Washington D.C., the second time

Andy had some thing for school in D.C., so we went a few days early and turned it into a vacation...so much fun!!!  But, oh, so hot!  Last time we were there, Andy didn't get to sight-see with us very much, so this time we hit a lot!  First stop, a picnic next to the Potomac River!

The kids were enthralled watching some boys swim in this river they weren't supposed to be in!  It was a beautiful stop!  We had a mini-history lesson the Battle of Independence per my knowledge from 1776.  (Thank you David McCullough!)

Before checking into our hotel, we went to the Thomas Jefferson Memorial.  So beautiful.  Love this man.  I am just in AWE of the Founding Fathers and can rarely talk about them without getting choked up!  We parked where I knew to park and walked a LONG way to the monument.  Did I mention it was hot AND humid?  However, seeing these little ducklings helped raise the energy levels!

It seems that each child took a turn being happy for the camera.  Annie also loves Thomas.

Playing on the beautiful stone steps below Thomas.

Oh, the challenges of picture taking!  Alas, this is just a beautiful place to just BE.

This is the outside of the memorial.  We bought a book inside as a souvenir, it's a Jack and Annie book (Magic Tree House series) about the Revolutionary War.  Annie bumped into many a people while trying to read and walk at the same time.  She wouldn't put the book down to smile at the camera!!!

Oh, love this one too!  FDR and his many fountains.  A must-see - VERY child friendly!

The State Capitol...um, I mean THE Capitol.  :)

No matter where we were in the city, the kids would always find The National Monument.  Just beautiful.  This was one place we didn't get to explore that Andy really wanted to.  Maybe next time.

We went to have an early dinner at Founding Farmers - super fantastic last time, still good but not great this time.  We didn't have reservations and felt kind of rushed by the waiter.  Anyway, we decided to check out just one more place as museums were open late on the first Friday of the month.  Yes, great spot on the Mall across from the Museum of History (my favorite museum!)  Ahhhh, we came upon one of my little interests - Julia Child's Kitchen!!!  It was just fun to see!  AND - the gold nugget that started the California Gold Rush!  Just amazing!!!

Obligatory family picture in the air and space museum...and no, Ben's BYU shirt doesn't fit anymore.  I need to get him another one!

This was another cool exhibit about the Wright Brothers!  The kids loved that there were crafts to do.

Oh yes, this is how we traveled around Washington D.C.  We were a sign to behold and got many funny looks.  I loved walking behind Andy, with Mitchell in the backpack and Ben also on the stroller.  People would literally STOP and watch him.  We love our family so much!!!!!

Well, about 3 blocks into our walk, we ran into some people who has just visited the National Capitol.  They said NO STROLLERS, so Andy ran the stroller back to the car and came back to meet up with us again.  That meant all the kiddos (except Mitchell) had to walk on their little tired legs, but they did SO FANTASTIC.  I don't think the promise of ice cream afterwards hurt either...

On our way into the Capitol tour!  We arranged this several weeks prior to visiting with our Congressman's office.  He got us an afternoon tour. 

Trying to capture it all on film.  Mitchell was done.  Shortly after, Emily lost it.  Ben and Annie were a dream.  They loved seeing some statues of people we 'know' like Sam Houston from Texas and Brigham Young from Utah!

 

Dad is the rescuer with the strong arms and back.  Love this man to pieces!!!

She's happy again!  In the Library of Congress.  This definitely would have been a fun place to explore more, but we were exhausted!  However, I did finally learn more about Porgy and Bess!

Outside the Capitol, before our 6 block walk back to the car after a long, but fun, day!!!

Sunday evening was Andy's conference, so we went to church with the Szamosfalvi's and then played with them all day!  Jozsef with little Mitchell.

I can't even explain how much my kiddos love this man.  He is just a gem!!!

Annie and Hollie made the fabulous fondue sauce! We had our fondue and then headed out - driving home and listening to the Dallas Mavericks basketball game.  Until we got caught in two hours of traffic at one in the morning...not the best car ride...or places to pull over for potty breaks, but we made it home with 5 hours to spare before Scout Camp the next morning!

