Friday, April 11, 2008

Bittersweet Trip

We had an unexpected trip out East due to a dear family friend passing away. My grandparents became friends with Jim and Doris back in 1952 when they lived next door to each other in North Carolina. My grandpa and Jim were in the Marines. The four of them became instant friends and have continued that friendship for 56 years! Jim and Doris were like second parents to my mom and like grandparents to me. Many summer vacations were to Maryland to visit them and take in the sites of DC. Once they spent winters in Florida, we'd head down there over Spring Break for Disney and usually a nice relaxing week. Doris passed away on March 16th. A few days before, I was in Orlando for a work conference and was able to go to their house and visit for a few hours. I'm so grateful I was able to see her!
Adam and I decided to make the trip a long weekend. We were able to stay with our friends, Leah and Terry a few nights and spend an afternoon in DC. As you will see in the pictures, it was a gloomy day, but the cherry blossoms were blooming! It is gorgeous this time of year. We also did a drive from Northern Virginia into Maryland on our way to Frederick. I absolutely love it out there! There are old brick houses everywhere and I love the historic feel. My parents, sister, the kids, and my two uncles were able to make it out too. Doris was a sweet, classy lady that will be missed by all of my family!




For some reason, I had never been to the Capital!


Adam posing for his future portrait (outside the Supreme Court)


Chillin' w/ FDR


Here are the Cherry Blossoms



This was a serene little garden on the capital grounds