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| Cherry Blossoms beckoned us away from the mountains to the big city. And, they were luscious and definitely worth the effort! We enjoyed the sunny, although chilly, day of walking amidst the crowds. |
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| We were very happy to notice this sun-warmed bench right beside Herbie! What a welcome spot for our picnic lunch! Afterwards, we did bunch inside the vehicle for some warmth and more cookies :). |
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| A gracious by-stander offered to snap the family photo ... so, here we are beneach Lincoln himself. |
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| Now, this was just a favorite memory I couldn't leave out. We were at the museum and it happened spontaneously without Emily, so I had them pose with her in her rightful spot :). I love my kids! |
(Cantaloupe, the lone surviving kitten, is still meowing this evening. New life is such a marvel. I've never been so observant of each milestone for a kitten. Her eyes are opening today. Tomorrow she will be 2 weeks old. I got to hold little Ella Ruth -- one week old today. I love newborn snuggles! Alas, I love any snuggles. I got hugs from nearly all the kids in Titus's class in an effort to convince Kerith she'd better hug me too. It worked! )
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| The much-awaited canoe ride. I had promised them a canoe ride once Daddy arrived; but, we ended up eating, visiting and going to bed that evening. So, before our departure for home Wednesday morning we bundled up for some time in the canoe. I think it was her favorite part of the trip! My kind of girl! We were so grateful for the luxurious accomodations at my cousin's place in Great Falls. We stayed in her barn which included a full kitchen of which she stocked the frig (my favorite part) and a loft full of every toy -- including dart guns (Dan's favorite part!). The dart guns were necessary to get the helium balloon back to the edge of the room so we could retrieve it for Miss Briella. So, yes, I'm grateful for the all the good shots. |
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| This was the representative photo of our time at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. I think she should definitely buy these sunglasses -- what do you think?!? |
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| Lots of walking ALL the way around the tidal basin. So glad Daddy was able to join us! |
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| The youngest still managed to get a piggy-back ride. It WAS a LOT of walking that day. Dan claims it was 6 miles! Hmmmm. |
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| And, just in time ... with many caveats in the plans ... Grandpa arrived! Can't believe this is the only shot Emily managed to snap of him. But, we all know about "no photography!" I'm very, very grateful for Grandpa who overlooks all my disorganization, my definitely-not-perfect kids ... and fills in the holes where he can. Love this man! Even though he did get me with his e-mail on April 1st that his eggs weren't staying down. Stinker! I worried all night 'cause it was too late to call. I'm thinking about next year... |
