tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-130790462024-03-13T12:11:56.832-07:00Burke Brothers Bulletin (and Gracie Too!)...chasing children and chilaxin'Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.comBlogger954125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-87218450882653870142015-06-20T22:41:00.000-07:002016-06-24T22:41:47.760-07:006th Grade Graduation Hayden's 6th grade graduation was quite the event. The theme was Over the Rainbow, and the teachers dressed up Oz style. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUCWAuEZDJo/V24Y9xu0PDI/AAAAAAAAHnk/LDe972xZ_5A2WxzevcJ-6fPrmZlrPDFbACLcB/s1600/2015-06-11_JKA_4292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nUCWAuEZDJo/V24Y9xu0PDI/AAAAAAAAHnk/LDe972xZ_5A2WxzevcJ-6fPrmZlrPDFbACLcB/s320/2015-06-11_JKA_4292.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOH7P2WD4Fo/V24ZBx0ivGI/AAAAAAAAHns/9fBqDmQjf_A0JI0TG9Wb3hxWxdWIH0dLACLcB/s1600/2015-06-11_JKA_4298.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TOH7P2WD4Fo/V24ZBx0ivGI/AAAAAAAAHns/9fBqDmQjf_A0JI0TG9Wb3hxWxdWIH0dLACLcB/s320/2015-06-11_JKA_4298.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Elementary school has been a lot of fun for him, and the idea of middle school makes him nervous, but I'm sure he'll have a great time.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIobeoY9G8w/V24ZdUP-AbI/AAAAAAAAHn0/JXC0IEI3TQs6QBmlSHy-5kBtrBqvRstAQCLcB/s1600/2015-06-11_JKA_4397.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jIobeoY9G8w/V24ZdUP-AbI/AAAAAAAAHn0/JXC0IEI3TQs6QBmlSHy-5kBtrBqvRstAQCLcB/s320/2015-06-11_JKA_4397.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Their school has a great tradition - the clap out. All the grades gather in the hallway outside their classrooms and clap as the sixth grade parades by. Once the kids make it to graduation, they've been through this drill six times, and are more than ready for it to be their turn.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-4281835760456977262015-05-11T07:16:00.001-07:002016-06-24T22:42:27.832-07:00Cabin Capers 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-657EMK8aPhQ/VVC5peDz0fI/AAAAAAAAHOM/fAiKjWhH1A4/s1600/diamond%2Blake%2Bgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-657EMK8aPhQ/VVC5peDz0fI/AAAAAAAAHOM/fAiKjWhH1A4/s200/diamond%2Blake%2Bgroup.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
This year we finally got Jeff down to see the cabin. The kids spent their week there, and we came down for the weekend to pick them up. <br />
<br />
On the drive back, we stopped at Diamond Lake. We took the kids out on the lake in pedal boats, which are made for an even number of people. I kept thinking Grace was going to jump out the back! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLERXM6mF1A/VVC5rIBXYcI/AAAAAAAAHOU/K8_0A3CXipU/s1600/diamond%2Blake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LLERXM6mF1A/VVC5rIBXYcI/AAAAAAAAHOU/K8_0A3CXipU/s200/diamond%2Blake.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-82970673135700437582015-05-10T11:45:00.005-07:002015-05-10T11:45:47.094-07:00Gracious Mae 7th Birthday Interview<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5KQTS0I-YM/VU-nA6VnBVI/AAAAAAAAHMI/_wUZTqWb0_M/s1600/gracie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O5KQTS0I-YM/VU-nA6VnBVI/AAAAAAAAHMI/_wUZTqWb0_M/s320/gracie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
1. What is your favorite color? <i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Pink</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /> 2. What is your favorite toy? </span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isabelle, American Girl</span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. What is your favorite fruit?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Strawberries</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. What is your favorite TV show?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Team Umizumi</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>5</em>. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>peanut butter banana and honey sandwich</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>6. What is your favorite outfit?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>blue dress with the ruffle skirt</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>7. What is your favorite game? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>tag</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>8. What is your favorite snack?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>banana</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>9. What is your favorite animal?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Horses</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>10. What is your favorite song?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Let It Go</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>11. What is your favorite book?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>too hard to choose, adventure books</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>12. Who is your best friend?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Kaitlyn</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>13. What is your favorite cereal? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Frozen</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Play</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>15. What is your favorite drink?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Milk</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>16. What is your favorite holiday? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Mother's Day</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Teddy, blankie & my owl</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?