Spring Break, Day 2: Arriving in Washington D.C.

Yesterday, we had Meeting at Huel and Bonnie's house and it was tough getting moving in the morning given the time change and day light savings, but we were up and dressed in time. After Meeting, we enjoyed Huel's delicious BBQ once again and packed up our things before heading to the airport. Before leaving both girls played in the creek that runs along their house and both girls' boots were wet and muddy. Sofia also had to ditch her leggings since they were wet, as well.

We loaded up the Baron, gave hugs goodbye and headed for Washington D.C. It was so fun to visit with Huel, Bonnie, Caitlin, and Kyle and we hope to see them soon! The flight to D.C. was only about 2 1/2 hours and both girls again took a nice nap. We landed in Manassas and loaded our stuff into our rental car, which was pulled up right next to the Baron as we landed - not too shabby! We headed into D.C. and got stuck in stop-and-go traffic on Rt 66, of course! We headed to the basement apartment we rented on 6th and A Street S.E. and pointed out all the monuments to the girls as we drove. CK was at the wheel and it was impressive how well he remembered the drive.

We made it to the apartment and met the owner around 5:30pm. He unlocked the basement door for us and showed us around the apartment, which was a lot larger than we expected and was very cozy and perfect for our stay! CK found the apartment on BedandBreakfastWashingtonDC.com and it really was perfect! We wanted to be on the Hill and thought that an apartment would be much more comfortable than a hotel room so the girls could have space to play and we could have snacks/breakfast/coffee as we wanted. Our place had a back room with two twin beds and a huge open area that was perfect for the girls. It was decorated with statues, art work, pillows, bowls, drums, arrows, and things from Africa (including two ostrich eggs) and the girls loved it! It also had two nice-sized bathrooms and our bed was in the main area, so we could put the girls to bed, close their door and have our own space. It was perfect!

After we dropped off our bags, we loaded up again and headed to Northwest D.C. to Karina and Dave's house. Forrest, one of CK's close friends, organized a dinner get together over at Karina's house that included many of our D.C. friends! We arrived around 6:30 and what a fun night! Karina and Dave's house is absolutely gorgeous and in such a nice area of the city. Their kids - Annalise, Sonia and Anders were immediately welcoming and the older girls and our girls ran off and started playing as soon as we arrived! Our friend Jess and his wife, Laura, and daughter Cadence were there as well as Bob, Karen, and Adria and of course, Forrest. It was terrific to see everyone, especially at the same time and we got a great visit in! The kids had a ball together and Annalise got Sofia asking us "What is Harry Potter?" so it looks like we need to pull those books off the shelf when we get home. Annalise is absolutely fascinated with Harry Potter and even held the "magic wand" the entire night. The girls played well together and other than Olivia climbing up to Annalise's top bunk and being too afraid to get down, there were no issues. The food was also fantastic and CK and I enjoyed our first desserts in a few weeks - delicious! We said our goodbyes and headed back to our place on the Hill having enjoyed a great visit with really fantastic folks. The only down side is that we don't live close enough for Annalise, Sonia, Sofia and Olivia to play together regularly.

Olivia is ready for take off!

Surprised at the amount of snow on the ground as we approached D.C.

My little napper and me.

The Potomac River as we drove into the city. It was a sheet of ice! Despite living in D.C. for 12 years, I've never seen it that cold before!

Girls loving the snow before we head to Karina and Dave's house.

The whole gang! What a FUN night!