Lexington Test Session

 Saturday, August 15, 2020

Well, Coronavirus held off enough that we were able to go to Lexington for Emily's next USFSA test session.  This time she was testing Juvenile Free Skate and Novice Moves.  I can't even believe I just wrote that.  She's moved through these tests so quickly...even with a couple of re-skates along the way.  Her first test was just 3 years ago in January 2017.  Now in moves she only has 2 tests left before her gold medalist jacket - junior and senior.

We went out to Lexington on Friday morning with Cate and Elle.  We hit up the Cheesecake Factory for lunch and then went to the mall and a really neat outdoor shopping area where all the girls raided Lululemon and several other shops.

Then it was time for the evening freestyle session.  Unfortunately it was very busy - not ideal for social distancing (though masks were worn) and definitely not ideal for preparing for test.  Emily ended up having a bit of a meltdown after failing to find space, and failing to land many jumps.  Ultimately she was ok and was able to get her skates back on and skate a clean program before finishing the session.  Then that evening we went to a cool pizza place called Old Chicago.  Very tasty!

The next morning the skaters had 2 more hours of freestyle and then the tests began.  Emily skated Juvenile Free Skate first and had a fabulous program.  She landed both of her doubles and her axel.  Plus her spins were beautiful.  Results are usually quick in Lexington so we did not have to wait long before getting the good news - PASS from all 3 judges!  YAY!

   

We had to wait for several hours before her next test - novice moves.  In the meantime, several of her friends passed their tests which was definitely exciting.  Plus, she had a little air in her sails from passing free skate.  

Everything was going really well in her test until about halfway through when she put a foot down coming out of one of her loops.  We were hoping that maybe she got a +1 on another move to off set that so that she would still pass.  And she did!  In fact she got several mark ups (and mark down on the loops) and passed from all three judges!  YAY!  What a day!

As a good luck gift from Elle, her mom (Trina) made these amazing picture collages for each of the girls!  I am in love!!

   

Stonewall Jackson Resort Retreat - Day 4

 Monday, August 10, 2020

Today was our last day at Stonewall so we opted to go back out onto the water for more kayaking.  Turns out we really, really like kayaking.  We had to go back through the tunnel.  That was too neat to pass up - plus, shade!!  Then we headed to the other side of the lake for a view of the lodge.  This is where we had stayed on prior visits and we liked it.  But, the cabin was something different and in this era of social distancing, it just made more sense.

      

   

  

After we turned in our kayaks we headed back to the cabin for lunch and some rest.  Then it was pool time again!

   

We closed out our trip with steaks on the grill and s'mores for dessert along with a few rounds of cornhole and a game of Catan.  What a fun long weekend this was!  We liked it so much we booked another long weekend (this time in a luxury cabin) in October!  I'm already looking forward to seeing the leaves change, trying out the fireplace and enjoying some cooler weather.

Stonewall Jackson Resort Retreat - Day 3

 Sunday, August 9, 2020

Today we tried out one of Daniel's favorite activities - biking!  I hadn't been on a bicycle in years so I was hoping the old adage that you never forget how to ride a bike was true. Turns out it is true!  I could still ride!  The weather was really nice again today, although it was a bit hotter.

   

   

   

   

After out biking adventure all over Stonewall, we came back to the cabin to shower and have hot dogs on the grill for lunch.  Then we spent our afternoon at the pool again.  For dinner we had pasta and garlic bread on the deck.  Then it was time for more cornhole, a round of catan and more s'mores toasted over the gas grill.  Funny how fast days like this can go...

   

Stonewall Jackson Resort Retreat - Day 2

 Saturday, August 8, 2020

This was our first full day at the lake and we decided to make the most of it.  We headed straight for the kayaks!  We learned quickly that without current (like on the river) you have to paddle a lot more.  But we had lots of time and the weather was gorgeous so off we went!

  

 

  

We found several neat little areas around the lake to explore and we really liked paddling through the little tunnel.  No one fell out and this time Emily opted not to swim.  She didn't mind swimming in the river, but for some reason (maybe the plants growing on the bottom) she had no interest in getting out of the boat at the lake.

After kayaking fun, we headed back to the cabin for lunch.  Then we spent the afternoon at the pool swimming, enjoying the sun and relaxing.  For dinner, we cleaned ourselves up and had dinner in the main restaurant - something we don't do much anymore.  Daniel and Emily had steak and I had pulled pork.  For dessert, I had apple crisp and Daniel and Emily had this toasted marshmallow caramel brownie thing.  It was all really good!

   

Stonewall Jackson Resort Retreat

Friday, August 7, 2020

Emily ended up deciding not to go to Space Camp this year due to Coronavirus and all of the various restrictions.  So, as a consolation prize, we decided to rent a cabin at Stonewall Jackson Resort for a long weekend.  We have stayed in the lodge a couple of times, but this was our first time renting one of the cabins.  Turns out, it is really fun!  And there was plenty of space for social distancing.

We arrived on Friday evening about 4:30 and got all moved in.  The cabin had 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a full kitchen and family room and a great deck overlooking the lake.  So pretty!

         

   

Once we were all settled in, we headed out to enjoy the views of the lake, grill up some dinner and play cornhole!

  

   

Then it was time for s'mores!  This is not exactly how I pictured it going down...I pictured a fire pit with little twinkle lights and logs to sit on while watching the sun set over the lake...  But, the s'mores were still really good!

   

YUM!