<em> <span style="color: #76a5af;">Frozen cereal</span></em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> </em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Ribs</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>20. What do you want to be when you grow up? <em>a doctor</em></span><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URo8WsuvX24/VU-mxf4rizI/AAAAAAAAHMA/Kgqm8u6bX24/s1600/grace%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URo8WsuvX24/VU-mxf4rizI/AAAAAAAAHMA/Kgqm8u6bX24/s200/grace%2Band%2Bdad.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<a href="http://burkebrothersbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/05/gracious-mae-6th-birthday-interview.html" target="_blank">6th Birthday interview...</a><br /><a href="http://burkebrothersbulletin.blogspot.com/2014/05/gracious-mae-6th-birthday-interview.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #9b3fd9;">5th Birthday interview...</span></a><br /><a href="http://burkebrothersbulletin.blogspot.com/2012/05/20-questions-by-gracious-mae-before-she.html"><span style="color: #9b3fd9;">4th Birthday interview...</span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-20677184706568252132015-03-01T07:56:00.000-08:002015-05-11T07:57:30.490-07:00Theater :: Timmy Failure<h1>
<a href="http://www.metro-parent.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/TimmyFailure1.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Metro Parent-PDX Kids Calendar review of OCT's Timmy Failure. March 2015" class="alignright wp-image-32883" height="200" src="http://www.metro-parent.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/TimmyFailure1-189x300.jpg" width="126" /></a><em>Timmy Failure</em> is a complete success!</h1>
Timmy Failure and his distinctive scarf come alive in this hysterical debut production. Timmy isn’t the kind of kid you typically cheer for. He’s oblivious, snarky, and more than a little self-centered. But he and Total, his polar bear partner, want to do the right thing. They’re just much better at getting into trouble than out of it.<br />
<br />
The stage is set like a page out of Stephan Pastis’ popular <em>Timmy Failure</em> series. The pen and ink drawings and minimal props allow the vibrant personalities of the characters to truly shine. Many of the actors have multiple roles, changing hair, costumes, and voices in a flash. The Total Failure Detective Agency notebook kept up with the cases our detectives took on, the larger-than-life screen changed every time Timmy opened it to make notes. His goofy drawings always got a laugh.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrPyvukyMZ0/VVDC6Cv76PI/AAAAAAAAHPM/7P1XQK5qfCs/s1600/Timmy%2BFailure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qrPyvukyMZ0/VVDC6Cv76PI/AAAAAAAAHPM/7P1XQK5qfCs/s320/Timmy%2BFailure.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
From the moment Pat Moran takes the stage as Timmy Failure, the audience is on a journey with him. You never take your eyes off him, except when Total takes the stage as a hip-hop dancing ballerina. With too many laugh out loud moments to count, the show speeds along until Timmy’s life and lies come crashing down. Quite literally.<br />
<em></em><br />
<br />
<em>Timmy Failure: Mistakes were Made</em> operates on multiple levels. On the surface, it’s a hilarious take on how an eight-year-old views life. They are the center, so everything going on must relate to them in some way. But the parents and mature kids in the audience will feel the weight of the things happening around Timmy that he can’t control – family economic crises, his mother’s slick new boyfriend, dealing with a new teacher, relating to other kids, losing your best friend. The world is imperfect, but Timmy is undaunted is his quest to set things right for his mother, and for himself.<br />
<br />
The live telling of Stephan Pastis’ popular <em>Timmy Failure</em> series was developed as part of Oregon Children’s Theatre’s New Play Initiative. To bring contemporary voices to the stage for children, the initiative’s goal is to produce a new play each year. This season they produced two and will do the same next season.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxsemdYK9g0/VVDDDpEhphI/AAAAAAAAHPU/UleINRgnNPc/s1600/timmy%2Bfailure%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxsemdYK9g0/VVDDDpEhphI/AAAAAAAAHPU/UleINRgnNPc/s200/timmy%2Bfailure%2B1.jpg" width="200" /></a>This show is fun for any age. For families where the children’s ages vary, this would be a great option. It has jokes that appeal to kids and one-liners to make even the surliest of teenagers crack a smile. Fans of <em>Diary of a Wimpy Kid</em> would love <em>Timmy Failure</em> – the play and the books.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-83533516911848684262014-12-07T07:46:00.000-08:002015-05-11T07:46:32.660-07:00Are You Going To Make Me?<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpetfW_egCE/VVDAkCTvqDI/AAAAAAAAHO4/13K_kEGDxKo/s1600/zoolights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gpetfW_egCE/VVDAkCTvqDI/AAAAAAAAHO4/13K_kEGDxKo/s200/zoolights.jpg" width="200" /></a>It's official. Bayley is too cool to do much of anything with his family. Anything we ask him to do he responds with, "Are you going to make me?"<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlnLWZ4IA2s/VVDAmdNYgDI/AAAAAAAAHPA/Lu6jM4kkQ20/s1600/zoolights1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LlnLWZ4IA2s/VVDAmdNYgDI/AAAAAAAAHPA/Lu6jM4kkQ20/s320/zoolights1.jpg" width="240" /></a>At first I thought, well, no, I want you to be with us because we're fun. We're awesome. You used to think we were the bees knees. <br />
<br />
And then I started to miss him. So yes, I am going to make you. Because right now I still can make you go to Zoolights with your family, and one of these years you'll have a job and beg off on account of work or homework. And I'll miss you then, but I don't have to now. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-62648351704735432192014-09-02T07:22:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:23:44.872-07:00First, Sixth & Eighth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrN6M5J319I/VVC7Dw4GWiI/AAAAAAAAHOg/s1zV569MLD0/s1600/back%2Bto%2Bschool%2Bg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrN6M5J319I/VVC7Dw4GWiI/AAAAAAAAHOg/s1zV569MLD0/s320/back%2Bto%2Bschool%2Bg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
