Memorial Day Trips

Daniel:This last week we traveled down to Virginia and Maryland for my niece Margaret's blessing. The Chau's, The Chin's, and Several Howell's all converged on Baltimore for the very nice occasion.
Margaret is adorable.
Even with all the excitement, Moomers finds time to get her beauty sleep.

During the week, I was able to help my parents with a few chores. I helped re-route an exhaust pipe in the attic, placed a seal around some fixtures on the roof, and helped plant a new peach tree for my mom.

James "helped" too. He loved walking around barefoot in the grass. When we came in, grandma was quick to ask if James had washed his feet. I remember hearing that question a thousand times when I was younger.

As a side note, grandpa would occasionally call out "NO!" to James as he was about to get into something. It was the same pitch and tone that struck fear in me many many years ago. Even though he was talking to James, I found myself looking around to see if I were the one in trouble. I know that "NO!" from before.

Charity then departed on a business trip to Kansas City. I got to keep the camera as James and I went back to Baltimore to my brother Ben's house. He took Angela, Jon, James, and me to Famous Dave's. Margaret was at the head of the table looking rather stately:


Jon and Angela

Ben and JosieMyself and James, who is brandishing a knife.


Afterward, Josie, Jon, and Angela watched James while Ben took me to see Star Trek. (Dinner and a movie, like a date, except not.) There are some holes in the plot, but it was pretty good. Apparently, James had a huge diaper while we were gone. Sorry about that Josie and Angela!


Charity:

My trip to Kansas City went well. We have a clinical study going on with two of our centers there. The people were really nice, I learned a lot, and we accomplished everything we set out to do. Plus, the food was great. If you are ever in the area I would recommend visiting the Hereford House. Expensive but worth every bite of succulent steak. I had the Blackened Flat Iron Steak (with garlic and cajun seasonings) and I chose to have cooked squash and zuchini on the side. It's the best steak I've ever eaten. No kidding. I salivate as I write this.

I would also recommend Stroud's. It is a restaurant that is set on an old country farm. Rustic and homey, it makes a nice setting for a good home-cooked style meal. Except I never cook that much food for one meal. Wow.
Baby and I also visited a modern art museum (free) while we were there. I wasn't sure what to make of it. Some of it I liked and some was garish and disturbing, to me at least. I imagine the inside of the womb might resemble some of the pieces there (the nice comforting ones) and so I know Baby is getting culture already. If he's like his daddy he will be able to put this creative opportunity to good use.... Or maybe that's what he's been doing already when he's squirming around in there.
Needless to say, the baby and I enjoyed our trip very much. Baby had a huge growth spurt during my trip, which I think is directly related to all the good food. We were only sad that Daniel and James couldn't have been there. It's nice to be home.