We went back east for a long visit and for Erik's work. His dad's side is from western Maryland, an intensely beautiful part of this country. The town (Cumberland...actually, Rawlings) is where they live. It's small town/country-living where the neighbors are few and far between and the land is vast. The family all lives within miles of each other making it a pretty tight-knit bunch. Grandma's house has always been center stage where it's typical for people to come and go all the time. One of Erik's uncles (and his wife and kids) now lives with Grandma - he's the one closest to us in age (his small children are Erik's cousins).
Erik with Uncle Robin
Aunt Paula (Robin's wife) and their oldest, Max.
Stella adores these kids.
And they adore her.
They so gently helped her with her Christmas presents.
Max read to Stella a lot.
And then it snowed! A lot...
Snow day! We spent it mostly in our jammies...
...warming up by the fire...
And then it was time to plow...
And go out and play.
Someone let Daddy out of jail for awhile to enjoy the snow.
Mommy shows Stella the phenomenon of actually eating the snow.
We take turns.
Uncle Robin takes his boys sledding.
Many songs about Frosty are sung...again...
...and again. "Oh", Stella thinks, "THAT'S a snowman."
Cousin Andrew braves the snow to come over and give us a late-night personal concert.
There continue to be several snow days full of blocks...
Ping pong with Grandma (and everyone else)...
And much reading.
Grandma decides it's time to drink a bottle of wine that Erik's parents bought when he was an infant for him to drink on his 21rst birthday. No matter that he's in his thirties now - what the hell? So we do it over Skype with his parents (who live in different states...with different partners). Cheers!
Someone is busted in the refrigerator thinking we are distracted with our "vintage" wine.
Max and Moss kindly let her "help" them on the computer.
And they read.
For some reason, many bites and scratches are just not enough.
Cousin Julie takes time out of her busy young life to visit, too.
As does her dad, Uncle Jamie (he is also Andrew's father, the kid playing guitar above).
Linda (Jamie's wife) has come to see the small person that wears big clothes.
I love the family tree on the wall behind me. It's amazing to officially be part of it given that I used to observe it as "Erik's girlfriend" years before.
We miss seeing this side of the family on a more regular basis like we did when we were in DC. But we are so lucky to be able to travel to them. And I am so lucky to be part of them.
Somebody besides me, that is.
I think this is the longest she's ever stayed in one place - at least 3 whole mins.
On to see our good friends - we miss them dearly. Jason is her buddy (and Erik's best friend of 17 years).
Elizabeth has become Stella's best friend (Jason's wife - we went to high school with these guys!).
Elizabeth began knitting recently and is doing a knockout job!
Glorious mornings at the hotel.
Fabulous bedhead.
Elizabeth spent much time in our room playing.
Daddy and Brock take Stella to breakfast at a favorite old haunt.
And they go to the Air and Space Museum.
The view from our room - our old neighborhood...sigh.
I'm always trying to get some sugars out of this girl.
Stella was actually sick for our entire trip back east. This is naked fever-fighting.
And this is post Tylenol.
Beth and Brock come by the hotel for a visit. We miss them in ridiculous amounts.
I got my fill of to-go coffee. That's something I miss most about living there - walking outside and grabbing a cup of coffee for a stroll. Liz brought me one nearly everyday, bless her heart.
Coffee before going to brunch, a must.
Playing with salt, pepper and sugar packets at brunch, a must.
What a beautiful couple!
And a great auntie!
And the best daddy.
And a crappy Bloody Mary! But who cares - we're at brunch!
Moving on to the farmers market where I used to spend every single Sunday morning for years and years.
And then onto "the Circle" (the fountain in Dupont Circle) to baby-chase.
Stella ADORES Beth and Brock.
Like I said, someone I know loves vacation. And great friends.