School's is back in session! Thank goodness we survived another summer. This will be Gracie's first year of being in school for the full day, which I'm looking forward to. Hayden is looking forward to ruling the school, and Bayley has this whole middle school thing down. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AqClTxB7Zk/VVC7GfydJbI/AAAAAAAAHOo/5aRpQLJe_4g/s1600/back%2Bto%2Bschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--AqClTxB7Zk/VVC7GfydJbI/AAAAAAAAHOo/5aRpQLJe_4g/s200/back%2Bto%2Bschool.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-50785431081233768772014-08-16T06:58:00.000-07:002015-05-11T07:05:51.149-07:00Daisy Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waKS-pPxjWk/VVC2t4VtNbI/AAAAAAAAHN4/9xmzVtooCdc/s1600/daisy%2Bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-waKS-pPxjWk/VVC2t4VtNbI/AAAAAAAAHN4/9xmzVtooCdc/s200/daisy%2Bday.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Gracie so wants to be a Girl Scout, but our school doesn't have a troop for girls her age. Sometimes I can find activities she can do where she doesn't need to be part of a troop - like Daisy Day at Camp Arrowhead. The camp set up a 'try it' day for the small ones. They got to try swimming (Gracie wouldn't go in), hiking, crafting, and canoeing.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4R1Id3AadrM/VVC2v5YwC8I/AAAAAAAAHOA/4HHe9wMZ7g4/s1600/daisy%2Bday%2Bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4R1Id3AadrM/VVC2v5YwC8I/AAAAAAAAHOA/4HHe9wMZ7g4/s320/daisy%2Bday%2Bc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
She really enjoyed it. Hopefully she can find a place next year, or I can find more events. Preferable ones where I do not have to get in a canoe!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-22194080733486136712014-07-20T09:19:00.000-07:002014-11-29T09:24:27.618-08:00Glow Run!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N37mqYq2ZI8/VHoAovYtDQI/AAAAAAAAHHc/XhsdrYRnbW0/s1600/glo%2Brun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N37mqYq2ZI8/VHoAovYtDQI/AAAAAAAAHHc/XhsdrYRnbW0/s1600/glo%2Brun.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></div>
For some reason, I love fun runs. The 5K version with a walking option. Basically, I like to wander about and look at people dressed in ridiculous costumes. All the better if there is beer at the end. And thanks to Russell & Kim, this one was free. And we all know how much I love a freebie. <br />
<br />
When we arrived they gave us glow-glasses and necklaces, Kim brought flashing rings, and as soon as the sun set, they sent us off to cross the bridges and walk by the river. Neither are things I would typically attempt in Portland at night. <br />
<br />
I loved it, especially when they started the foam machine. I am a fan of all things quirky. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-65654682787342663072014-07-14T06:23:00.000-07:002015-05-11T06:57:37.075-07:00Mt Hood Trip - Adventures & Nature<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBbKaD_85Aw/VVCrE9YAk7I/AAAAAAAAHMs/CcXxUcwEtK0/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KBbKaD_85Aw/VVCrE9YAk7I/AAAAAAAAHMs/CcXxUcwEtK0/s320/mt%2Bhood%2Bgroup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Mt. Hood is great for snow sports in the winter, if you're into that sort of thing. In the summer, they have an adventure park, with ziplines and trampolines and all kinds of fun stuff. I've always wanted to take the kids, but it's just beyond the length I like to go on a daytrip. So when Katie asked if I wanted to split the cost of a condo for a couple nights, I was game.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bHUmDlF7S4/VVCrBtVlyAI/AAAAAAAAHMk/Upl1QIj5Cdk/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bbayley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bHUmDlF7S4/VVCrBtVlyAI/AAAAAAAAHMk/Upl1QIj5Cdk/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bbayley.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
The condo was great - Katie and I had our own rooms, the little girls had a sleeping loft and Bayley...wound up with a couch. The complex had two pools and a hot tub, which were as important to them as the adventure park!<br />
<br />
We'd heard that it takes two days to do the Mt. Hood Adventure Park because of the lines and the two locations. But when we showed up on Wednesday, we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Lines were minimal, so the kids could do things over and over and over...<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWg7sxuA22w/VVCr2WAhZ-I/AAAAAAAAHNE/ybeYcCOqq68/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bpony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iWg7sxuA22w/VVCr2WAhZ-I/AAAAAAAAHNE/ybeYcCOqq68/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bpony.jpg" width="200" /></a>The boys liked the go-carts, but the girls weren't tall enough. And that's a good thing because we put Grace in a kiddo cart and she couldn't even make it around the track. There were lots of things to do. Some things the kids could all do together - mini-golf, obstacle courses, trampolines - some that were for the bigger kids - ziplines and bungee jumps - and some that were best left to the small ones - pony rides and kiddo carts. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRCYXkKkUxQ/VVCr5GMcNPI/AAAAAAAAHNM/F-ae6ZZzrVU/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bbungee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YRCYXkKkUxQ/VVCr5GMcNPI/AAAAAAAAHNM/F-ae6ZZzrVU/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bbungee.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
