Papa Love

We were lucky to spend a little time with Papa Murdock during his work trip to D.C. Tess & I met him in the city on a beautiful Friday evening. We toured the American History Museum and relaxed by the fountains in the Sculpture Garden.

Tess was her characteristic shy self for the hour or so we were in the museum. But once she warmed up, she didn't stop chattering to Papa the whole visit.

This picture gives you an idea why Tess nearly did a nose dive straight into the fountain. She was very busy making "leaf boats" to set sail on the pond, and kept getting more and more brave around the water.

At one point she lost her balance, and Papa barely saved her by grabbing the back of her shirt. She literally had water droplets dripping from her nose--that's how close she was to becoming part of the water feature!

Papa spent the night with us, and the next day we dragged him to all of Tess' favorite local hot spots. We fed ducks and baby geese at the marina; played, relaxed and wrestled in the park; and took in a few more sprays at the spray park.

It's a good thing we're headed on a big plane to Idaho this summer, or Tess would've been pretty heartbroken to see her Papa go!

Love you, Papa!