I almost forgot to mention THE BEST part of our trip - parking spots!  We found STELLAR parking spots all throughout the city!  Our spot on Saturday was a MIRACLE - there were four spots across from the Air and Space Museum.  As we turned down the street, a car pulled out.  Andy pulled in.  When we read the meter sign, he didn't believe that it was correct - FREE PARKING?!?  Yep, that's right!  He even stopped a bike rider to make sure the sign was correct.  (During the week, these spots are reserved for buses.)  This meant we were across the street from the museum, didn't have to move our car, or run back out to feed the meter!  Thank you D.C. for a fabulous weekend with our family and a fun Sunday with friends!!!

April, Belle, Cafe

I had the most wonderful opportunity to go to Pleasant Grove, Utah, in April.  My oldest niece was Belle in the play of Beauty and the Beast.  My nephew was Lafou (Gaston's sidekick) and another niece was a village girl/invention.  When Addy got the part of Belle, I told Andy that I needed to be there.  He reminded me the play was during his finals.  I again stated that my niece was THE LEAD, and I needed to be there.  With help from such wonderful friends and a loving husband, Mitchell and I flew across the county for 3 1/2 VERY full days and nights...poor little guy had completely irregular naps and bedtimes.  Although, he tended to sleep before the play instead of during it, which wasn't the plan!  (Grandma holding Mitchell with Bronwyn loving on him.)

One afternoon my sweet friend Jen and her little Jax came to visit us at my sister's house.  Jen is one of my favorite friends who helped me survive our first year of law school.  It about broke my heart when they moved back to Utah!

OH, this girl!  She is just amazing!!!  I couldn't watch the show without tearing up about 12 times each show (and I saw it 5 times!).  She is the most amazing actress and just gives her all.  Then she goes into the foyer to great little fans (and big fans) smiling for another 30 minutes, getting down on the floor with them, asking their names, and just being herself!  She is truly just like Belle!

The Beast, Mitchell, Belle, Gaston

No, my little Addy isn't that much taller than me!!!  She's a sweet little 2 year old that is super obedient and just wants to please her favorite aunt! 

Mitchell had a quick bath in the sink (prior to having a haircut that he hated being held down for!).

Roman and his silly girls.  He was absolutely FABULOUS and stayed completely in character!

Belle with another admirer; we have a lot of these pictures.  I was amazed that Addy never seemed to tire of the constantness.  She got up early each morning, went to school, had a few minutes to eat 'dinner', then off to do costumes, mike checks, and everything else, 'ending' each night after 10:30 - then home to hang out with us!  Oh, she needs to come and visit me!  They all had incredible stamina.  Poor Bronwyn had one sad moment - it was about 11pm as we drove home.  Mitchell was overtired (shocker?!?) and just cried in the backseat next to her.  Nothing would calm him down in the car.  I had never heard him cry like that (he's typically a pretty calm little guy) either and it was heart-wrenching!  I look back and Bronner had tears rolling down her checks too.  This little one has empathy...

Saturday my oldest sister had some things she had to do, so Grandma and Aunt Jamie took the girls shopping.  We were at Old Navy for over 2 hours - no lie!  I'm not a shopper, but after about 15 minutes, I dug in and got different sizes, gave my opinions and and helped my nieces maximize their cuteness!  It was another fabulous part of our trip!

Nancy met up with us in times to have Olive Garden, a definite family favorite!

Then back home to show Nancy the clothes and all the different combinations.

This is my little Cosette.  She decided not to be in the play this year but she worked the lights most nights.  Another gem of a girl!!!!  I sure hope my little Annie and Emily become as sincere and kind and faithful and loving as these girls are!!!

Oh, as much as I love my sweeties, Lumier was my favorite character in the play! 

Saturday night, after the 11th (I think???) performance.  Although, the Belle had to shuck the hot hair. 

Uncle Ned teasing Mitchell with the flowers; this game continued for a long time!

We had an after-show party on Saturday night at my beloved Cafe Rio.  It was the perfect end to the experience!

Addy and I shared a salad.  Some lucky guy had better be preparing himself well for this girl!

Time for church!  Addison was in charge of getting Mitchell ready; although he wasn't helping much!

Roman took whatever time he could to play with Mitchell, who never lacked for playmates.  Such a fabulous trip!!!  Thank you Andy for letting me experience life in the theatre!!!!