Family Fun!

Old Ebbitt Grill on Saturday Night!

What a fun weekend!

Joe's parents, Bob and Jul, came down to visit us for a long weekend! When they were traveling into DC, I was rushing home from night shift to catch a quick nap so I wouldn't be so cranky when they came to visit. (If you're up for over 24 hours, you're bound to be a little cranky, okay?!) After a much needed power nap, we all got together for lunch on Barracks Row.

Barracks Row is where we went to see the President's Band perform (see the earlier post!), and the place is lined with awesome restaurants. Not only that, it's got to be one of the safest places in DC!  It's crawling with Marines-- both off- and on-duty-- who mill around the block all day long.  Afterwards, Joe, the hard worker that he is, had to go back to the office and finish his work day.  Bob, Jul, and I went for a stroll down to the Capitol building. It was a beautiful fall day, there were hardly any tourists, and we enjoyed some of the historic sights that DC has to offer.

Friday night was a nice night in.  I made my much-praised "Country Club Chicken".  I call it the perfect fall meal: baked chicken, onions, mushrooms, cream of mushroom, garlic (lots of it), bacon (lots of that, too), cheese (need I say it?), and the kicker-- apples!  I'm posting a link of this recipe because I cannot possibly keep all this yummy goodness to myself: http://www.kayotic.nl/blog/country-club-chicken

Nurses Memorial at Arlington Cemetery

Saturday we went to the zoo where we saw the pandas!  Unfortunately, this was after the baby panda had already died.  The rest of the animals were out and about, though!  The great thing about the DC Zoo is that it's considered a Smithsonian museum, which means it's absolutely free! We had a great time, and even made a pit stop along the way to make sure our hubbies (okay, mine is a hubby-to-be) get the flu shot! Can you tell the women in the family are both nurses? Lastly, we visited Eastern Market, a place where local artists sell their work and nearby farmers bring their fresh produce. Productive day? I would say so!

Changing of the Guard: Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Saturday night we ate at Old Ebbitt Grill, a famous restaurant right next to the capitol building where countless members of Congress have to eat. On occasion, you might even see a senator or two in there! I saw Senator Voinovich from Ohio there last Winter!

Sunday was as relaxing as the rest of the weekend. We ended their visit with a trip to Arlington National Cemetery. This place was breathtaking, humbling, and awe-inspiring. We were able to see the Changing of the Guard for the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Kennedy's grave, and even a tribute to nurses who served in the war.

It was so great to spend some quality time with Joe's parents.  We had a lot of fun and made some wonderful memories. We were sad to see them go!

Miss and love you all!