catch up

It's so good to be home. We've been having textbook Michigan spring days: some almost hot, some cool, some both in the span of an afternoon, and with lots of brief but powerful storms that leave the landscape unbelievably green. I scampered outside in my pajamas this morning to take a picture, which Mollie and the dogs found very exciting, and the golfers across the street (who I didn't notice until it was too late) probably found very amusing. Oh well.

It's been a busy week! Last Thursday was my birthday, and my cousin Alison arrived that morning, which made the whole day feel very festive. I hadn't seen her in almost a year (crazy, since we lived a half mile apart for most of our lives) and we had so much fun walking around Old Town, shopping, and eating all the good things I could think of. We grilled out in the courtyard for dinner and I was again struck by how lucky we are to have our DC family, too. 

The next day we loaded up the car and Alison, Darcy, Mollie, and I drove back to Michigan. You guys, this could have gone really badly. But Al is this efficient, organized machine and we got our system of taking care of the dog, baby, and ourselves at stops down to a science. I'm so grateful that she came to help me, and also grateful that I'll have a bigger vehicle on the way back (we haven't gone full-on minivan, but we did swap in the Regal for a Terrain). 

Then Saturday was graduation for Gracie and Matt! I'm so proud of them and all they accomplished in their four years. I found myself wishing over the weekend that I had been able to go to college at the same time as them - they're just ridiculously cool/smart/talented. 

Sunday was a lovely bridal shower for Gracie...I can't wait for their wedding in August!

.......and now I've completely lost steam and would rather nap than remember all we did the last few days. Hard not to when I'm surrounded by snoozing pups (Henry and Darcy are great friends now and it's the cutest to see) and a sleeping baby. How about another picture instead of an actual conclusion? DC cherry blossoms are gorgeous, but little redbuds mean "home" to me: