It's that wonderful time of year when the sun breaks through the clouds, blossom appears on the trees, and Grandma comes to visit. But, as it's ice skating competition season in the UK, Grandpa couldn't take time off his training schedule (no joke!) and so Mum came with ever-willing traveling companion, Sheila. Mum is visiting the foremost love of her life - no, not her firstborn son, the other one. Sheila already has 13 grandkids so is not as bothered.
I started them with a gentle perambulation of our local park, all in full bloom due to the crazy global warming weather we've been having of late, but today put them through their paces with a tour of the Capitol and the Library of Congress. And it snowed. Somehow Maryland is even more changeable than the UK.
In between finding out what freedom smells like, grandparent-provided childcare has been ongoing with most days starting with book reading from 6.45am and finishing with endless board games until bed. But is this not the tacit deal made when you provide your parents with grandchildren? (I contemplate this as I sit, munching on the chocolate Hobnobs, Marmite cashews, and Malteser bunnies smuggled in for me through customs...)
Mum, Sheila, and between them the reason for the visit.
OK, that's the photo I wanted. You can amuse yourselves for the rest of the trip.
In the Wheaton Park maze (too easy).
Sheila gets dragged into the action.
Three ladies in Emancipation Hall.
Getting a schooling in history in the old senate chamber.
Some light reading.
Probably the most ornate building in the USA...
With a nice view too.
Finally I don't have to play so many $*(#&@ board games! Mum, you can stay.