Christmas in Maryland

Alex and I flew to Maryland for a week to spend Christmas with his family this year. Alex's older brother, Fidel, and sister-in-law, Mary, live in Maryland and are expecting their first baby in March. Alex's parents and sister also flew out from CA to join in the fun! We arrived just after the big snow drop...so having a White Christmas was very special.

On Monday, we went to Georgetown. The buildings are so charming!

On Tuesday, Alex went to DC with his sister, Claudia, and parents. I took the Metro to Virginia and spent the afternoon with my Uncle Dan, Aunt Lori, and five cousins (Ryan, Megan, Jason, Nathan, and Aaron). They surprised me with a cake and presents for my Birthday!

On Wednesday, we all drove to Annapolis to visit the Naval Academy. It closed when we arrived, but we were able to walk around the harbor and see some historic buildings. That night we all went out for Tapas for Claudia's Birthday.

Thursday was my 29th Birthday. It was the first birthday not spent with my family, but it turned out to be very special thanks to my Alex and sister-in-law, Mary! Alex took me out for a bagel and Starbucks (our little date for the week). We all went to Mary's parent's home in Laurel and had the best food! Mary made me a mud pie and had everyone sing to me...sooooo sweet!!! Then Alex found this great Italian restuarant in Baltimore for dinner. :o)

On Christmas morning, we opened presents with Alex's family and then I visited with my family via webcam! We had a yummy brunch when Mary's family arrived...played Cranium together, and then had a fabulous dinner that evening.

On Saturday, Alex and I went to DC. Mary and Fidel took everyone else to the airport. We were able to walk around the capitol, see the Supreme Court, go inside the Library of Congress, walk in the mall, go to the Air and Space Smithsonian, and walk to the White House. We had a quiet dinner with Mary and Fidel that evening (this was one of my favorite days).