NY 2 DC

This last week I left Brick for a few days and headed off to Vienna, VA to visit my brother Aaron and his family. I was met at their house by this welcome sign and a chocolate on my pillow, courtesy Hanna Mack. She was so sweet to let me use her bed!

One afternoon we walked just down the way one day to enjoy the frozen creek and the beautiful snowy landscape. Here, Hannah is helping Alli up over the slipery ledge (how cute are they?)

Aaron is such a good brother! He took me out on a date to the Cheesecake Factory while I was visiting, and every night we chewed the fat until it was way past my bedtime!

I sure love these girls!! When they were little, I babysat them all the time, and everytime I did, they would sit on the counter while I braided their hair and painted their fingernails, just talking to their Auntie Candio and being their sweet selves. It was a little strange to see them growing up! Alli kept me great company the whole week, cuddling up to me like the old days.

I was so surprised, because I had never thought about it, but Aaron pointed out to Alli that I was closer to her age than I am to his. He told her how fun it would be when she grew up and she and I could be friends. She looked at him with confusion and said, "But dad, Candice and I are already friends!"

Hannah and Alli are in middle school, and Tanner is going into high school next year! He and his newly found logic, especially when it comes to chores and bedtime, was really entertaining.

The first night I was in Vienna we all went to Seussical the Musical, starring Hannah Mack! She did a great job, and belted out each note beautifully and fearlessly, even throwing a full-out tantrum up there on stage, jumping up and down while delivering her lines without missing a single beat!

Even though we were just outside DC, we sat on our rears day after day, talking and crocheting, which Cat was kind enough (and patient enough) to teach me while I was there. I made this hat and one other ALL BY MYSELF!

Thanks for making me feel at home, just like you did when I was in high school! Love you guys!