Cherry Blossoms in Washington DC

Back on the road again in just a few weeks. 

 There's the valley below us.

 This years lobby week was at the perfect time of year.

What a lucky thing for us. We seriously hit peak cherry blossom time. We've usually been there a week or two after. It was just beautiful to see but man was it ever cold. I about froze to death out there. Worth it!

Pink and white everywhere!

Walking under them all was a fab Sunday activity and then we went to church with Jeff & Rachel. 

Jeff and the YM were in charge of the break the fast after and we were introduced to the best bacon in the world. Coated in brown sugar and baked! Wow

We did lots of fun things everyday. Mendis attended meetings and I headed out everyday except one where I pretty much stayed inside and kept warm. 

 Rachel took us out to the national arboretum one afternoon. It was especially great to see the bonsai tree exhibit. They had tons of them and they were all so beautiful. Loved everything but the bees that were everywhere.

One day was especially cool because I met up with Rachel and went to her ultrasound with her.

Pretty exciting stuff. After wards we went to lunch. Every night we found a fun place for dinner.

Ted's Bulletin in one of my favorite places to eat. Too bad it's a bit out of the way. One night we met Jeff at his office and then went to dinner nearby.

 Dessert is the best at Georgetown Cupcakes. We were so happy to find their new store.

Heading back to Jeff & Rachel's on what seems to me like the world's biggest escalator. It's so long. I can't imagine the hike out when it breaks down. And it's in DC that's what escalators do there-break down.

We tried the Sugar Factory one night in Crystal City. We were so excited to try it and we were not impressed. The service was really sad and the dinner was meh. The ice cream was good but we prefer Cold Stone actually. Good to know. We even tried the cookie dough to go. We love trying the food in DC. We haven't missed much over the years we've been going. EXCEPT Emily Nettles wedding! Yup we missed that. It was in SLC and Nadine flew out and Christina and Ashley's fam went to it too.

They've got alot of nerve having fun without us!

Day 9 The Long Flight home

 Before we knew it our epic trip was coming to an end. Sadly we had to endure the flight home first. We made it to the airport but getting through security was interesting. We must match some sort of profile because they kept pulling aside and questioning us. First when we checked in then again at our gate. They talked to us separately I guess to see if our stories matched. Very odd. Then they searched everyone's carryons again as we were getting on the plane. I gotta tell you it was very nerve wracking. The flight was long and Mendis barely endured it. But we arrived home safe and sound. As we got off the plane Mendis was wearing his BYU hat or shirt and a man stopped us in Vegas and told us the Prophet had just done away with Home and Visiting Teaching. Sadly we missed Conference live but were able to catch up over the next few days. Lots of excitement to fill the void of a dream trip being finished.