I just returned from a super fun trip to D.C. My sister and her family have lived in various locations throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland and D.C. for many years. It’s always exciting to visit and make new memories. It’s just really hard when we have to say good-bye.
Every October, my sister and I try to get together during our birthday month. We were born three years and four days apart. It’s heartbreaking no longer having our mom here to celebrate with us, so the two of us work hard to be with one another. That was one of the reasons we flew up this past weekend.
Also, my boyfriend had a mortgage bankers’ conference in downtown D.C. so he was heading up there also. It worked out really well and we all had a wonderful time relaxing, laughing and catching up. We even hit a few golf balls one day at Top Golf. Granted, I’m not the most savvy golfer but I did make some improvement as the day progressed.
I love traveling and truly believe in the work hard/play hard mentality. There’s so much to see in this world and time flies so quickly. I want to soak up every day and each experience. You just never know what you’re going to see. When we arrived last Friday, we hung out in Old Town Alexandria. We dined on the waterfront and took in the scene. When we were frolicking around afterwards, we stumbled upon a gentleman who was playing Mozart and Bach with glass and distilled water. It was fascinating. These are the things you don’t see if you never get out of your comfort zone or small little town.
This most recent trip to D.C. was unique in that my two boys were not with me so I didn’t do much touristy sightseeing stuff. When they are with me, we try and hit up at least one museum or visit the monuments for a yearly photograph. The last time the boys came we explored the National Air & Space Museum (not the one at the National Mall but the big one out in Chantilly, VA.) It’s a must-see if you visit the area with kids or teens in tow.
But this past weekend, the theme was Food, Frolicking & Fun. We tried a number of new restaurants and oh my goodness, how I love quality food and funky restaurants. We also explored downtown D.C. and spent time in sections I was previously unfamiliar with. Matthew and I even stumbled upon the Palmer Alley umbrella exhibit in downtown D.C. It was amazing to photograph but even more incredible to view in person.
One of the new restaurants we tried is called Ted’s Bulletin. There are several locations around the D.C. area. It’s one of those trendy, popular restaurants located in an old historic building and offering amazingly delicious dishes. It’s been around long enough to establish a solid reputation and a long wait time. Once we sat down and enjoyed our brunch, the wait was completely worth it.
Monday when my sister and brother-in-law were at work and Matthew was at his conference, I had some time to myself. I found a cute little joint called Peet’s Coffee. I found a window seat, put my head down and got quite a bit of work accomplished. When I needed a mental break, I looked up so I could watch the passersby. I love the vibe of a big city.
While the city itself brought so much fun and newness, the best part was being with family. Oh, how I miss my sis and brother-in-law and nieces. I wish we had more time to travel and see one another. Since my mom passed, time with my sister is even more precious than ever. And my little niece Maddie is growing like a weed and is smart as a whip. We’ve decided we just have to see each other more.
As I sit here back at home, settled into my regular routine, my thoughts are in D.C. and what a fun weekend it was. My thoughts are also with my fam and how excited I am to see them in a little over a month on Thanksgiving. There’s a quote that says, “It’s not what we have in life but who we have that matters.” I couldn’t agree more.
