Springtime in Washington

At the end of March, I headed out to Washington DC again for another training, as I did last year at this time. This time, in addition to training for myself to keep up-to-date on my CPEs, I was also busy with training my coworker who will be taking over a lot of my duties while I'm out on maternity leave. To say the least, it was a very busy week but it was a lot of fun too!


It was my first time away from Jayden though for more than 1 night so I was a bit apprehensive about that part. My inlaws came to stay for the week since it was also a very busy time for DJ. Football spring training (or whatever it's called - I think spring training is the baseball terminology but you get the idea) was in full swing so DJ was leaving early around 6:30 in the morning and not getting home till 7 or so in the evening. It was a great opportunity for Jayden to get some good grandparent time in. And boy, did it sound like it was good!

 They did some golfing.

 They ate good food.

 They flew a kite - perfect wind for that in Laramie! (I like how Jayden is trying to figure this whole kite thing out - that face is a common one for Jayden. He is always carefully analyzing things.)

 They blew lots of bubbles.

 They played with Maia, or rather learned how to tell Maia "no". (Maia is our former dog, now lovingly adopted by our inlaws and not pictured here.)

 And did some cooking...

and more eating, with Grandpa.


Obviously a very fun week had by all for those that stayed in Laramie.


I also made some time for some fun things while I was in DC. 

I finally got to experience the Jefferson Memorial. Usually I don't make the walk all the way around the Tidal Basin to visit this memorial but this time, I decided I would.

 Hi Tommy.

 Unfortunately once again I missed the bloom of the cherry blossoms that surround the Tidal Basin. Every year, I seem to just miss it by days and this time was no different. But there were other trees blooming, as in the picture above, and the grass was green and the flowers were blooming too so I got over my disappointment quickly. At this point, Laramie was still brown and tan and cold.

 I got to experience a gorgeous sunset at the Tidal Basin.

 And then, and this was all in one night because I only had one available evening to actually see some of DC, I made my way to this little place. Georgetown Cupcakes. And for those of you who are not familiar, this place has its own tv show.

 I couldn't make up my mind. Obviously. Aren't they so pretty?? I didn't eat them all though. Just the bottom left one, the top left one and the top middle one. Just 3. Oooonly 3. The rest I gave to my coworker who told me they were in fact just as delicious as they look.

And then I ended my evening here. Ahhh. A big giant soaking tub in my room which I felt my pregnant self deserved after all the walking I had just done.


So the week was a success on all fronts. I'm so so appreciative of my inlaws for coming to help while I was away and very appreciative of my coworker who is willing to take on my work so I can spend quality time with my wee little one when she arrives and VERY appreciative of my husband who didn't even bat an eye when I mentioned being gone for an entire week when this trip first came up.


And now its DJ's turn. He's headed to Vegas for a little business/pleasure trip next week, given that I don't go into labor before then of course. Miss Ava may just make an early appearance! We'll keep you updated!