Trip to DC

Since Ava was doing much better on Christmas Day, we felt pretty good about making the trip to DC as planned the next day. I kept getting sidetracked and got a really late start on packing. In fact, I didn't end up finishing until a short while before we planned to leave at 4:00 am on Friday (the 26th). Needless to say, I spent much of the car ride sleeping!

We were pretty nervous about such a long drive with a baby (Claire usually does pretty well in the car), but they both did great on the way up (in large thanks to the Leapster my sister got Claire for Christmas). The trip back home, not so good - more on that later. We got to DC on Friday evening and went out to dinner with the family.

We thought everyone was well, and by Saturday morning, Claire and I were both sick. It is obvious that I was out of it when I reflect on my photos - or lack thereof - from the trip. I am pretty bummed I didn't take more. I was so drowsy/drugged from the cold/sinus medicine on Saturday that I pretty much napped when my girls did, barely ate Christmas dinner or any other meal the first two days, and scarcely remember the gift exchange. I did feel a tad better by Saturday evening and got some fresh air by going to see the national and state trees by the White House. It was really neat, but pretty crowded, so we didn't stay long.

I did happen to get a quick shot of Claire playing with one of her favorite gifts - a bat and ball from her Grandma and Grandpa Goggin.




Ava may have enjoyed the tissue paper more than her gifts! This was the first time a few of the family members had met her.




Claire spent a lot of time hanging out with Hannah, her second cousin. Claire quickly attached herself to Hannah, and wouldn't leave her side most of the weekend (except when she wanted to play with/chase/torcher the dogs). Lots of excitement for an almost four-year-old! Hannah was such a good sport and a HUGE help to us!



On Sunday, I was feeling a little better, so I went with several of the ladies in the bunch to see the Nutcracker. It was a nice treat and such a great show! That evening, we celebrated my brother-in-law's (Josh) birthday and went to see he and his wife's wonderful new home.

We headed home yesterday, so it was unfortunately a short stay. On the way back, Ava was extremely fussy and just wanted to be out of her carseat! It was certainly not as pleasant as the ride there, but I am just glad that at least one leg of the trip was easy! All I can say is thank God for Cracker Barrels - we were patrons on more than one occasion on this trip!