While visiting Breck and Iris in West Virginia a couple of weeks ago, we brought along Rex and Veronica, who've been wanting to visit the kids in their neck of the woods. Despite the weather being terribly hot, and Veronica getting sick in the middle of the trip, we were able to pack a lot into our 5-day stay!

In addition to showing the Holt's around their hometown of Ranson, West Virginia, Breck was anxious to take them around some of his favorite towns and parks...

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia:At the Shenandoah Visitor Center trying to decide which places to stop and/or view.

Taking pictures at the Visitor Center

Every time we stopped to look at the views and take pictures, Breck let Camila walk around in the bed of his truck!

Beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley

Another truck break while Mimi takes a million pictures!

Rex and Breck stretching their legs a bit

There were many deer along the Shenandoah Pkwy. After driving through Shenandoah, we went to LuRay Caverns, which was so amazing that it will need to be a separate post because of all the pictures I took!

Harper's Ferry, West Virginia:No trip to Breck & Iris' would complete without a walk through historic Harper's Ferry, which is just minuets from Ranson.

Walking to Harper's Ferry Cemetery, one of our favorite places because it is so old and picturesque, and has nice views of the Rivers below.

After a little stroll through the cemetary we drove to the historic town below, then walked up the hill to view the railroad, Appalachian Trail, and area where the Shenandoah River meets the Patomac River.

We didn't see a train but we did watch a large Amtrack go by.

Shepherdstown, West Virginia:Shepherdstown is always a favorite of ours to visit because of its history, good restaurants, and quaint vibe with the stream running through the middle of town.

We've always wanted to eat at the Blue Moon Cafe because of the beautiful outdoor seating right next to the stream, so this time we did!

Camila doing a little exploring while we waited for our food.

The food was great, but the setting was 10/10!

Camila giving her Grandpa a fist-bump

Sharpsburg, Maryland:Our first time in Sharpsburg was interesting with its rich historical significance. We visited the Antietam Battlefield Observation Tower which was built in 1897 to provide panoramic views for the study of the Antietam Battlefield.

In the Battle of Antietam, 23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, or went missing after 12 hours of bloody combat on September 17, 1862. The battle ended the Confederate Army's first invasion into the North, and led to the eventual issuing of Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation.

Inside the tower looking up

Views from the top of the tower

View of the parking lot below

What was once a horrific battlefield between the North and South, is now just beautiful rolling hills of corn!

Great Falls Park, Virginia:Great Falls is definitely one of my favorite places, and a site I really wanted the Holts to see!

The Falls never disappoint! Watching rescue boats do white-water training below...

Heading back to the visitor center to get out of the heat!

Rex & Veronica

Camila showing us where things were located on the map.

Learning more about the Falls! Fun fact: the Falls are a popular training area for the US Olympic Kayaking Team!

Watching an interesting movie on the canal and locks creation, using the Ohio, Shenandoah, and Patomac Rivers, for the movement of goods and people.