A weekend in the District

I had the opportunity to head north a few weekends ago for a multitude of celebrations. I started my trip in Greensboro, with a lovely lunch with my husband. This so rarely happens, just lunch for the two of us on a weekday, so I didn't mind getting on the road later than expected. I loaded up the car, gassed up and headed north on 85. Driving up that way always brings back fun memories, particularly of the Fall Break I went up to see Lizard and we walked around DC, a mere month after the attacks of September 11th. We saw the giant hole in the Pentagon, with an even bigger American flag hanging beside it, and the whole city had a somber, hollow feel to it. Luckily this time was a different experience.

I arrived at Lizard's house early in the evening and got to meet her sweet new puppy, Ace. She and Matt were busy prepping for his birthday party the next day, so it was fun to just hang out and catch up. We went out for dinner at a fun mexican place and the food was wonderful. The drinks were overpriced, so we headed back to the house for wine and fun with friends. What a treat, to see my favorite newlyweds and some new friend I made at their wedding. I went to sleep alone for the first time in a long time, since Jay and Hayden were back in NC. It felt strange to wake up at 7, realize I had NO early morning obligations, and go back to sleep until 9!

After a series of long, convoluted phone calls, Liz and I finally had a plan. She was in town from the Pac-Nor, and staying with Melissa and Dan. I picked her up at their house and we braved DC traffic to visit the FDR Memorial. I had never seen it before and it was Liz's favorite so we found an unheard-of parking lot and set out to explore in the drizzly weather. We did stumble upon the George Mason memorial on the way and then proceeded to the FDR. What an inspiring place that is! It's full of his memorable quotes, bronze statues and water to represent the different stages of his terms of office. We decided against much exploration, as we had a full day ahead of us in Maryland. After a serious search for parking and a bathroom, we headed to the hotel.

We called ahead and requested early check in to get ready for the wedding. Imagine our surprise when we were at first denied that check-in, and then almost immediately granted said check-in. After the valet whisked away my car and the bellhop whisked away our bags we were finally in our room getting ready. For two females trying to put together two STELLAR outfits, I'd say we made pretty good time. We headed to Sandy Spring, MD for the wedding. We had arrived early in case our assistance was needed with the final touches, but mostly we wandered around taking photos and enjoying the atmosphere. Shortly after 5, the brides walked down the aisle.

After a beautiful ceremony, we headed inside for cocktail hour and mingled with friends and family. The brides and bridal party were off taking pictures and we were busy creating the weekend's signature drink. When we came back outside, the tent had been transformed into two rows of tables for our splendid dinner. We ate, we drank, we laughed and celebrated the love of these two wonderful people. It was such an amazing event, to be surrounded by so much love and support.

Sunday morning I also woke without a little person tugging at my arm and asking for juice, which is pretty strange for me. After a quick bagel and coffee at Panera, I was back on the road and headed home to my boys. I had such a great time with old friends, but there's no place like home!