It is just before bed on the last night of the first half of our family vacation. We have already seen so many friends and family and have done so many things that I felt like a recap would be beneficial. We have spent 6 days in and around our nation’s capital. I am both tired and happy with all of the things that we have done and seen. Here are some of my favorites:
- My Aunt Nina & Uncle Adam. My mom’s sister fell in love with an Italian-American studying in Kansas and was whisked away to New Jersey where his very large, close-knit family all resides. I love staying here! They were kind enough to give us a huge meal, a place to sleep, and a chance to see my cousins.
- The Barbeaus. Our very wonderful friends, whom Trey graduated from law school with 8 years ago, have been meeting us for joint family vacations for the past 5 years. They have allowed us to take over their beautiful home for the past 6 days & nights and shown us the best places in the DC area.
- Museum of Natural History. I knew this would be my kids’ favorite place. They loved everything about this place: dinosaur skeletons, gems, mammals, butterflies, animal bones, marine life.
- National Gallery of Art. How often do you see a Monet in person? Or a Titian? Or a Jackson Pollock? I love introducing my children to some of the world’s best creative expression.
National Cathedral. I had never been here. I had no idea that it was this beautiful. Trey and I visited a lot of churches all around Europe, but I have never seen their equal here in the U.S. until now. My children LOVED that it looked a lot like Hogwarts!- American History Museum. Brand new and full of interesting pieces of our American culture. The kids had the most fun in the hands-on areas.
- Monuments/Memorials. We did not go into the Washington Monument, but we walked close to it and admired it. We went up into the Lincoln Memorial. We took the path back to our car that lead us by the Vietnam Memorial. These all had something beautiful and unique to show us.
- Pirate’s Cove. Being from Maine, we don’t get to swim in chlorinated pools very often, and yet this is one of my favorite summer activities from when I was a kid. Pirate’s Cove was a great little waterpark that we spent half the day at.
- Date night. Our friends arranged for a babysitter one evening so that all four of us adults could go out to a real sit-down restaurant, take a stroll in Old Town, Alexandria, and then order ice cream but not have to share. It was such a fun treat!
Related posts:
