Barbara's Birthday

In lieu of the typical Vera Bradly gift, Scott and I opted for a less traditional birthday suprise for my favorite Mother-in-Law.  On her actual birthday, we had a family dinner at Giovanni's, which was delicious, but I forgot my camera.  The Sunday following her birthday, Scott, the kids and myself, picked up Barbara and Kenny in the swagger wagon and rode into DC...first stop - Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.  Side note, Barbara had mentioned to Scott a while ago that she had always wanted to visit this Church and had never been!  This whole trip was actually his idea!  Anways, she was so surprised and we had a lovely visit.  The Basilica is actually the largest Roman Catholic Church in America and boy is it gorgeous inside!  We started off on a group tour, then actually wandered off on our own to explore for the rest of the time inside.  On the crypt level of the church, they actually have memorial stones that can be purchased by family members to honor their loved ones after they pass.  We found 2 of Barbara's relatives - her aunt on her Dad's side and her Grandmother!  How cool is that?

 The church was filled with these amazing mosaics.  I cannot believe all the detail.  I'm pretty sure the tour guide said that Jesus' face is actually 7 feet wide and in between his hands is 33 feet!

After our stop at the Basilica, we then headed over to Lauriol Plaza for Barbara and Kenny's first taste of that delicious Mexican food - and Sangria.  We had gorgeous weather and couldn't have asked for a more memorable day celebrating Barbara.

I had to throw this picture in...our sweet boys, holding hands on the way home.  :)