Every day here is better than the day before, and today was no exception. This morning, Uncle Jim navigated us around downtown DC. He took us down Constitution Avenue where we saw the Washington Monument, the White House, the Capitol Building, and many more historical buildings. We drove down Independence Avenue as Jim pointed out various buildings including those he once worked at. We made our way to the Pentagon where Alecia’s grandparents and mother have worked. Throughout the tour, he expressed his deep love for our country and those who make sacrifices to keep us safe. Listening to him share that love was very moving.
Next, it was off to their childhood neighborhood in Arlington, Virginia. Where Arlington and Alexandria meet is often referred to as “Arlandria” by the locals. It’s in this area they would go to the movies and meet up with friends. We saw the apartment complexes they lived in as children, places they played at, schools they attended, and places they ate at. One such place was the Wafle Shop, and yes that really is with one “f”, a signage mishap that stuck. The locals call it the “Way-Full” shop. It’s a skinny diner located in the end of a triangular building made up of one bar that seats 16 people, with a bird's eye view of the cooking area. We stopped in and had some of their famous waffles and a Greek Gyro Salad. It was so special to share that time with Uncle Jim.
After lunch, we headed home and drove by Virginia Tech Community College and took a detour to drive around George Mason University, schools that Jim and his boys have attended for higher education.
We weren’t home long when the family started arriving. We were already acquainted with Matt and Aaron and tonight we also got to meet and associate with Josh and his fiancé Devin, Dan, his wife Nathalie, and their children Athena and Niko. The time spent eating and visiting was priceless. We are ever so grateful to have had the opportunity to be able to spend with these beautiful people whose souls shine even brighter.
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