DC

We have been hanging here in Virginia since Friday. I got into Dulles ( a very cute little airport that is easy to navigate) Friday afternoon after a flight that was close to perfect. I got to sit by myself on my own side of the plane and we just went up and came down slick. Chira and Caden met me at the airport. We have the cutest little grandson. Chris got home and we had calzones for dinner (y'all really need to get this recipe from Chira) and Chris took off for Germany at 3 the next afternoon. He was delayed getting out of Dulles, therefore missed his flight to Germany and so had to route to Lisbon Portugal and layover four hours before he could travel on to Germany; an eight hour trip turned into a 24 hour gig and we are assuming he is ok. We haven't heard from him since he called and said he had made it to Portugal (we have since heard from him...he is ok but has had no luggage and food poisoning among other inconveniences) Sunday we went to the kids ward. They have a very nice ward. I think there are some very nice people there and was excited to have an idea about who they are/will be working with. Monday Chira and I ventured over to Leesburg. Leesburg is at the beginning (or the end one might argue) of a ninety mile driving route that traces Civil War babttlefield sites! Guess what I will be doing in the not so distant future. We visited Rust Manor and Graydon House (just looked around because they were unavailable for touring) and wandered the outlet mall in Leesburg. Cute black dresses!
Tuesday we attempted a run to the temple and the zoo. The temple is huge and hidden behind a forest. I guess it rises off the freeway if you are coming from the other direction. Lovely visitor center with a map of ancient Jerusalem that I may attempt to 'mock up' just for fun. Then we went to the zoo and saw lions and tigers and bears (pandas) Our route home took us through Gerogetown and out over Lincoln Memorial Drive. It is a beautiful city that I adore and have a better feel for with our little tour. The National Cathedral is impressive! That goes on a list of places to get back to. Wednesday we slummed and went to the grocery and made some fun almond crescent pastries and watched Shear Genius. There is a FABULOUS biking trail that runs for miles back behind the kids town home that was great fun and beautiful to get out on in the morning. Weather delightful. A darling little park that Chira and Caden (and Chris when he is home) get over to every night. Caden loves to go 'side'. And he misses his daddy. He wandered for the first day or two calling for 'da..eee' in the late afternoon hoping daddy would come home. He is a darling and sweet and fun and charming little guy that steals your heart in about 30 seconds. And man does he have an arm. Happy to have a chance to see the kids and see where they live and how their daily life goes. And time with babies that grow too fast in precious. Thanks for letting me come!