The boys thought the ziplines were just meh, but the really liked the bungee and both did it twice. I'm not a fan of them jumping, but I have the misguided hope that by doing it in controlled environments like this, they won't need to try and do something nuts like base jumping. Plus, it looked very cool to jump with Mt. Hood in the background.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCbKxMGgXY8/VVCrv4X6k9I/AAAAAAAAHM0/rXSbmnd0j8o/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bhayden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCbKxMGgXY8/VVCrv4X6k9I/AAAAAAAAHM0/rXSbmnd0j8o/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bhayden.jpg" width="200" /></a>The kids did the summer tubing hill, but it didn't really compare to the Alpine Slide. They all liked the Zorbs - giant inflatable hamster balls they roll around in on water. Much more fun than it sounds. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8b25Q3ARlSM/VVCryT2zLEI/AAAAAAAAHM8/YkxdDrcyWes/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8b25Q3ARlSM/VVCryT2zLEI/AAAAAAAAHM8/YkxdDrcyWes/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bme.jpg" width="200" /></a>The Adventure Slide is at a different location than most of the park. I try to avoid most rides, but Grace had to have a partner to steer, so we got in on the action. So long as you don't get stuck behind a slowpoke, they're a thrill. Until you take a spill. Somehow, both Hannah and Hayden were tossed from their carts and wound up with quite the road rash. Slide rash? Whatever. We found out that the first aid offered is...minimal. Good thing Katie knows basic wound care. <br />
<br />
The second day there were lines thanks to kids being trucked in for summer camp field trips. The place really is better when you don't have to deal with lines. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5DTJ0rWNJo/VVCwH9rgAKI/AAAAAAAAHNY/Z-LmHYfma3E/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bcultural%2Bcenter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5DTJ0rWNJo/VVCwH9rgAKI/AAAAAAAAHNY/Z-LmHYfma3E/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bcultural%2Bcenter.jpg" width="200" /></a>Because I can't have a trip without working in some kind of educational element, we took the kids to the Mt. Hood Cultural Center where we tried to show them the history of the forest fires, Native Americans and quilts. The kids...weren't all that interested. But Grace saw the spinning wheel and decided to play Sleeping Beauty. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Xls5Edyxs/VVCwLBzZSRI/AAAAAAAAHNg/PIUDDjpcf70/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Bsnow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Xls5Edyxs/VVCwLBzZSRI/AAAAAAAAHNg/PIUDDjpcf70/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Bsnow.jpg" width="200" /></a>We also went up to Timberline Lodge and found snow! There is something magical about snow in the summer. They tried to have a snowball fight, but it was more like an ice fight and that is fun for no one. We also walked them through the history exhibits inside the lodge - I think the kids felt a but tricked.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rv7jWoR_GA/VVCwV7uRRjI/AAAAAAAAHNo/OvGdp5ZbtBg/s1600/mt%2Bhood%2Btrillium%2Blake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9rv7jWoR_GA/VVCwV7uRRjI/AAAAAAAAHNo/OvGdp5ZbtBg/s200/mt%2Bhood%2Btrillium%2Blake.jpg" width="200" /></a>One our way back, we went to Trillium Lake. There are some amazing photos of the lake, where it is a glassy mirror of the mountain. But, it was windy and there were lots of people about enjoying the lake. So, no artistic picture, but we did see a pregnant salamander. <br />
<br />
We had such fun, I think Jeff wants to go next time!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-75978628541407572552014-07-04T09:17:00.000-07:002014-11-29T09:17:17.929-08:00Hayden is 11!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjnUUZu7tk0/VHn_hhaK-2I/AAAAAAAAHHU/M0MzL3DDHMU/s1600/hay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XjnUUZu7tk0/VHn_hhaK-2I/AAAAAAAAHHU/M0MzL3DDHMU/s1600/hay.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. What is your favorite color? </span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Blue</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /> 2. What is your favorite toy? </span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kindle </span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. What is your favorite fruit?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Banana</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. What is your favorite TV show?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Dude You're Screwed</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>5</em>. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?<em> Ribs</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>6. What is your favorite outfit?<em> Hoodie</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>7. What is your favorite game? <em>Injustice</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>8. What is your favorite snack?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Corndog</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>9. What is your favorite animal?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Orca</em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">10. What is your favorite song?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Centuries by Fall Out Boy</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>11. What is your favorite book?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Origami Yoda</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>12. Who is your best friend?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Riley</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>13. What is your favorite cereal? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Frosted Flakes</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Soccer</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>15. What is your favorite drink?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Dr. Pepper</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>16. What is your favorite holiday? <em>Christmas/</em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Chanukah</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Kindle</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? <em>Leftover Panda Express</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Panda Express</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>20. What do you want to be when you grow up? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Marine Biologist</em> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-78236542346633503132014-06-29T23:14:00.003-07:002014-06-29T23:14:47.774-07:00Pacific City<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcA5KmMgZpc/U7D_rP0nwpI/AAAAAAAAG60/wZd9dTCMuXU/s1600/DSCF1302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xcA5KmMgZpc/U7D_rP0nwpI/AAAAAAAAG60/wZd9dTCMuXU/s1600/DSCF1302.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
