Our DC weekend

My mom stuck around until Wednesday of last week so we were able to go explore a little while she was here. A majority of Sunday was spent recovering from our travel day, but we braved the COLD wind and drove the 10 miles to Mt. Vernon. This was one of my favorite stops when I visited DC 10 years ago, but one my mom hadn't been to yet.

** a bit of background for future posts... I came to DC while in high school 10 years ago, Tyson has never been, both of our parents have been here before. It is one place that has been on the top of Tyson's must visit list **

It was a wonderful visit, we strapped both kids into the backpack carriers- pretty sure these will get lots of usage here! This was well planned out, because we knew you couldn't bring strollers into the house and didn't want to carry the kiddos. To our dismay, we were told we couldn't bring the carriers into the house either! for what reason we'll never know!?! So we made it through the house and enjoyed seeing the 3rd floor which is only open during the Christmas season and saw what looked like a wonderfully delicious cake which Martha (Washington that is!) would have served guest during the Holiday season- made with only 3 lbs of butter and too many eggs to mention! I love how well the property is maintained and the special spirit which exists there... it truly is a majestic place. We would all do well to follow some of the standards and practices of George Washington!

Tyson headed back to work Monday, and mom and I attempted to take the kiddos down to Old Town Alexandria- again only a few short miles away. (we really are in a great location for anyone who needs a vacation!) Well it was bitter cold again and I had lost their mittens in the move so we ended our short walk quickly after the screaming began- their poor little fingers!! That night we again braved the cold and headed into DC, with a pit stop for mittens of course, to see the National Christmas tree and the White House. The tree is simple, but beautiful and we of course made a quick stop for a pic in front of Washington's tree. There were various musical groups singing at a stage nearby which was added to the whole Christmas ambiance. Poor Hallie again had to remind us that she did not like the cold, and cried the entire 6+ blocks back to the car- I really hope she's not this dramatic as a teenager! We ended up taking the long way home... which really means we just got lost and couldn't figure out how to get home! But in the process drove down embassy row which was interesting, definitely a walk or drive we'll do again in the daytime!

Tuesday was filled with a trip to the AFB to see where Ty works, a lunch outing, and a trip through the BX. That evening, Ty got off a little early so mom and I could go out kid free. We decided to take the Metro so we could get it down before taking Micah and Hallie. We walked the short (less than 1/2 mile!) walk to the metro station and hopped on for our ride of less than 20 minutes into DC. (total plug for coming to see us! oh and did I mention the Ronald Reagan airport is only a 5 minute metro ride from our house?!?) We were able to visit the National Archives- amazing place, didn't realize this, but they keep all the letters written to presidents... umm... WOW! I may even have a few in there somewhere! Some of the letters they have displayed are quite funny, kids requesting that PE teachers be held to the same standards they are instead of standing around talking :) This kid may actually be on to something!

On a more serious note, what an amazing place to go, some of the most important and inspired documents for this world contained in there... amazing stuff. We hoofed it through the mall and over to the Jefferson Memorial all of which is gorgeous at night- too bad pictures don't turn out at night at least not for my trusty little camera :) We returned home to put the kiddos in bed followed by a trip to fuddruckers where I had a delish shake and went to rent Mamma Mia, but we were a week early! It wasn't out yet!

We had a great time, and it was a huge help to have her here in the transition. Tyson and I were able to go out a couple times so I could get better acquainted with the city and how to get around. We were sad to see her go, but I'll spare you all (and myself) and won't go there again :)