This arrangement is in the grand lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. It is a beautiful hotel with amazing oriental decor that is both simplistic and peaceful. The hotel boasts of a world class spa and a restaurant that just won the 2008 James Beard Award (City Zen). Josh and I weren't able to indulge in these two treats, but it was still the perfect atmosphere for my long awaited getaway.
Josh just returned from two and a half weeks of travel, which is challenging enough for any wife or mother, but we had a series of unbelievable events happen while he was gone. First, horrific thunderstorms came through the area and many people lost power (including Kate and me). So we moved to my parents house for a night. We lost phone and Internet service after another storm, the AC went out in my car, the SWAT team stormed my neighborhood after a random gunman went on a shooting spree (and we spent another night at Mom and Dad's place), a 48 in water main broke in the county and we were on a three day water boil alert, oh and Kate battled a five day fever...just to name a few of the unique challenges that occurred while Josh was gone. So upon his return my parents took Kate for an evening, and Josh and I went into the city for a little getaway.
Typically this hotel would be completely out of our price range. But thanks to Travelocity and the current economy, there are a lot of great deals in the city. I was really excited about finally being able to stay here. We arrived in the city mid-afternoon and had a few hours to rest. Josh took a nap, and I soaked in a wonderful, hot bath (one of my favorite past times). A little later we got all dressed up and ventured out to a Brazilian Churrascaria (Steakhouse). Josh and I had celebrated his last birthday there when his sister, Shawna, was in town. We loved the food, and they serve a special Brazilian drink, Caipirinha, which is by far my new favorite. (For all of those who love mojitos you'll need to research this drink...it's sweet and delicious for the summer. All you need is Brazilian Cachaca alcohol , mashed limes, sugar, and ice. Give it a try if you're looking for something new!) Anyway, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Because of the style of service it's the kind of place you can stay for hours and talk, eat, drink, rest, talk, and eat some more. We walked around the city a bit after dinner to work off the meal and ended up in the lobby of the Willard Hotel; this is where Josh and I began our honeymoon three years ago. It was nice to go back there and recall fond memories.
Sunday we slept in!!!! This was the first time in a LONG time that I have slept through the night. It was wonderful. The next day we were going to visit a museum or two but the city was packed because of a Folk Life Festival on the Mall...so we headed over to a neighboring town in Virginia where we enjoyed a nice lunch and did some shopping. In all honesty, it didn't matter what we did. It was just nice to have my husband to myself for a few hours.
Kate didn't miss us a bit. She was as happy as can be at Papa and Gigi's house. It's nice to know we can leave her without any guilt. :) Thanks Mom and Dad!! We needed the break.
And it tastes good too!
Well, we always knew Kate was a bit on the petite side, but next to her one month old cousin, Collin - she really looks tiny. Kate just had her 9 month check-up where she measured 26.5 inches and weighed in at 16 lbs. 15 oz...she just missed 17 lbs. by one ounce!! Yet, her "little" cousin weighed in at his 1 month check-up at 12 lbs. 10 oz. and is 