A Christmas Washington DC Visit

We had the most magical weekend visit to see Ian's grandparents in DC.

I can't describe how fortunate I feel to have these special people in my life. Grammie introduced me all weekend long as her granddaughter. I haven't been referred to as a granddaughter since my sophomore year of college when I lost the very last of my grandparents. She and Grampa Jim call Ian and I "our Will and Kate." The love we feel from them is just so heartwarming.

Ian slyly tried about eighteen dozen times this past weekend to sneak the restaurant bills from them, but his grandparents were on him every single time like hawks, insistent that "we were theirs for the weekend" and our money was no good in DC. It was just so sweet.

I arrived Friday afternoon, and after lunch I went with Grammie and Ian's sweet cousin Megan to Tyson's Corner for a little holiday shopping. Ian arrived later that evening due to an afternoon case in Charlotte he had to attend for work. That evening we ate at home and took it easy. We had a busy day planned for Saturday!

We had a great breakfast at a nearby family-run diner that Grammie and Grampa Jim visit every Saturday morning. The true highlight of Saturday, though, was seeing the Washington Ballet perform The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater. We had great tickets to begin with, but we received a last-minute upgrade to VIP tickets which included premiere seating and drink tickets. I know you are so jealous that I got a free ginger ale. :) Almost back to the champagne days, almost. Only twenty more weeks.

The theater was so lovely, and I loved the DC spin that this ballet corps put on the traditional Nutcracker story. I teared up at so many points in the ballet just reminiscing about the days when I used to dance in The Nutcracker and the wonderful people I miss from the ballet school. 

Following the ballet, we braved the 37-degree temperatures and rain and headed to the White House to see the National Tree. It was a beauty!

They also have trees set up for each state, so here we are with the North Carolina tree. 

That evening, we were treated to a fantastic dinner out. I had a steak with lobster mac & cheese and roasted brussel sprouts with prosciutto and a mustard sauce. We came back to the house afterwards and sat around the tree, just chatting. Grammie brought out a tray of decaf mandarin orange tea and homemade cheesecake slices. 

All of that food + a growing baby equals one large tummy.

I'm still smiling as I reminisce upon the highlights of the weekend and the unconditional love I feel from these beautiful people.

I hope your weekend was filled with loved ones as well. This is a great time of year to reflect upon the important family members and friends in our lives. Cheers!