We took advantage of the sunshine and headed to the coast for the afternoon. Hayden has been wanting to climb the dune at Pacific City since last summer, so he chose the destination. Jeff likes it there because you can park on the beach - no hauling gear through the sand!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_8dFgdFIcg/U7D_zrTkvFI/AAAAAAAAG68/r2FErKKQwvE/s1600/DSCF1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t_8dFgdFIcg/U7D_zrTkvFI/AAAAAAAAG68/r2FErKKQwvE/s1600/DSCF1311.JPG" height="200" width="112" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY20vytiE7g/U7D_1euzQOI/AAAAAAAAG7E/4ERLmTy8tIA/s1600/DSCF1323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vY20vytiE7g/U7D_1euzQOI/AAAAAAAAG7E/4ERLmTy8tIA/s1600/DSCF1323.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>Bayley was torn between being bored, acting like a teen, and playing like a kid. He has to maintain his cool. And it is hard to be cool when you're hanging out with your goofy brother and girly sister. Poor dude. One of these days I'll have to take a minute to feel bad for him. <br />
<br />
Of course I thought it was quite the accomplishment that the boy spent the day unattached from his Xbox. <br />
<br />
Pacific City has a bit of everything - the dune, a long beach for kites and Frisbees, tide pools and waves worthy of a surf board. And a riptide. The thing is no joke. So, it's not a swimming beach, but what stretch of the Oregon coast is?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFrDSz30nC8/U7EAB_hT4KI/AAAAAAAAG7M/H7lt5BJOabg/s1600/DSCF1273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qFrDSz30nC8/U7EAB_hT4KI/AAAAAAAAG7M/H7lt5BJOabg/s1600/DSCF1273.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>We always cap off the day with dinner at Pelican Brewery. Unfortunately, the food has changed! We all ordered something different and...yeah. Won't be going back. Too bad, really. But I guess that's what picnics are for!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-85113909145912331702014-06-12T09:05:00.000-07:002014-11-29T09:07:21.146-08:00Green to Blue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ySIljfo2Y/VHn9Pk2iN6I/AAAAAAAAHHI/Zsk6nQeGvOs/s1600/tkdb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m_ySIljfo2Y/VHn9Pk2iN6I/AAAAAAAAHHI/Zsk6nQeGvOs/s1600/tkdb.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".bo.1:3:1:$comment661891907233879_661925393897197:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".bo.1:3:1:$comment661891907233879_661925393897197:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".bo.1:3:1:$comment661891907233879_661925393897197:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1:$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">He broke the board with an elbow strike <span aria-hidden="true" class="emoticon_text">:)</span><span class="emoticon emoticon_smile" title=":)"></span> I'm so proud of how he's stuck with this. He's had to miss months at a time because I just couldn't get him there around the soccer schedules of the other two. And he'll miss next month for track.</span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-37974601430813648822014-06-11T22:44:00.000-07:002014-11-28T23:04:13.210-08:00Kindergarten Graduation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwlEYsZcK3s/VHlrPBdAGzI/AAAAAAAAHGo/-qPETm1QdBI/s1600/kinder10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cwlEYsZcK3s/VHlrPBdAGzI/AAAAAAAAHGo/-qPETm1QdBI/s1600/kinder10.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
You did it, Gracie Mae!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-87419381144173972902014-05-31T22:03:00.000-07:002014-11-29T08:56:09.402-08:00Fancy Nancy : On the town with Gracie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN3YLTO5zNE/VHlj01uX0yI/AAAAAAAAHGI/DIoYwnln73o/s1600/fn2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NN3YLTO5zNE/VHlj01uX0yI/AAAAAAAAHGI/DIoYwnln73o/s1600/fn2.png" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Gracie girl loves Fancy Nancy. The books, the accessories, the vocabulary - she loves it all. So we got tickets to the play and made a day of it. <br />
<br />
We picked up our tickets and had a bit of time, so we went for sushi. Well, I had sushi, Grace had shrimp tempura and a great miso soup. We're not usually fans, but it was delicious. It had lotus root.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYFA54OgPpQ/VHlj2owH4II/AAAAAAAAHGQ/KbxuPAvuX-g/s1600/fn3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IYFA54OgPpQ/VHlj2owH4II/AAAAAAAAHGQ/KbxuPAvuX-g/s1600/fn3.png" height="320" width="240" /></a>They had crafts at the theater where the kids could make themselves a tiara out of a paper plate, and there was a table where they sold all the Fancy Nancy fanciness. Grace just had to have the multi-colored tutu and sparkly sunglasses and feathered boa and...you get the idea. <br />
<br />
