Next Stop -- Gaithersburg, Maryland...

We took the train up to Gaithersburg, Maryland to spend two nights with Jimmy’s college buddy Malinda, her son Jamie and her husband Newman. It had been at least 6 years since we’d seen each other, but we reconnected very quickly and had a great time. We trained back into DC to go to the American History Museum and the International Spy Museum, which was especially cool; we all really enjoyed climbing through a fake heating duct. We also went to a sushi buffet that was fantastic.
Afterwards, we got on an Amtrak train to go to Cary. The best part was when Jimmy boarded the train in Richmond without the girls realizing it. You can imagine their surprise when he sat down on them!

First Stop of our Whirlwind Tour, DC...

After just three days back in Holland, it was time to head to the US for Home Leave. We decided to mix things up a bit this summer by adding in a few other cities. Jimmy was actually already in the US at a conference when us girls flew over, so he wasn’t with us when we arrived in Washington, DC. We spent four nights staying with our good buddy Marc, previously of Raleigh, and his girlfriend Lacy. In addition to doing the usual touristy stuff on our own (National Gallery, Air & Space Museum, children’s section of the Holocaust Museum and National Zoo), Marc took us to watch a drum circle in the park and to a party at his design studio. We also had some great meals together and enjoyed going to Amsterdam Falafel (although Veronica was disappointed they didn’t understand her Dutch), but our favorite was breakfast on the rooftop terrace of Marc’s apartment building.

The Lauren & Ashlynn Show...

While all three girls spent lots of time together, it was especially cool to watch Ashlynn and Lauren bond. They came up with a very cute show for the pool where they sang songs from Grease, danced and did tricks.

Amazing Views from Every Angle...

This was a big summer for Terri as she watches the renovations of her new summer house near completion after two years of major construction. This house, once owned by a race car driver but empty for the last 20 years after his death, had an even more amazing view as it looks over the Grimaud castle in one direction and the Med in the other. Terri’s done a wonderful job, especially in designing the kitchen and bathrooms. Sure hope we’ll have a chance to see it when it’s finished.

It’s All About the Pool...

Like “Le Turquerie,” “Pironi” has an amazing pool. While Terri met with contractors and designers, I sat by the pool and the girls enjoyed swimming. Apparently the contractor’s dog enjoyed swimming there as well.

Exploring Grimaud...

After the men left for Holland, us girls spent an evening exploring Grimaud. We started with a walk up to the castle ruins, with a great view of the mountains and the Mediterranean. Then we had dinner at the creperie and finished off the evening watching a musical performance with Indian dancers.

The Nearest Village...

Terri’s house is a quick drive away from the village of Grimaud, named after the infamous Grimaldi family of nearby Monaco. The ruins of the 11th century chateau sit on the highest hill with the streets of the village just below. We ate croissants from the town bakery each morning and had dinner in the pizza restaurant. While the town was lovely from close up, it was most impressive from a distance.