We had a full and fun time over in MD and VA. Jose was a groomsman in Brian & Jecholia Gallagher's wedding. They got married on January 13th in the historical town of Abingdon, VA, near to where Jecholia grew up. Both the dress rehearsal and wedding reception were held in the beautiful Martha Washington Inn - find out more at http://www.marthawashingtoninn.com/. It was great to get to know Jecholia better and celebrate in their marriage. The weather during our time in VA was rather warm for this time of year. We were even able to enjoy a run on a nearby trail. Jose and I were very honored to be there and so happy for the new Gallagher family!
Sunday morning after the wedding we started to drive back to MD. Thanks mom for letting us borrow your vehicle! We were able to go to Sovereign Grace Community Church in Roanoke, VA. It was wonderful to be so warmly welcomed and receive free lunch because they had a big pot-luck after the service.We were able to spend time with my mom, brother and many friends during our visit. Pretty much we had something planned everyday. Mom, Jose and I were able to spend part of a day in Mount Vernon - where George Washington and his family resided. This trip educated us more on the history of the nation, especially the Washington family. Another day we went down to D.C. to see the indoor botanical gardens and then toured the Capitol.
Jose and I were invited out to eat quite a few times and shown hospitality. We enjoyed a dinner out with some of the girls from nursing school and their husbands/fiance. Rose & Jesse had us, Sarah and Caitlin over for dinner and then we ate a delicious dessert at the Melting Pot.We spent another evening at the Mstowski's house for dinner and fun - my brother David brought over his Nintendo Wii and we all got into it.
One afternoon we spent hanging out with Caitlin playing the "game of last year", Scrabble. We spent another day hanging out at the Robb's house for some tea and then were invited over to dinner before we left town.
Jose and I took a day to go visit Annapolis, where he went to school at the Naval Academy. While we were there it flurried for a little bit - it's nice to enjoy winter for a few days and not a whole season of it. Tim & Jada were able to meet us for lunch at a nearby Irish Pub and then we continued to walk around. We couldn't leave Annapolis without getting gelato. We came back and mom cooked us dinner and then we went over to Mike & Sarah's home where we enjoyed dessert, playing Rummikub, and praying for each other.
January 19th, the day before we left, we were able to go ice skating and have lunch with Rose and Mitch. I love ice skating and took lessons for a couple years (more than 10 years ago), so it was fun to be able to go with my husband. Jose improved as the time went on, from clinging to the wall to skating on his own two feet. As you can tell we kept busy having a good time - I left out a lot of details too...I don't want to bore you all. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us into their homes and left time open in your busy schedules to spend time with us!
January 19th, the day before we left, we were able to go ice skating and have lunch with Rose and Mitch. I love ice skating and took lessons for a couple years (more than 10 years ago), so it was fun to be able to go with my husband. Jose improved as the time went on, from clinging to the wall to skating on his own two feet. As you can tell we kept busy having a good time - I left out a lot of details too...I don't want to bore you all. Thanks to everyone who welcomed us into their homes and left time open in your busy schedules to spend time with us! Anyways, Jose and I will be off to Colorado in a few days to get in one more trip before I'm bound to my job. This past week Matt, Jose's brother, came to visit and take care of some things before he goes to Germany for 5 months. Hopefully this summer he'll be moving here to CA and will finish up school at Cal State - in Northridge or maybe closer. I'll try to keep you all posted with what the Jimenez family is up to.