She loved the play. It was fun and funny, and the kids were encouraged to dance and sing. She said it was a Fancy Nancy party. So cute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSCboMRkuI8/VHljxflY_3I/AAAAAAAAHGA/PRFUO656q1E/s1600/fn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sSCboMRkuI8/VHljxflY_3I/AAAAAAAAHGA/PRFUO656q1E/s1600/fn1.jpg" height="167" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-90606072340706250562014-05-17T18:03:00.000-07:002014-11-28T18:53:52.230-08:00Romantic Times Convention : New Orleans!<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JpOZ2lf0rA/VHkxJ1nOK4I/AAAAAAAAHEE/zmANxvWGAMQ/s1600/no1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1JpOZ2lf0rA/VHkxJ1nOK4I/AAAAAAAAHEE/zmANxvWGAMQ/s1600/no1.png" /></a>Every year, the leading magazine about romantic fiction holds a conference where thousands of readers convene to celebrate all things romance. At the RT Convention there are parties and book fairs and parties and luncheons and parties and...you get it. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P00fNTvfAc/VHkxMubnkMI/AAAAAAAAHEU/o9OvSi76pWo/s1600/no3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3P00fNTvfAc/VHkxMubnkMI/AAAAAAAAHEU/o9OvSi76pWo/s1600/no3.png" /></a>I'd never braved the masses, but I've always wanted to go to New Orleans, so I prepared my introverted self and made the trip. Largely because my publisher promised I could throw beads off a Mardi Gras float. Can you say bucket list? <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyv36SMXCWg/VHkxO5NSQvI/AAAAAAAAHEk/_VWA2akYApQ/s1600/no5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xyv36SMXCWg/VHkxO5NSQvI/AAAAAAAAHEk/_VWA2akYApQ/s1600/no5.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
Plus, it was my birthday weekend, and Randy lives there so if I truly freaked out I'd have someone to laugh at me in the loony bin. <br />
<br />
Things did not start as I had planned. I made it to the airport for my buttcrack-of-dawn flight, and they postponed my flight for two hours. Then six. Then...I took a flight that would get me as far as Denver, and hopefully to New Orleans by midnight. I had an eight am meeting the next day, so I was keen to get there. Plus...I had scheduled a ghost tour. Ah, well. <br />
<br />
I made it there around two am. Luckily my roommate was waiting at the door and had found a couple of dudes to buy our drinks. Apparently, I've set a precedent with her that the bar is required after airline issues.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMCO2HnHX-Y/VHkxLWUmyPI/AAAAAAAAHEM/rCk54Llgpvc/s1600/no2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XMCO2HnHX-Y/VHkxLWUmyPI/AAAAAAAAHEM/rCk54Llgpvc/s1600/no2.png" /></a>The conference started in full swing the next morning. To say I was overwhelmed would be an understatement. There were so many people! Most of the authors had been there before, or were newbies. So I was in this weird place of being established, and not knowing what the heck to do. I learned quickly - give stuff away. Lots of it. These readers want stuff for them, and for their family and friends. Okay. Will do that next time. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AKO5xCCTjM/VHkxSJOGIrI/AAAAAAAAHE0/M-7b1tPz5is/s1600/no7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_AKO5xCCTjM/VHkxSJOGIrI/AAAAAAAAHE0/M-7b1tPz5is/s1600/no7.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Every time I felt overwhelmed or underprepared, I took a walk outside. Our hotel was an easy walk to just about all the bucket list things in Nola. Our first excursion was to the French Market. They have a little bit of everything there, mostly at tourist prices. But I did find a few budget friendly reader bribes - I mean gifts. Whenever I do a print signing, I like to have a few things on hand for readers who come to say hello, but don't buy a book because they already have the ebook. Given the crowds at RT, I knew the dozen treats I'd brought would be gone in no time.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U--nDsQbBkk/VHkxTdonZsI/AAAAAAAAHE8/mZ_cNFP6LWM/s1600/no8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U--nDsQbBkk/VHkxTdonZsI/AAAAAAAAHE8/mZ_cNFP6LWM/s1600/no8.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
Lynda had vacationed with her family there the week before, so she was able to play tour guide to a cemetery - where if you knock three times on a witch's crypt and make a wish, it comes true. We also saw Nikolas Cage's pyramid tomb. Like all good ghost hunters, we stopped for beignets on the way back. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAS8ER1Ifgg/VHkxQLiR5iI/AAAAAAAAHEs/xJaL3zwQ7jM/s1600/no6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HAS8ER1Ifgg/VHkxQLiR5iI/AAAAAAAAHEs/xJaL3zwQ7jM/s1600/no6.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>During the weekend we also went to a voodoo shop, and an occult shop where a friend had her cards read. <br />
<br />
On my birthday, I dragged all my girls to have our tea leaves read. Accordingly, I can expect seven years of success and overseas travel in 2015. So there is that. <br />
<br />
The conference went well for me, but next time? I'm swagging it out!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-75641815998538046972014-05-11T21:24:00.000-07:002014-11-29T08:56:26.418-08:00The Giver :: On the town with Bayley<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt7a1mPA8GU/VHlY8FNr5oI/AAAAAAAAHFg/cBEEA9vTw9Q/s1600/dd3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jt7a1mPA8GU/VHlY8FNr5oI/AAAAAAAAHFg/cBEEA9vTw9Q/s1600/dd3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Whenever we can, we try to do things one-on-one with the kiddos. It's nice to get them alone, and they tend to be more talkative. Plus, you can do things they'd like and the others might not. The local children's theater had a production of The Giver, which Bayley read in school last year, so I thought taking in the play would be a great way to spend time together.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcYYJslgGPg/VHlY-Wa3jRI/AAAAAAAAHFo/45Z0M5c3WDU/s1600/dd2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CcYYJslgGPg/VHlY-Wa3jRI/AAAAAAAAHFo/45Z0M5c3WDU/s1600/dd2.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
