Celebrations & Fun for Memorial Day 2010

This Memorial Day holiday we traveled into 4 different states, drove for over 13 hours, and had FUN. To kick off the weekend, there was Ren's graduation from law school in Washington, D.C. (state #1) on Friday morning. I couldn't be more proud of her. She's done really admirable things with her time at law school - really expanded her horizons and developed as a person. I have barely managed to keep up, experiencing different countries and cultures through her eyes has been fantastic. We had nyammings in Virginia (state #2)...great food, hilarious convo, and nice chill time.

"I hope your dreams take you...to the corners of your smile, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known."

Saturday we hung out with Ren's fam by the pool & had a ball. Tons of fun times...Ren & I slept and others had a ball in the water (this would be in MD, state #3). Then we were back in the tri-state area where I celebrated my friend's mom's 50th birthday on a Spirit of NJ dinner cruise. I had always wanted to go on one of these. It was nice but I realize my constitution doesn't love being on a boat on open water. I don't know about any future cruise plans I may make...anyhoo, I did get to view some NY landmarks. After living on this side of the US for a decade I still haven't experienced any of these. I guess I'm only a good tourist when I'm traveling (does NJ count? I think not, but NY can be state #4).

Lady Liberty

Ellis Island

Brooklyn Bridge

Then, as with all summer weekends, it ended off with soccer and a visit to see family (and be fed). The actual holiday (Memorial Day) was spent in bed watching movies/TV and catching up on sleep. Had a mango ice cream cone, snuggled in bed, unpacked a bit...quite the mellow holiday.

The end of May marks the end of my May weight challenge. Do I have to state after all the eating this weekend that I lost nothing? At least I didn't gain...anyhoo, the May challenge has become the summer challenge.

Road trip :)

Guess where I was this weekend? On a road trip to Washington, D.C. to see my mommy :) Was feeling so out of it...groggy, tired, stuffy, just a feeling of malaise. Dunno why. Anyhow, we got there (no thanks to me). Hugh co-piloted, Raf drove, and I slept in the back complaining of being cold (though the heat was cranked..think I had a low grade fever). Saturday was good. Drove out to Alexandria, VA for church, then had lunch at the food court adjacent to the hotel, walked about town a bit (snapped pics and such) then did a small bit of shopping (mom). We were supposed to then take advantage of the indoor pool but everyone fell off to sleep...we didn't enjoy the pool till the Sunday morning and only for a small bit. We also watched The Black Stallion, this 1980s movie about an Arabian horse and a young boy on Sunday. Not bad...we all liked it. Perfect Sunday morning entertainment. Then we were off (with a short stop at Ren's place). The ride back was much better. I was up most of the time but as we hit NJ, I couldn't keep my eyes open. Some co-pilot. I do much better when I'm driving. Promise.

The White House, March 27 2010

I got some good pics of the White House this time. Last time we went by here, it was dark and we were exhausted. Hugh got to see some of the nations capital. Not in much detail but he'll be back for Ren's graduation most likely. We walked by the National Monument and toward the Lincoln Memorial and through parts of the National Mall. Mom was appalled at the amount of dog feces on the grass lol.

Mom & 2 of her children - ya, she's sporting a kick ass fro :)

& last but not least...

Be still my beating heart! These cherry blossoms! They were all over and everyone was having their fill. This weekend happened to be the beginning of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The hotel had a bunch of arrangements in the lobby that smelled divine. I have so many pics of them, it is ridic!

Great weekend - thanks for reading!