Night at the Museum...Not Quite

The American Academy of Pediatrics held their annual meeting last week in Washington, DC. We were able to attend and although the weather didn't cooperate the first few days, we really enjoyed our little get away (Lily Kate stayed with her grandparents). Stephen had to attend some meetings and on the few occasions that I didn't attend with him I did some shopping and site seeing on my own.

One of Stephen's best friends from college now resides in DC with his wife, Julie. Though they are incredibly busy with work and school we did enjoy getting to catch up with them. Jared showed us around town.

Stephen and Jared at the Art of Can exhibit in Union Station.

Of course, we couldn't miss seeing the Panthers play on Sunday so we spent several hours at ESPNZone. We were both so glad they got another W.

View of the Capitol from our building.

Proof that we did actually attend the conference :)

Our second night in town, the conference hosted a reception at the Smithsonian Museum of American History. After I got over my disappointment that it wasn't the Natural History Museum (we went there later in the week) we enjoyed the exhibits. Below are some exhibits that made us think of home.

A U-2 Spy plane (like Dad used to fly)

Ninja turtle for Unca.

This picture speaks for itself. We loved the vacation, but we missed Lily Kate like crazy!

An Unexpected Trip

Last week we recieved the sad news that Grandpa Jake passed away. He had lung cancer and had moved to hospice a few days prior. We are all thankful that he is no longer suffering, but we already miss him a lot. Lily Kate and I flew out to Iowa for the funeral. We had a blessed time with all of my family. Lily Kate got to meet her cousins- Nathan, Jadyn and Eric (she had never met Uncle Ryan or Aunt Sarah before either) I forgot my camera, so unfortunately we don't have any photos from the trip. This picture is Grandpa Jake and Grandma Mary when they came to visit this summer. They have been married 62 years! Grandma Mary is an amazing seamstress and she made this pillowcase dress for Lily Kate out of a pillowcase that she embroidered. It is a little big right now, but should fit perfectly next spring/summer. Thanks, Grandma. We loved getting to visit with you...I just wish it had been under different circumstances.

A Little R & R

We were blessed to be offered a place in the Boone for the weekend. Lily Kate stayed with her grandparents and Stephen and I enjoyed a weekend in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We spent some time in Blowing Rock - what an adorable town! Then we went to The Blowing Rock- breathtaking views.

We were a few weeks early for the changing of the leaves, but it was still an amazing time. Best parts of the weekend: getting away from the everyday, eating scrumptious food, worshiping at a church we have never been to- yet still feeling the presence of our Lord, mountain apples. While there is no doubting that we enjoyed ourselves, we were also excited to get back home to our precious little girl!