We had a wonderful visit in Washington this past weekend with three of the five grandkids. So, in the past two weeks, I got to see them all!
We stayed with my sister Suzanne and brother-in-law Fritz. Some people are great hosts and some houses great destinations, and they have it all. In fact, I have stayed over the years with them so often that I feel quite at home in my cozy front bedroom. They own a Sear's house in "lower" Chevy Chase (the non-snobby, slightly overgrown and decadently luxurious part) in NW Washington. A Sear's house was one that was ordered from a catalogue and delivered with every piece and part to be assembled on site. The house has the charm of old and the conveniences of the remodeling they have done. Fritz's backyard waterfall is the cherry on the sundae. We really enjoyed spending time with them.
Harry's ex-wife, Susan organized grandkids' Daniel and Stephanie's visit from Brazil. Jezebel, Matt and their baby Jenavieve came from Albuquerque. Jezebel's sister Lexie came down from NYC and Susan's partner, Steve, rounded out the group. We even got to visit with cousin Judy Caplan, her husband Dean and her terrific kids, Anna and Aaron.
Our first full day was spent doing the tourist thing and we had a great time seeing the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Memorial (still brings me to tears), the new WWII Memorial (did not impress me), the White House, National Monument and having lunch in the Old Ebbit Grille. We ran up to the top of the Washington Hotel also which looks into the White House windows but I didn't see Obama since he was talking to the Pope.
Next day was a visit to Mt. Vernon and Alexandria. I was especially happy to see the tree under which Doug Urich's (my son Matt's dad) ashes were scattered looking healthy and vibrant overlooking the bucolic scene of the Potomac River. In fact, a bald eagle decided to fly over while viewing the tree making me wonder a bit about reincarnation...
We finished the day in Alexandria at the Chart House restaurant having famous Chesapeke Crab Cakes. Alexandria is quintessential brick, Georgian, old and quaint. Reminded me of Miami U., my Alma mater (and half my family's).
Our final day was a rush downtown to Union Station for a last visit with the kids. And, what great kids they are! Daniel and Stephanie are sweet, lovely teenagers. Kudos to Monica, their mom, who is also beautiful and sweet inside and out. No grotesque piercings or tattoos (that I could see), or rebellious attitudes. They seemed happy to be with family and both can understand English very well, with Daniel speaking more easily and being a very protective big brother to his beautiful little sister. A great surprise was Daniel telling us he wants to come to the US for college in a year and a half and we couldn't be more excited. Jenavieve, the youngest grandchild, is six months, and perhaps the most easy baby I have been around in a while. What a trooper - she was dangling from her perch in her Baby Born and not a complaint. And the ready smiles! Wow. She reminds me so much of her Uncle Sam as a baby. Looks just like him from the mouth up. Smile and chin are her handsome Dad's. I got lots of cuddle time.
Susan and Steve were great organizers and company and how lucky are we to be able to spend time as a large, extended family! I heard the comment from both Harry and Susan - that losing Douglas let us gain two fantastic grandchildren. The barriers that were created out of his mental illness are down, and we can all just get to know each other and move forward in relationships. Just wish he could have been a part of the scene.
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