We got to DC in stages--Bran & Alix Saturday, me on Sunday, and Andy on Monday. We met him a the airport and hit the ground running. Or rather driving (almost 1,000 miles in 5 days. it was not a relaxing vacation!) Our first stop was Mount Vernon. Andy looks good for having landed in 100 degrees and 99 percent humidity after a red-eye flight from cool Seattle.
The kids with the Potomac in the background. George certainly had a nice view from his back porch.
We were too late to tour Monticello. Tres disappointed! That was the one touristy thing I really wanted to do. sigh. We had dinner in an Irish pub with an impressive beer list and local wines. Our disappointment assuaged, we beelined for our little rental cottage in the hills outside of Winchester. After winding our way up a mountain in the dark with the fog rolling in and banjos playing in my head, we finally found our home-away-from-home, the Cozy Cottage.
Although the sky was hazy the whole time we were there, we could tell we were at the very top. It was a cute little place and very secluded.
The next day, we were off down memory lane. My memory at least--what is left of it. I did remember my grandparents farm which was a field away from our house and was the place I spent most of my waking hours. I was six when we moved to town. It amazes me that the place is still recognizable after all these years.
I love the barn!
We found St. John's Lutheran Church, founded in 1796, where relatives on my Mom's side are buried. I'll have to check my facts but this may be the church I was baptized in. Regardless, it is the first church I remember.
We also found my aunt and uncle's farm, toured the charming downtown of Winchester, stopped for tasting at a local winery and had a run in with Homeland Security. A whole 'nother story...We went to Delmont, PA, where my Dad's side of the family lives and had a great family reunion. I was too caught up to take many pictures but I made up for it when I got to Jersey and my brother and sister-in-law's place. Of course, my grand-nephew was the star attraction, and for good reason. Isn't he a cutie?!!
Pop-pop and Xavier
And all the "boys" on Father's Day. It was so good to be with family!
It was all too short and then we were off again, back to DC.Andy and I (and a duck's butt)
Me in front of the Library of Congress
What an awesome place!
The Grand Reading Room
After Andy left DC, I went to my conference and then wearily made my way back home. 
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