We got into town a bit early, so we walked over to Cacao where Bayley enjoyed his first drinking chocolate. No surprise that he loved it.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SlFg6dpqAA/VHlZB50P0_I/AAAAAAAAHFw/DCGkG52rJeg/s1600/dd1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2SlFg6dpqAA/VHlZB50P0_I/AAAAAAAAHFw/DCGkG52rJeg/s1600/dd1.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>The play was great and afterwards I took him to Shigezo, my favorite Japanese restaurant downtown. He had his first bowl of traditional ramen, and even tried some of my sushi. <br />
<br />
It's so nice to have him be old enough to appreciate experiences and be willing to expand his palate. I love this kid. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-43574578216599341352014-05-10T13:50:00.000-07:002014-06-14T13:50:59.043-07:00Gracious Mae 6th Birthday Interview<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: left;">
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp5kLar7Zrs/U5y1aHuFf6I/AAAAAAAAG5c/f1S_Db04zlw/s1600/grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jp5kLar7Zrs/U5y1aHuFf6I/AAAAAAAAG5c/f1S_Db04zlw/s1600/grace.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1. What is your favorite color? </span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Purple</span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /> 2. What is your favorite toy? </span><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yo Gabba Gabba Tutti </span></i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">3. What is your favorite fruit?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Strawberries</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">4. What is your favorite TV show?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Jake & the Neverland Pirates</em></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>5</em>. What is your favorite thing to eat for lunch?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>hot dog</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>6. What is your favorite outfit?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>The one I'm wearing</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>7. What is your favorite game? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Castle Quest</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>8. What is your favorite snack?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Peanut butter crackers</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>9. What is your favorite animal?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Horses</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>10. What is your favorite song?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>The Alphabet</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>11. What is your favorite book?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Ariel Books</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>12. Who is your best friend?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Kaitlyn</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>13. What is your favorite cereal? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Honey Nut Cheerios</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>14. What is your favorite thing to do outside?</span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em> Play</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>15. What is your favorite drink?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Chocolate Milk</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>16. What is your favorite holiday? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Chanukah</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>17. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Teddy</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>18. What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Scrambled eggs and toast </em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>19. What do you want for dinner on your birthday?<em> </em></span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Red Robin</em></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /><em></em>20. What do you want to be when you grow up? </span><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Pterodactyl</em> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlgJ55GrwNw/U5y1XUawZBI/AAAAAAAAG5U/H6smPXOALD0/s1600/grace+and+daddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GlgJ55GrwNw/U5y1XUawZBI/AAAAAAAAG5U/H6smPXOALD0/s1600/grace+and+daddy.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://burkebrothersbulletin.blogspot.com/2013/05/20-questions-by-gracious-mae-before-she.html" target="_blank">5th Birthday interview...</a><br />
<a href="http://burkebrothersbulletin.blogspot.com/2012/05/20-questions-by-gracious-mae-before-she.html">4th Birthday interview...<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-72104729521751937352014-04-29T17:21:00.000-07:002014-11-28T17:57:36.181-08:00DC Day Seven :: Tours and the trip home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrbCOwN3--0/VHki8G3hDCI/AAAAAAAAHDE/d0XgIYA9Zjc/s1600/dc26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HrbCOwN3--0/VHki8G3hDCI/AAAAAAAAHDE/d0XgIYA9Zjc/s1600/dc26.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
In order to get tours at most places in DC, you have to plan months in advance by writing your congressperson. When Bayley made the trip a few years ago, it was a tedious process. Now it's an online form. But somehow two of our most important tours were scheduled for the day we left. <br />
<br />
Our <strong>White House</strong> tour started the morning. The rain decided to join us, which mean wait in this line - no that line - now this line - was lots of fun. Really should have opted for those umbrellas. <br />
<br />
