Travel to Virginia

Dear Vinny,

This past weekend we traveled to Virginia for Aunt Laura's dissertation defense. We left on Thursday, arriving at Aunt Laura's in time for dinner. You were a little bit fussy in the car, but not too bad. It can't be much fun to be all cooped up in that seat for six hours.

Aunt Anne's mother graciously let us stay at her house. She has a dog called Daisy, a young golden retriever, whom you really enjoyed. Daisy would lick your fingers and you would laugh and laugh that belly laugh of yours. It was so fun to watch you!

On Friday, Aunt Laura held an informal colloquium about her research. You lasted for about 10-15 minutes of it, which is pretty good, but Daddy took you out after that because you were fast becoming the center of attention. You're far more interesting than an esoteric discussion of ethics, no offense to Aunt Laura!

On Saturday, we went to a park and cooked out for breakfast. It was a little cold, but I think you enjoyed your first-ever taste of pancakes with maple syrup. That afternoon, Aunt Laura held a party to celebrate her successful defense. You attended the party and charmed everyone who saw you. That evening, you stayed with Aunt Anne's mother while Daddy, Aunt Rachel, Aunt Laura, Aunt Anne, and I went to a play.

On Sunday, we had a nice Easter dinner with Aunt Anne's family. You woke up from your nap at the very end of it and got a chance to enjoy some delicious corn pudding, spinach, and turkey breast. For breakfast, you'd had a biscuit with jam for the first time. You found that to be incredibly delicious, and gave me a look that seemed to ask why I had hidden this delicacy from you for so long.

You won the hearts of everybody who saw you. Aunt Rachel and Aunt Laura hadn't seen you since the summer, so they were very happy to see you again. You'd never met Aunt Anne before, but you both seemed to be happy to be together. Aunt Anne's mother enjoyed you so much that she said we had to bring you back to visit her again. Maybe we will!

Love,
Mommy