Father's Day!

We had a wonderful Father's Day visit with Grandma and Grandpa.

I met them for dinner on Thursday night before the weekend, and then on Friday we toured Arlington National Cemetery. (I had been before, but walked only a bit of it, to John F. Kennedy's grave -- only to find out it was closed for repairs. This was soon after we arrived in D.C. in 2013.)

Mom, Dad and I ended up taking a tour on wheels -- and, man, did we see and learn a lot. The weather was perfect, just like summer in Oregon, and it was longer and more informative than I thought it would be. So glad that we got to see the cemetery that way.

That night they came over for roast lamb, popovers and a berry tart. We all had a great time talking and laughing.

On Saturday, we toured Hillwood Gardens, the home and gardens of Marjorie Merriweather Post, which I had deliberately not done until I could see it with them. Rachel was somewhat impressed with the lavish interior -- Post was quite a collector -- and then we had a great time touring the outside. Rachel really impressed Drew and me with her insistence on pushing Grandma's wheelchair, holding her purse when needed, etc. It's as if she grew into the role of junior caregiver by knowing instinctively that she had to step up. What can I say? It was astonishing to watch.

We had arranged for a babysitter Saturday night, which Rachel was very happy about -- she occasionally urges us to go out on dates -- and then Mom, Dad, Drew and I went to the Oval Room, a fancy restaurant near the White House, and then back to Arlington to Buzz Bakery, our favorite cupcake place. It was great fun insisting that Mom and Dad take cupcakes back to NY with them.

On Sunday we met them for a Father's Day brunch at the hotel. Rachel wore a very grown-up maxi-length tie-dye dress and sandals, and snuggled in Drew's arms for most of the brunch. Then we said our goodbyes, with Rachel pushing Grandma in her wheelchair yet again.

Altogether, it was a lovely weekend.