Kiptopeke State Park

Kiptopeke State Park is probably known for its artificial reef, the World War concrete ships.

Dr. Charles Johnson (General Practice, Richmond) and me at the VSU Cares MOM Project in Petersburg, VA.

During the month of June, I have continued working in the microbiology lab (mostly growing biofilms and analyzing the gene expression of various strains), settling into my home (painting my room and tending to the garden), and adapting to life in Richmond. There have been some ups and downs (on the day I successfully isolated RNA from biofilms, I got into my first bike accident on the way home), but I've also had some excitement (my housemate reported me missing while I was at a two day dental service trip with the MOM Project). During the last week in June, I went camping with my family on the Eastern Shore and had the opportunity of visiting the Eastern Shore Rural Health System community health clinic and interview their medical director. Pictures throughout this post retell some of the camping trip. Enjoy! : )

Andrew, my nephew, found my headlight a necessary accessory during his pretend play on a chilly morning.

Ellie, my niece, points to a cicada perched on her shoe.

Bon voyage--a fishing expedition with grandfather.

My brother and his wife didn't join us on the camping trip but their girls made for great camping company.

Andrew with my parents.

What would a walk without grandfather be?

Ellie scurries ahead to our 'photo shoot' location on the ocean shore near the pier.

...while mommy (my sister) and daddy snap a picture, reminiscing pre-parenthood days.

It is often hard to keep kids in a carriage, but Merrari and Lorena found every opportunity to ride it a treat.

Skipping along with grandpa...

On the dock...

Smiles and sunshine!

Hermanas y amigas: Merrari was born in El Salvador and her younger sister, Lorena, in Virginia.

Ellie never misses an opportunity to entertain all those around.

The sun continues to set on the pier.

...only so many smiles and then comes teasing.

Diva shadows!

Still on the go...

The family

Mom and me

Sparklers on the shore

A shore silhouette 

Andrew caught a few of his first fish on boating trips with grandpa.

Lorena and Merarri share a floaty to navigate the waves.

Ellie and Anastasia at the campsite

The recently purchased van gave my dad an electrical puzzle.

And so the camp photos come to a close.

I am looking forward to participating in the Wise County MOM Project dental service event in July and will continue working in the research lab until August. I hope to report more about the city next month. What's new with you and yours?...do send a comment or email update : )