Monday, August 9, 2010

Washington DC Days 10.5 to 11

And in the wrap up...we went to seethe Braves vs Nationals...







Day 11...I wanted to get a pic here all week...at C and 3rd...cause well I call him ''C" and he is 3.

One last trip to The Capital...






And a little tour of the Library of Congress.

DC was awesome. We visited many many more museums than listed and the dining was awesome. The million pics didn't even cover the transportation lessons for CJ: shuttle buses, airplanes, taxi cars, Metros, moving sidewalks, 7 minute elevators, giant escalators, walking, walking, walking and that millions of people live without a car everyday. Hope to go back one day...when C is older.

Washington DC Days 1-4

So Jake was scheduled to work in DC for 11 days. We decided to make a trip out of it. Between out Skymiles, per diem, and company footing the hotel...this trip was a STEAL! I'd never really desired to go to DC, but am so glad we were given this opportunity. Now I can say all Americans should visit. And if you are not American...I think you would enjoy it too.

We dropped our bags and headed out for a quick tour...since our hotel was 3 blocks from The Capital.

Pretty cool...

To be here!!!

Air and Space was pretty close...so we ran in there for lunch...and a quick tour. Since we'd been up since 4:30 am...naps were calling...and then we had to go grocery shopping to ramp up for our many adventures.

Day 2...U.S. Botanic Gardens in front of the Capital. Being the flower nerd I am...loved it! And CJ loved the Childrens Garden.

Cheese

Cheese. And there is a beautiful vegetable garden outside...with umbrella tables...we took and ate our lunch here several days...and enjoyed a gorgeous view of the Capital all the while.

Day 3...Natural History...were Jake was working...and little boys love dinosaurs so...

T-Rex!

Dum-Dum...you want some gum-gum?

T-Rex and T-Rex...

The landscaping and gardens are beautiful all over the DC area.

Can't tell he is exhausted and ready for a nap.

His favorite planet Chupiter!

And later the 1st of many dinners in Chinatown...

Day 4...no pics...we had a day of...well potty training!

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Washington DC Days 5 to 10.5

We started the morning touring the Hirshorn Museum...this is a water fountain sundial!

He wanted to ride the carousel at The Mall...he picked the #3 Race Horse...

After he rode I needed his pic on the Patriotic Horse...

He wanted a popcicle...it was 97 degrees outside...he ate the red part and then it was so melted he tossed it...and yes I love this picture...it will be framed and hung for all of my July 4ths to come...

For dinner we put in our names at Old Ebbitts, a restaurant all the Presidents have eaten at since Lincoln, and went to look at the White House just around the corner...C.J. said "That's where Barack Obama lives!"

Can you the the sniper on the roof? He is there.

I didn't ask for poses...he was just in a posing mood...here in front of the Treasury...

Day 6...National Gallery of Art East...I loved it...seeing some of Henri Matisse's art was cool...he's a fav...but this is not one of his pieces.

And why not stop at the Botanic Garden again...after all it is on the way back to the hotel...

Pump pump and water comes out of the fish's mouth...

It's Friday night...we decide to head to the Capital Hill area for the 1st time...dinner at The Ugly Mug Pub...we notice Military Uniforms everywhere...turns out they have a "parade" every Friday night!!! Not a march down the street parade...a sit in the stands inside the Marine Baracks and watch the band and twirl their guns...very cool. The Boy Scouts were in D.C. for the 100th yr Jamboree...so the "parade" was full. We were allowed to sit on the cement between the bleachers. We sat by a young veteran in his wheelchair. This sweet young man had lost both of his legs, one arm and his other arm was in traction with 1 finger and his thumb left. He talked to C.J. throughout the entire show explaining what they were doing. He also kept turning around to ask me if I could see and if he was in my way. Seriously! He sat with his Mom and Dad and all I could think about was how excited they must be that their son actually made it home from the war considering all of his injuries. I will not soon forget these moments of trying to hold it together as I relished the gratitude of this young man's service for our country...and his now caring and gentle spirit? Really? I vow to lift the young man up in prayer for as long as I can remember our trip to D.C. May he continue to bring joy to others for the rest of his challenging life. May he always know that he has a purpose. And a million more prayers will spill from my heart for him.

Day 7...Saturday...a day with Jake not at work...began with a walk to the Childrens Museum in the 101degree heat...only to learn it closed YEARS AGO...somebody please TAKE IT OFF THE MAP!!! So we went back to Natural History since Jake had not seen CJ enjoying it.

All in all we are tall...the wall lady is 5'4"

Yes we are...the wall man is 5'7"

And when it is 101degrees outside...you shouldn't walk much...so we took the Metro

Again...and

Again...

Day 8... Sunday...time to go back to Air and Space and tour the 2nd floor...

Day 9...CJ made great strides of success in potty training...so we finally was awarded this Spacesuit...and it is working GREAT!!!

Day 10...National Gallery of Art West...this is the underground pass through between East and West...CJ loved this water feature.

CJ copying the statue...

And a classic beauty...

Stay tuned for days 10.5 through 11.

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Home Again Home Again Jiggity Jig...

Hi. I am alive. We've been traveling again. And catching up on laundry again. And cleaning again. 11 days and 10 nights in Washington, D.C. was awesome...especially since hubs was there to work...so it was practically free after SkyMiles and a per diem check but I never want to go ANYWHERE for 11 days again.

This little lovely plant was still in bloom when I got back. Fresh with juicy fruits and new blooms! Gotta love the simple things.