Washington DC

Several years ago, Tommy found out that the 2011 Army/Navy football game was going to be held in Washington DC instead of the usual Philadelphia.  Back in 2005 (I think) we went with our parents to Philly to see the game there and experienced the coldest weather I have ever experienced.  In hopes that DC wouldn't be quite as cold, we asked our parents if they wanted to go to DC for a week, and they said yes.  We rented a house so we could all stay together and off we went.  Because we had both kids and could stop at my parents house on the way, we drove.  Lulu the elf, who came to our house after Thanksgiving, found her way to the car and joined us for the trip.  

The first two days we visited museums at the Smithsonian.  Caroline spent most of her time in the stroller.  She was almost one year old, but could not walk yet.  She looked around, slept some, and of course we did take turns holding her too.  I was concerned about how she would do on this trip, but she surprised me and did so well.  The hardest times for us were lunch.  It was always crowded, places didn't always have high chairs or kids menus, and she was always tired by that point.  Other than lunch, it wasn't too bad.  One day she actually slept through our lunch.  She sat in the stroller and snoozed and it was a very loud restaurant.  Of course that was the one with high chairs, go figure.  

Our first day in DC it was pouring down rain, I mean pouring.  We were lucky that we had this rain cover for the stroller which kept the kids dry and the rest of us used umbrellas.  We just love a challenge.  

The first museum we visited was the Natural History Museum.  Lyla has been into dinosaurs lately, but I think she was surprised to see that there were only bones at the museum.  She was probably expecting much more.  She asks a lot of questions about why they are extinct, were the scientists alive with the dinosaurs, why didn't she get to meet them, it goes on and on.  

You can't see a lot in this picture, but I thought it was cute the way she was standing and because of what her shirt says.  I think it was these lit up jelly fish which you can see better in the next pictures.

She thought they were her new friends.  She loves everyone.

So I think this is the American History Museum.  Since I grew up watching the Wizard of Oz, I was excited to see the Ruby slippers.

Tommy for President!

Lyla and Dumbo

That evening, we celebrated Caroline's birthday with the Nana's and Papas.  I did some research before we left and found a good cupcake place close to our house in DC and ordered cupcakes.  It was raining, as you can see the bag is wet, but Tommy and I went out and found the cupcake place.  They were delicious!

The birthday girl with her family

The birthday girl with Nana and Papa George

The birthday girl with Nana and Papa Morrow

Gifts and cupcakes and the special hat.  

Caroline loves spaghetti so that's what we made for her birthday dinner.  As usual she ate a lot of it!

Blowing out the candle with mommy

Baby's first cake...I think, I can't remember if she had any before this

After cake, Caroline opened her gifts from her Nana's and Papa's.

The next day we headed out to visit more of the Smithsonian Museums.  Obviously we had to go to the Air and Space Museum, which was our favorite.  

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Lyla loved sitting in the planes and helicopters and wanted her Daddy to get in them with her.  These are such special times.  

One of my favorite days was the day we walked around out.  It was nice to be outside and just makes you proud to be an American.

Here's a family picture in front of the Capitol Building. 

Lyla resting on the steps of the US Supreme Court Building

Visiting President Obama at the White House.  

My parents, me and Lyla in front of the Washington Monument.  Look at Lyla's sweet face.  

Tommy with his parents at the Monument.

This is my favorite picture of Caroline in DC.  Makes her look like a giant.

And here is my favorite moment in DC.  Lyla saying the pledge of allegiance in front of the Washington Monument.  I was so proud of my little girl. 

Self portrait at the Monument

I like this picture of Caroline walking with her Nana's and Papas.

Lyla at the Lincoln Memorial

Caroline needed some time out of the stroller for a kiss with Mommy. I just love her little face.

Lyla warming up under the hand dryer.  She loved how it blew her hair back.

Watching the Changing of the Guards.  I was so afraid Lyla was going to run out there are shout something really inappropriate.  She was up front with my Mom and Dad and did great.  Caroline on the other hand was very loud and had to leave with Nana Morrow.

Tommy, his parents, and my Dad went to the Army/Navy game while me and my Mom rested at the house with the girls.  They had fun at the game even if Army did lose for the 10th year in a row.  Yes, we pull for Army, Tommy is a West Point grad, remember?

We had so much fun in DC seeing all the sites, visiting with our parents, and celebrating Caroline's one-year Birthday!  Now, next time let's go in the Spring and see the Cherry Blossoms!