Valentine's Mini Vacation

Last weekend we were lucky to get away for a few days to rest, catch up with friends and eat a lot. There's nothing better than enjoying the sights and tastes of D.C. during Restaurant Week. We actually didn't plan the trip around that, but it worked out nicely. Nana and Papa graciously agreed to come entertain the kids while we were gone. We used Eric's Marriott Gold status to get a free suite at the JW Marriott next to the White House, which put us in prime location for sight-seeing and restaurant visiting. Some highlights from the weekend include:
- Visiting the Smithsonian's Museum of American History and Museum of Natural History, the Newseum, the Library of Congress, U.S. Capital Building, and U.S. Supreme Court.
- Dinner with the Swearingens and O'Neills - first visit without kids in a long time!
- Famous Sunday brunch at Old Ebbitt Grill with the Thornes.
- A fun Italian dinner with my college roommate and her husband (the Chistolinis).

Apparently when the kids aren't around we forget to take pictures. This is the only souvenier from our trip, taken from the top floor of the Newseum. (If you haven't been, I highly recommend it. Well worth the admission price).

As much as I love my children, it really is great to get away from them for a few days. It reminds me of how lucky and blessed we are, and I'm always anxious to return to them. Thanks, Nana and Papa, for giving us the opportunity to stay out late, sleep in, and enjoy adult conversation for 60 hours straight!

Meanwhile, here's what the kids did while we were gone:

Snuggles with Nana
Making cookies
Getting dressed up for school




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