Ever since moving to Winston-Salem, Molly, Mary Grace and I had been eager to take a trip back to Washington so that we could visit with Lanie, Richard, Maggie and the boys. We also miss having the city as our backyard, so just being able to stroll through the hustle and bustle of our old stomping ground was something we had been excited to do. Last weekend, we were finally able to make the trip back up to DC so that we could visit with the Manns and meet Mary Grace's beautiful new cousin Maggie. We had great weather the entire time we were in Washington, bookended by snow and a week's worth of rain, so we were very lucky.
First and foremost, Maggie is ridiculously cute. We had completely forgotten how small newborns really are, and after seeing Maggie, we realized that Mary Grace is certainly no longer a baby. Mary Grace prepared for the trip by learning how to say "Maggie," and promising to be gentle when she was around her little cousin. She was most excited about seeing James and Owen, and after about five minutes of shyness, warmed right up and started playing with them.
Lanie and Richard have their hands full for sure, but they are great parents and do such a good job at tag-teaming difficult situations. The boys have also grown up so much since we last saw them; they have matured into responsible big brothers.
James sharing his toys with Mary Grace.
Mary Grace loved all of the cars and trains.
Spending some time with Maggie.
Mary Grace stuffed into her stroller at the Zoo.
Big smile.
Posing for a picture in front of the zebras.
Mommy and Mary Grace at the Zoo.
Lanie and Maggie.
Such great cheeks!
Maggie in her Moses basket.
Mommy and Mary Grace first thing in the morning.
Reading everyone's favorite book, Is Your Mama A Llama?
The boys were so nice to let Mary Grace join them at their table for every meal.
At the park trying to figure out the RC paraglider.
Mary Grace at the park.
Lanie and Maggie enjoying the nice day.
Mary Grace trying to join in on a game of soccer.
Charlie Hustle chasing a loose ball.
Owen showing off his skills.
James and Mary Grace taking a breather.
She seemed to remember these swings.
We are still working on the paraglider. Everyone else is losing patience.
Maggie entertaining us all with Mozart's Don Giovanni.
Post-bathtime.
Mary Grace making an escape.
James and Owen being nice big brothers.
All of the cousins.
Enjoying the nice day in Georgetown before driving home.
Having some raisins on the long trip back to Winston-Salem.
Tyler, this one is for you... Mary Grace watching Sesame Street at 6:00am on her favorite little chair.
