Hiding Spots

Gianna has found a new hiding spot in our apartment....

Air and Space Museum

On Saturday, we went to the Air and Space Museum. We spent about 2 1/2 hours and didn't even see half of the exhibits - we will definitely be going back in the next few weeks!

When I was 12 years old, I visited this museum with my parents. I remember walking over by an armed guard that was standing next to the moon rock. He told me to make sure I made a wish since I was actually touching a piece of the moon. I was so excited to be able to share this with my kids - however the armed guard was no longer there. : (

Spencer touching a piece of the moon.

Gemma's turn - though I think I need a re-do on the photo, it's a little blurry.

And finally Gianna gets her turn!

David had a lot of fun in this museum - it is one of his favorites. He was so excited to share it with the kids. At times - I couldn't tell who was having more fun - the kids or David!

The kids and I under a model of the Hindenburg.

Gemma and Bozo.

Gemma and Spencer in front of a replica of the Wright Brothers airplane.

The girls getting ready to board a flight!

Gemma and Spencer on board and aircraft carrier.

Computer Time

This is what Gianna likes to do to pass the time when we're just hanging out at home.

Nothing like playing a little PBSkids.org!

The Closet

I meant to post this a few days ago.

The apartment we're staying in has two bedrooms. David and I have the small bedroom and the kids share the master bedroom. Actually, Gemma and Gianna share the bedroom and Spencer has the walk-in closet all to himself. Take a look!

Home Sweet Home

Nothing like shopping at Target to make a girl feel at home!

We had to pick up a few necessities (and for the record - I drove there all by myself!) and Spencer was finally able to use his $25 gift card from ti-ti for his birthday. Here are Gemma and Spencer posing with his latest addition to his Bionicles collection.

Twilight Tattoo

This evening we went to see Twilight Tattoo. Click on the link for the description - it's much better than I could give.

Before the show started we were able to walk around and see some helicopters. Here are the kids and David with a Huey.

Here's another helicopter, a Black hawk.
Then we took our seats and watched the show. What these pictures don't show is the temperature - it was 94' at 7pm. All of the personnel was in uniform. Some were in period uniforms - complete with wigs!!!

The drum and fife band. It was really neat to see them march around as they played.
The drill team. All I can say is WOW. The precision is amazing.

These are the guards that watch over The Tomb of The Unknowns at Arlington Cemetery.

At the end of the "show" they did a review of the history of the Army. Each battle was acknowledge with a soldier representing each era. It was really neat to watch and I'm so glad we were able to bring the children to it.

Tuesday

Today we visited the National Museum of American History. We met up with David after work on the train and headed to the museum.

As soon as we stepped into the museum, David took Spencer to see C3P-O. Spencer wished R2-D2 was with him.
Everyone in front of a train - I took this while Gianna was having a fit. I wanted to document her behavior to have proof for when she gets older.

Gianna loved the exhibit of the First Ladies dresses. She kept saying, "What a pretty tu-tu!" She asked for her photo to be taken in front of First Lady Obama's dress.
Just clowning around! Gianna is very happy to have her daddy around all the time.
We found Kermit - but the puffy shirt from Seinfeld and Michael Jackson's glove had been put in storage for now.

Abraham Lincoln's top hat.

And yet another "tu-tu" Gianna liked. This was Abraham Lincoln's wife's dress, Mary Todd Lincoln.

It was a nice evening and the kids are looking forward to going back!

The Wrong Place, The Right Time

Today marked the first day in DC for the kids and I to venture out alone. I was very nervous thinking about heading out on the train and into the city alone with three kids. David reminded me, I could do this - otherwise he wouldn't agree to it!

So out we went to visit the National Museum of Natural History. No sooner do we get out of the Metro station, I turn the WRONG direction. (I should have gone left, but I went right.) But boy, am I glad I did! When we got to the next street to cross, it had been temporarily closed. Within a few minutes I snapped this photo!

The President's Car!!!!

Gemma was hoping he would see her and possibly invite she and Spencer for a play date - however, that didn't happen. We walked for 20 minutes before I realized we were going the wrong way - but I really didn't care. I was so excited to share that moment with the kids!

Sunday

Since today was Father's Day, we did whatever daddy wanted. The day started out with watching two World Cup soccer games and then a leisurely swim in the pool in the afternoon.

After a relaxing day, we had dinner at Monoroe's and then saw the movie Toy Story 3. We still had the kids in bed later than planned, but that's what happens when you're on vacation!

Here are a few pics from dinner.

This little boy is soooo happy to be with his daddy.

Gianna's expression reminds me of the Chucky doll! It kinda creeps me out!

Gemma loved being able to draw on the paper table cloth. You can see the butterfly she drew.
For our dinner entertainment, Gianna decided to play the spoons and sing a song!

Saturday

Metro Station

Considering we've spent the past two days in the car, we decided today was going to be a very low-key day. So we slept until our little eyes popped open; or really, until the kids eyes popped open. Which was 9am - no complaints from David or me!

After a very relaxing morning and afternoon (went grocery shopping, had lunch at the mall across the street and an afternoon nap for Gianna and me), David decided it was time to head out for a walk. We jumped on the metro and away we went!

Here are some of the sights we saw....

The Lone Sailor

Spencer in front of the Capitol.

The Washington Monument.

The Jefferson Memorial.

Gianna decided to bring Bozo out with us.

The White House

We even stopped at Old Ebbit Grill for the children to use the bathroom. Old Ebbit Grill happens to be a rather swanky restaurant that lots of the senators can be found dining. David knew that the place would be too busy for the staff to notice him and the kids walking in to use the bathroom - and he was right!

After this "pit-stop" we were on our way back to the metro station to the apartment. We decided to stop at the playground. It was the perfect way to end a nice and lazy day!

The Last Few Days

Here are some pictures of us on the road. Overall - the trip went very smooth. The kids were GREAT! Aside from the occasional, "How much longer?", David and I can't complain about how well they did in the car. Gianna even took her nap - both days!!! We arrived safe and sound on Friday evening, around 7pm.

Breakfast Thursday morning in Eau Claire, WI.

On the road!

Somewhere in Illinois, the kids each had a chair massage.

Relaxing in the hot-tub in Ohio.

Ready for bed!

Friday afternoon we had a picnic in PA.

My babies in PA.

Gianna's afternoon nap.

Getting closer!

We made it!!!!