Virginia; at last.

Ever since I discovered that my furthest back "traceable" ancestors,

(who happen to be the ones whose last name I share)

once came from England and settled in a place called Virginia -

I've had a dogged determination to find my way there one day.

It irritated me greatly, that despite many visits to NC, and even WV,

I was yet without reason to cross that state line.

Until this past week...

A trek over to North Carolina on our way to the 

Family Economics Conference in Raleigh required a short drive

through the thus far elusive state;

and I couldn't have been happier over something so simplistic.

It rained and rained as we drove that day,

but I didn't think it ironic at all to see the clouds part -

and the sun glint off the car window rain droplets as the 

Virginia state sign came into view.

So fitting.

And so ridiculously dramatic...

To add to the mental commotion,

Virginia brought my list of visited States to 30;

and seeing as I have a childhood goal of making it to

all 50 of them before I'm that many years old -

I find being 10 years ahead of schedule as something to celebrate.

(Please don't laugh... Trust me, I do have bigger goals in life...)

And also seeing as Dad and I have had quite the debate

over what exactly constitutes having been in a State...

(all those pesky hours spent in airports that don't count...)

having a picture with a sign was very much necessary.

(Though he has conceded that touching the ground with

my feet is enough to make it official.)

My short little drive-by glimpse of the land of

my forefathers only left me more determined than ever

to go back again...

What a beautiful, beautiful place.

But hey, at least I can finally say I've been there.

And even Dad has to agree.