Julia and Benjamin drove from Columbus, OH, to Traverse City, MI, and enjoyed time with his family. Julia drove a boat and a car--two things she hasn't done much of in her lifetime (she is her mother's daughter!). Major kudos to Benjamin for making keto chocolate chip cookies!
Here in DC, the weather has been hovering and dancing around fall. Steven is still battling his migraine and working on his dissertation. Peanut Butter got a new sweater and LOVES it.
Julia got a new hairdo--cute and sassy! Her American friends from the University of Leeds came to visit. It was so nice to meet Ryan, Allie, and Jacob, who were part of her core friend group over the last year in the UK. They saw the sites--monuments, memorials, Julia's Stoddert brick :) --and indulged in some DC delicacies like District Doughnut.
We were fortunate to have amazing, sunny low-50s weather every day in Bergen, Norway. The many hiking options to see incredible views are definitely worth the trip. There are many options based on your ability and how long you want to be hiking. The Norwegians are super fit, hardy, and know how to dress for the occasion. The Thon Hotel was a wonderful gem that Steven booked, located right in the city center next to Bryggen, the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The breakfast buffet was the best I've ever had overseas--tons of options and delicious. They also served a complimentary light supper that was good for an appetizer. ;) We ate whale sausage, reindeer, salmon, lamb sausage, and sushi. Julia and Steven liked the lingonberry jam with mustard and fried onions on their sausage. Although Steven was down with a migraine on the last day, Julia and I were able to visit the KODE museums and explore more of the city as well.
Julia and Benjamin enjoyed their last few days of his visit with Wingo's, a visit to the National Museum of African American History and Culture, Georgetown farmer's market, Kombucha scoby quest, and hanging with Meme, Aunt Regina, and the 'rents. It was nice to catch up with Aunt Regina. We went to a Washington Nationals game--row C, right behind 3rd base. They won, 10 to 7 against the Cleveland Indians. Yay!
