My trip to DC

I visited my parents for a month in May, and thoroughly enjoyed my stay.  I cannot remember the last time I had this much fun on a holiday.  My only gripe was that I didn't get enough alone time with my parents since we had guests all the time.  Like a musical chair, as one left, another one came!!  Nonetheless, it was lovely to spend time with long-lost relatives and friends.

Outside the White House

The first to arrive were our neighbors from over twenty years ago.  This elderly couple was a hoot!  The uncle, who is 78, displayed such a zest for life that I couldn't help being envious.   He could chat about everything, from movies  to politics; from cars to music.  The Aunty was also very sweet, caring, patient, and reminded me of my grandmother.  We toured D.C. with them, and also drove to Augusta to meet with my sister's family.

Aww...my cuties

It goes without saying that I LOVE being with my niece and nephew.  I spent every waking moment with them; playing ball, kicking each other, jumping on each other.  Unfortunately, it was only a 3-day trip, but I left with a promise that I shall be back.

With my mom's cousin, her husband and daughter

Uncle and Aunty left soon after getting back.  The house seemed empty without their luminous presence.  But we weren't alone for too long because my mom's cousin's family arrived next.

Wet as a rat

Affectionate and open-minded, this Uncle and Aunty were also easy to love (it also helped that both of them work in my choice fields - Marketing and Advertising). Their daughter is a  smart, fun-loving, diligent girl, and we hit it off very well.  While they visited DC mostly by themselves, I accompanied them to a couple of places, such as the Newseum (a museum dedicated to news).  We also had a gala time at the beach.  I got completely wet, and we played water Frisbee!

With my best bud

In between these visits, I met with one of my best friends, who is also an ex-colleague.  We spent two hours chatting non-stop about all and sundry, after which we went boating at Lake Burke, Virginia.  I was initially scared to step on the boat, but my friend convinced me to do so.

Enjoying the breeze

Boy, am I glad that he is so persuasive, for we had the time of our lives!!!!!  Of course, while all the boaters around us were working the oars hard, my friend and I sat comfortably in our motor boat!Oh, shush...we are not lazy :P

Best Friend - 1

Best Friend-2

 Couple of my close friends also visited me.  We watched movies, and waxed nostalgic for hours. I sorely miss them since they live miles away, but one of them might actually move close to me very soon, which is fantastic!

Throughout my stay, my mom pampered me by cooking my favorite meals, doing my laundry, making my bed, and so on.  I would have loved to stay longer, but my heart sighed for my husband, and I returned to Chicago-land with a chock-full of memories that will last a lifetime.