The Briggs family visit Washington

The Briggs family have been over for a visit, so its been a busy week for us! Work during the day then home in time to out for dinner - or shopping! Julie, Andy and Louise arrived on Monday and then they hit DC on Tuesday to see the sights. They arrived at the peak of the Cherry Blossom festival, so were able to see the famous blossom (in better weather than we did!). They walked for miles each day, so they'll go home a few inches shorter I think!! The weather was better than predicted this week - each day was supposed to have rain, but ended up quite bright (except Thursday night/Friday early morning which poured).

We were supposed to take Friday off, but Stephen ended up working on a bid until early afternoon which was frustrating. The rest of us walked along to King Street and had a look at the Torpedo Factory Art Centre, the took a stroll round the shops to kill some time. When he finally finished we headed round to Tysons Mall, had some lunch (we were starving!) and then we did retail therapy!!! I surpassed my previous record for handbag buying, having seen, looked at and purchased a handbag within the space of 2 minutes!!!! It caught my eye as I was walking past the shop, so I left Stephen outside whilst I popped in. He was on the phone and didn't actually notice that I'd bought anything!!!!!

Yesterday we went to Bromyard. Actually, we went to Leesburg, but it really had a feel of an English country town - even down to the Tea Shoppe where we had egg sandwiches and Yorkshire tea for lunch! It had some really lovely little shops full of knick-knacks, and a really lovely Outlet Mall on the outskirts of town which we also visited. LOTS of retail therapy going on!!

We hit Pop's ice cream when we got back to Old Town - and had tears when Louise's ice cream rolled out of her cone. She actually managed to catch it, so I think the tears were more of shock at nearly losing it! We went to a great diner last night (thanks to Hils for the recommendation!). Very Americana, very neon, very huge portions!!

Louise is very tall!!

Julie and Louise at the FDR memorial garden

A chocolaty Louise enjoying her dessert

All the grown ups together in Leesburg, courtesy of Louise (the next Annie Leibovich)

Louise enjoying her Starbucks - white hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate sauce - YUM!

Look at our pretty Magnolia - oh and Louise and Stephen

The kids at play

The kids posing

Metro 29 Diner

Choosing from the extensive menu