Thanksgiving in DC

With Brett having Thanksgiving off for the first time since 2017, we took advantage to go to DC to stay with Joy's brother's family who opened their home to us and to Joy's sister, Alecia and her family.  So it was a houseful of joy and interaction, playing together, eating together, talking together, and traveling in the local area together for ultimate frisbee, sightseeing, magic shows, and eating.  What a great time of connection and bonding.  Flights and travel were way smoother than expected for traveling the day before Thanksgiving, praise God!

Ethiopian food, including "edible napkins"

The US Capitol at night, new barricade preventing entry.

Freezing while walking in the DC area.

A pleasant surprise found at the Aerospace Museum--X-Wing.

Kaleb and Griffin admiring the rocks and minerals in the Natural History Museum.

Garrett enjoying his time exploring in DC.

Hey dumb, dumb, you want some gum, gum?

After watching National Treasure, we had to go see the actual Declaration of Independence.

Lining up sides for ultimate frisbee with a few other families.

Cousin picture!

Cutting some veggies with Matt.

Brett and Bryce at the Kennedy Center magic show.

On top of the Kennedy Center on a clear, cold day with Aaron, Kaarli, Kaleb, and Logan.

The whole crew (all 3 families) at the magic show.

Risk challenge among the boys.

Sushi night???

"This is level one sushi, " says Uncle Aaron

Private dinner party at a sushi restaurant, it is good to know someone who knows people...

Lincoln Memorial boy cousin picture.

Whole crew picture at the Lincoln Memorial looking at the Washington Monument.

Naomi couldn't help getting a picture with her Aunt Joy.

Fish Bowl game with the whole crew.

The adult dinner table on Thanksgiving Day!

Cousins relaxing together on the couch.

Ultimate frisbee on turf, game #1 with the whole crew.

Breakfast table time.

Thanksgiving dinner at the "kid" table.

Getting our exercise so we could eat a big dinner!

Whiffle ball in the court with the neighbors.

Family time watching football.

On our way to the airport to fly to DC.

 

Grammy's Birthday

Knowing that we weren't going to get together for Thanksgiving, we had a special get together to celebrate Grammy's birthday.  Wendy hosted and we enjoyed hanging out together.  We were missing Haley and Rachel, but Garrett had just returned the night before, so he got to be back in the family gathering mode.

Happy Birthday Grammy!

Grammy opens her presents.

Capturing the moment on film.

Grammy enjoys her grandsons.

 

Toby Mac/Zach Williams/Mercy Me in Oakland

We picked up Garrett at the airport, went to dinner at Pie-ology, did a little shopping at the Marina, and then met up with Eric and his boys for an evening of Christian concerts.  What a great concert it was.  We also met Wendy, James, Dawn, and Dave who sat in the same section.  Afterward we ate together at In & Out before heading back home.

Picture in the Coliseum parking lot.

Long time concert goers together.

Toby Mac and Zach Williams.

Jonathan was there too and they got an ICC picture.

Mercy Me in concert.

Zach Williams and his band.

Discussing whether they were going to stand all night or not.

Wonderful to sit next to my wife.

In the middle of the concert.