DC Trip

Shawn ran the Army 10-miler this year in Washington DC. We made a family vacation out of it. We shared this experience with our closest friends. Gram and Pap came down from PA and we all had a blast.

We took in the sites....

We traveled on the Metro. This is Jake's friend Carlie. As the Metro pulled into the station we were greeted with a nice brisk breeze. This picture is too funny, not only because of the "gust of wind" but because Carlie is sucking her finger.... she is not allowed to such her thumb. Clever girl!

After our day of site seeing.
Good thing we brought the stroller. Jake will be disappointed when he finds out that he slept through the train (metro) ride home. You all know how he loves trains.

 Jake clings to Pap every chance he gets.

 Gram soaking up some Emma.

 Emma is almost 3 months old here.

On our last night in DC, the 9 of us had dinner together. 6 adults and 3 kids. It went surprisingly well! Thanks to Shannon and Robbie's iPad. Jake & Carlie watched a movie while the adults talked about the race and had a lovely relaxing dinner. Shawn ran the race with Mark and Robbie and they plan to do it again next year! I can't wait for another fun family outing, just like this!

Fun with Gram

Grammy Gail & Great Aunt Zee. Aunt Zee and 

cousin Shaylene came by to visit us while in PA.

 Pap and Shay.

 Shay and her Gram.

 Pap and Gram taking Jake on a walk to see the horses.

 Jake will crash anywhere at Gram's house.

Soccer.

 Aunt Mindy sent Jake a fun birthday gift.

 You can tell he totally digs it!

 Gram & Renee taking Jake to a Pennsylvania fall festival.

Renee.

 Jake really liked the bunnies!

And, of course, the slides!!

Gram asked Jake what he wanted for lunch.

Jake always gets what he wants when Gram's around!

Chocolate ice cream.

VA/PA/AC Vacation

Our first stop on vacation was Chantilly, VA where Shawn attended a football trade show.

He had this helmet signed by John Stallworth. Stallworth played in six AFC championships, and went to four Super Bowls. His career statistics included 537 receptions for 8,723 yards and 63 TDs. His receptions were a franchise record until that record was surpassed by Hines Ward in 2005. Stallworth played in four Pro Bowls and was the Steelers' two-time MVP.

Shawn was happy to report that Stallworth complimented him on his t-shirt. Shawn was wearing a vintage John Stallworth t-shirt.

After visiting IKEA in Virginia, always a treat, we headed up to PA to see Gram & Pap Bower.

Jake played with the neighbor girls, loving every minute of it.

Jake can't live without watching at least one episode of  WIPEOUT on vacation. Jake can tell you all the obstacles. . . Sucker Punch, Trouble Us, Spin Cycle . . .

We left Jake with Gram & Pap and off to AC (Atlantic City) we went.

We stayed at the fabulous Borgata Hotel & Casino. This was our suite. It was right up our ally and had a great view.

Biggest bathroom on earth.

A bit of the view.

A bit of the fun.

We came home broke! To be expected but we had a fun, relaxing and well deserved adventure.

Mehek and Dreuv are the two cuties that Grammy Gail looks out for during the week. Jake got to play with them all week. They even introduced Jake to soccer. We hear Jake's a natural.

Mehek.

One of the many yummy things Grammy Gail made for us. We always look forward to the home cookin'!!

Mahek and Jake bellied up to the mini bar.

Ahhhhhhhhh . . . .

Thanks Gram & Pap for watching Jake and introducing him to so many new things!!

Mwah! (kiss)

More pics of this little vacation to come.