My parents called a few weeks back to invite eaw and me to join them in DC for a weekend, while my mom had work in town. They were missing eaw and figured DC was as close as it was going to get now that we live in the mid(-dle of nowhere)west. It was a fabulous weekend, and eaw and I both enjoyed the doting grandparents. They were so generous, getting us a room with them at the Willard, sharing delicious meals (including a fantastic sushi restaurant where eaw embedded sticky rice into the floor, the walls, and his clothing).
My mom was tied up in meetings during the day (notice eaw "helping" her organize her papers), so dad, eaw and I wandered along the Mall, and took several visits to the newly open Museum of American History, where we enjoyed a photo op with George Washington himself.
eaw particularly loved the Museum of Natural History with the animal and dinosaur exhibits. I had the sheer delight of spending time with my dear friend Diane and her two energetic boys. We made a playdate at the Building Museum, where they have a wonderful playroom full of construction materials and activities. eaw was enamored of her older son (notice him staring at him in the mirror in the picture below- watching his every move) and ran around the grand entry hall of the museum with her younger son (who is just a month younger than eaw). I loved seeing her, and was grateful to be with her and her boys. She's an old friend of mine, and we've been through many stages together. I was touched as she commented on her joy in witnessing me as a mother. She's a good friend. The weekend was good for my soul (and for my body, as well, as I finally emerged from a lingering sinus infection). Thanks, mom and dad!
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, mtw spent the entire weekend painting our new home. He finished the kitchen, basement, bathroom, and my office (pictures to follow soon). I think he lost a few brain cells from the fumes, but he gained major points in the "honey-do"arena.
...life is abundant, plentiful, and promising.
