This weekend we drove out to Ohio to visit Grandad and the whole Dotson family. We had a little bit of a rough start with some snow on the drive out there, but after a delayed arrival, the trip was a great success. We had such a terrific time seeing everyone.
No trip to Warren would be complete without a stop at the locally legendary Hot Dog Shoppe, so that's where we started. Simone enjoyed her first Hot Dog Shoppe hot dog and fries--yum!
We had another perfectly delicious meal at the Sunrise Inn. All of the food was excellent, but Tony's burger was OUTSTANDING. We'll all remember this cross between a burger and reuben. Seriously, someone's got to import this sandwich to northern Virginia!
The very best part of the trip, of course, was enjoying some quality time with family. We had a really special visit with Tony's great aunt --making her Simone's only living great great aunt--who is an amazing 95 years old, and just about THE sweetest, most impressive woman I've ever met. It was an honor and a blessing to spend some time with her and listen to her memories.
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| Who could not cherish this photo forever? So special. |
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| Simone with Grandad and his brother. Yes, they get mistaken for twins all the time! |
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| Simone had a blast dancing with Nailah and staying up WAAAAAAY too late for a six year old little girl. I can just hear her 30 years from now, "Nailah, remember that time when we danced to all those Michael Jackson songs until 2 am at Grandad's house? ... and we were allowed to use that cool foot relaxer?" lol! |
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| Tony and his best friend Rob -- another great reunion. |
We also made sure to hit the mall for some requisite Cleveland Browns apparel, catch a little bit of football on Sunday, and enjoyed some awesome pound cake that Miss Linda whipped up lickity split -- oh so good!! The visit went by all to quickly, as they often do, and Simone cried when we had to leave. I'm sure however, that she made memories on this visit that will last her lifetime.
