We wanted to get everyone over to the National Mall while our friends were in town, but we had to work around weather, nap schedules, and general management of what very small children can handle. So, I floated the idea of going to see the monuments at night, and everyone was on board! It ended up being a great decision. (except that Lily was overtired and miserably cold and very grumpy about it all- you can't please everyone, it seems)
I HIGHLY recommend the monuments at night. It is beautiful and peaceful.
Claire and Toby ran and frolicked between the monuments and had the best time! The babies and toddlers were all worn or strolled. We made it work.
I've said before that I really love this memorial. I love it even more at night, turns out.
That's the Lincoln Memorial in the distance. We didn't walk all the way down to that one, as we didn't want to tempt fate. Or bedtime.
How beautiful is that??
Our crew of kiddos LOVED riding the metro. It's really the simple things in life, guys.
The next morning, we had hoped to go to the Botanic Gardens to see the trains, but not only was it cold, it was rainy and gross. So...the Postal Museum it was! I know I've said it before, but I'll say it again for those in the back: the Postal Museum is so great for children. And, on rainy days, it's such an easy one to do/get to without having to navigate too much weather. It's right next to Union Station. If you get off at Union Station, you walk a grand total of maybe 30 yards in the open air to the door of the museum. It's a really good option for kids on rainy days.
Benjamin Franklin, first Postmaster General
I don't think I've ever writing about him, but the mail man that we had for six years in Durham, Mr. Eric, became a beloved fixture of our lives. He recently changed jobs, which was a good move for him but broke our hearts. He was such a constant in our lives, and we had so many conversations with him by the mail box or at the door. He's helped me carry in groceries when I've been drowning in children and bags; he would regularly leave candy and treats with our mail for the girls; he took extra special care to make sure mail by our door never got wet in the rain. We would talk about SEC football and Jesus and current events. Our girls would RUN and jump in his arms for hugs. He truly embodied the virtues of this quote, and we are the better for having had him in our lives.
The cab of this truck is such a favorite to climb on and pretend to drive.
Sorting mail in the mail train
Pony Express!
Sorting and scanning
Learning about zip codes (this little activity is legit challenging. I've played it several times in hopes of conquering...)
Me and Brynnie B.
Claire figured out this tricky puzzle without any help! It's the image of the Inverted Jenny stamp. A very impressively-priced printing error.
Headed back to our 'hood
Out for a walk before they headed back to Durham.
We so loved having visitors in DC. And we were so appreciative that our friends did all the work that it takes to get on the road and execute a trip with small children. It's so much work and effort and management...but we think it's worth it and are so glad they did, too!
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