housed near the visitor’s center. 
As we were leaving, a nice gentleman leaving the visitor’s center/chamber of commerce offered the boys doughnuts. Of course they happily said yes and they consumed a chocolate covered doughnut with glee! I only could capture Jack’s face on camera as Eban was off running to the volunteer fire department with Jeff.
The fire department, located on the other side of town (a whole three blocks),
is completely staffed by volunteers who look like they are 15 years old. It was so interesting to see how committed these young boys were to their duties as firemen, etc. 
I know it gives them a sense of purpose and an ethic of helping others. It also keeps them from getting into trouble due to the high level of accountability that goes into a volunteer fire department. The boys were so nice and gave Eban and Jack the grand tour and the chance to sit in all their trucks. 
Of course, due to the high level of excitement and energy from the fire department visit, a big nap ensued with Grandpa Jeff crashing with Eban without the covers on and Jack hitting the hay on the couch in an uncomfortable position - - they were zonked! It was certainly a highlight for Eban as he wanted to go back to the fire station the next day. 
The boys also loved the tractor tricycle that Grammie and Grandpa had. 
Poor Jeff had to push them all around the yard multiple times to make them happy. It was certainly a workout in the intense heat and humidity so the front yard kiddie pool was a great place to cool down - - for the boys, not necessarily us. 
Inside the house was Jada and Clementine, their two rescued Doberman Pinschers. All I can say is that Jada is a huge love of a dog. 
I told them that unequivocally I would get Jada should something happen to them - -somewhat morbid, huh? 
But that big ol’ dog LOVED the boys and the attention. Poor little Clementine is such a shy puppy dog that we didn’t get to know her too well. She shied away from us at every opportunity although Eban did lay down in “her” room and told her not to worry… “that I’m a nice boy and won’t hurt you.” I could have snatched him up and hugged him so being so sweet to her. Obviously, something very abusive happened to her in her prior living arrangements. It just isn’t right when animal owners completely neglect their four-legged companions. Clemmie is a perfect example of it.
Enjoy the following videos from this visit.
Poor Grandpa Jeff Pushing Happy Eban Around The Yard 50 Times
Poor Grandpa Jeff Pushing Happy Jack Around the Yard 50 Times - with Eban's Help
I'm Done Eating Game
Caboose
The Tracy Band - Eban and Jack with their GUITARS
