Trams, Buses, and Trains. Oh my!

This past week was a busy one. I had visitors and finally have something to write about!

Last Friday, after work, I drove to Timonium, Maryland to meet up with my grandparents and spend the weekend with them. My grandpa is a civil war buff and they were in town for the annual Baltimore Antique Arms Show. I visited them there last year as well, and its actually a lot more fun than it sounds. We were there all weekend and I left to go back home on Sunday evening, with more people in tow.

It had been decided that my mother and brothers were going to meet us there in Maryland on Saturday night and then they were going to stay with me for the following week. They also brought along my other grandma and surprised me with a visit from Hannah, my closest cousin.

For those of you who haven't seen it, my apartment is very small, 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It's always difficult with visitors because there just isn't much room. 6 people is a lot and I always feel that I'm stepping over people wherever I turn. Totally worth it though. We did some cool things while they were here, but it was mostly a pretty chill visit.

On Monday we visited Arlington National Cemetery and took a tour on the tram. We drove past the Kennedy gravesite, the Lee house, and several sections of the cemetery. We were able to watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then we came home and mom made my favorite meal. Chicken and Dumplings, yum yum! On Tuesday we rode the metro train to Union Station and hopped on a night tour around the National Mall. It was fun, but it was too cold to ride on top of the bus, so visibility wasn't great. They should really redesign those buses. 

Just look at the smile on Robert's face. What joy!

Wednesday we did the bus tour again and stopped off at a couple museums. Grandma and I had some tea in the Holocaust Museum cafe while the rest of the group took a look around. I had seen it before and, quite frankly, have no desire to see it again. It messes with my mind and makes me upset for the rest of the day. Which is the point, I suppose. But still uncomfortable. We visited the American History Museum too, which was a much happier visit. Rodney got to see the Bat-mobile, I got to see Dorothy's ruby slippers, and Mom and Grandma were able to see Julia Child's kitchen. 

I used to be obsessed with this movie when I was younger.
Ask my Mother about it sometime. 

The day ended with a visit to Madame Tussaud's wax museum. The display included all the U.S. presidents and several popular celebrities. Rodney was really freaked out a first, but he came around eventually. Me and Hannah were much impressed with the likeness of Zac Efron. Then we had a very long and crowded ride home on the metro, during rush hour. It was a bit miserable, but it was the only time we ran into that particular problem.

Just chillin' with Abe

Thursday was rainy and gross, so we spent it watching movies and getting frustrated with Rodney's attempts to play video games. Lego Harry Potter is too complicated for 4-year-olds, in case you were wondering. Honestly though, it was nice just being able to relax after being out and about all day Wednesday. 

Friday was another pretty chill day. We hung out at home all morning. I had a haircut scheduled in the afternoon (which are very difficult for me to reschedule, due to work and the fact that my hair stylist is an amazing wizard). While I was doing that, the rest of the gang went to the Manassas Battlefield. We met up for dinner after and then drove to the National Harbor to take a ride on the Capital Wheel. Which was great, except it was ridiculously cold and windy. The wait was miserable, but the ride was fun. 

Another winning smile from Robert. Also I just realized
I'm wearing the same scarf in every photo. Go me.

Everyone left Saturday morning Luckily, Nicci (my hair wizard and best friend out here) invited me to run a 5K with her. We had a sleepover last night and got up early this morning. The impromptu 5K went ok. I didn't do great, but I didn't finish last either, so here's to small victories! I did feel slightly nauseous after crossing the finish line, but it resolved after a good breakfast at a local diner. 

And now it's just Peter and I sitting in my too-empty, too-quiet house. That's always the worst part; after everyone leaves, I feel even more lonely than before. Tomorrow it's back to my regularly scheduled programming, so hopefully the blues don't last too long.

Approximately 60 days until Josiah comes home.