Once inside, we entered the East Room, which served as a staging area for the other rooms. Then we made it to the Green Room where a staffer had a prepared bit about the history of the room (Jefferson found the rug, Jacqueline Kennedy updated the décor). There was a Blue Room, State Dining Room, and a Red Room that had a chess table I fell in love with. And that was it. We were out the door.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X743y4-smI/VHkjsT1S4jI/AAAAAAAAHDM/YdZxtY1eQ4s/s1600/dc27.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0X743y4-smI/VHkjsT1S4jI/AAAAAAAAHDM/YdZxtY1eQ4s/s1600/dc27.png" /></a><br />
We'd planned on looking at the statues on the lawn, but it was raining. Instead we hid inside the <strong>Museum of American History</strong> to wait until our Capitol tour. I wanted to see Dorothy's ruby shoes, but the kids were kind of museumed out. Until we were walking through early American history and Hayden found -- Crazy King George! He'd played George in a living history exercise at school, so he had to get a photo. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nBcHQgDSbA/VHkkowPQ1_I/AAAAAAAAHDY/ZrZwECjNHjo/s1600/dc28.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_nBcHQgDSbA/VHkkowPQ1_I/AAAAAAAAHDY/ZrZwECjNHjo/s1600/dc28.png" /></a>The United States Capitol tour was better than we'd thought! We started by finding our congresswoman's office, and then getting a tour of the building by one of her interns. As we walked through, we realized that you could tour on your own, as they had staffers in place to describe things. We often hung back to listen because our intern was so soft spoken. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-l-5UWcPtM/VHkk2k_SJxI/AAAAAAAAHDg/9s2pt_9CKnQ/s1600/dc29.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i-l-5UWcPtM/VHkk2k_SJxI/AAAAAAAAHDg/9s2pt_9CKnQ/s1600/dc29.png" /></a><br />
There were lots of interesting tidbits - like each state has a statue there, but the only one you can touch is the one of Helen Keller. We got to see where the original supreme court met, as well as the underground tunnels (which Gracie thought must be to avoid the rain. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE48ndC0l0g/VHknq4c1FzI/AAAAAAAAHD0/DdHB7bD1zGE/s1600/dc35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XE48ndC0l0g/VHknq4c1FzI/AAAAAAAAHD0/DdHB7bD1zGE/s1600/dc35.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>In the rotunda, we touched the compass star for luck. It has some kind of Masonic significance, but we were ushered out of there too quickly to catch it. If we go back. I'd do the self-paced capitol tour instead. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1SCLceXgBs/VHknTUuvAGI/AAAAAAAAHDs/7Wv4OHxOt1w/s1600/dc34.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F1SCLceXgBs/VHknTUuvAGI/AAAAAAAAHDs/7Wv4OHxOt1w/s1600/dc34.png" /></a>Wanting to make sure we had plenty of time to catch our flight, we took the Metro back towards the hotel. We found Good Stuff Eatery - home of the toasted marshmallow milkshake. Bayley had a...you get the drill. <br />
<br />
Non-stop flights are the only way to go when travelling with kiddos. Really makes things easier. Once we landed the kids were starving, so we hit Dirty Bird. Where Bayley... yep. Again. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-51355709451336800412014-04-28T16:54:00.000-07:002014-11-28T17:25:28.995-08:00DC Day Six :: Back to the city<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucACNQjZ_RM/VHkd9PzZ3kI/AAAAAAAAHCs/H7WM5d6j-LY/s1600/dc25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ucACNQjZ_RM/VHkd9PzZ3kI/AAAAAAAAHCs/H7WM5d6j-LY/s1600/dc25.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
The line for the <strong>National Archives</strong> wrapped around the building every time we thought of going. Since this was our final chance to make it inside - and because Hayden wanted to see the Constitution, we got there before it opened. And the line...was only half as long. They had a no picture policy, as most places in DC seem to. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVrel5n9nvk/VHkdctHUF9I/AAAAAAAAHCc/O5xHxugigAA/s1600/dc32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cVrel5n9nvk/VHkdctHUF9I/AAAAAAAAHCc/O5xHxugigAA/s1600/dc32.png" /></a>We went to<strong> Clyde's</strong> for lunch - it was a gamble since I didn't want to pester Gabe for restaurants post-wedding. Luckily, it was delicious. A little fancier than anywhere else we'd been. From there we hopped on Metro and went to the <strong>National Zoo</strong>. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-l9RnULJFc/VHkdbNYlNiI/AAAAAAAAHCU/kBnhJdJdaIc/s1600/dc31.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M-l9RnULJFc/VHkdbNYlNiI/AAAAAAAAHCU/kBnhJdJdaIc/s1600/dc31.png" /></a>My online guides gave some good tips for the zoo. The zoo is built on a hill, so we knew to start at the top and head downhill. Because we have a nice zoo, and we'd been to the San Diego zoo last year, the kids were mainly interested in the pandas because we hadn't seen them before. Unfortunately, it was the saddest little exhibit. The pandas hunched in corners staring blankly. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHNxy4D-yu8/VHkdZ0-l1dI/AAAAAAAAHCM/uTOtjzgnKJ0/s1600/dc30.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uHNxy4D-yu8/VHkdZ0-l1dI/AAAAAAAAHCM/uTOtjzgnKJ0/s1600/dc30.png" /></a>The lions were loud and the birds were plentiful. We explored as the temperature dropped, but luckily a lot of the exhibits have indoor options. Gracie spied a carousel, and this time Bayley decided to join in. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PObe8P45J-k/VHkdeZY662I/AAAAAAAAHCk/FmJW3YTwhO0/s1600/dc33.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PObe8P45J-k/VHkdeZY662I/AAAAAAAAHCk/FmJW3YTwhO0/s1600/dc33.png" /></a>And then it started to smell like rain. I wanted to buy umbrellas, but Jeff pointed out that 1) we're from Oregon and 2) that would cost more than a taxi all the way back to Arlington. So we trekked in the rain to the nearest Metro and headed back to our hotel. Grace was cold, but the boys were unfazed and practiced Metro-surfing on the ride. <br />
<br />
We had dinner at Port City Brewing, where Gracie warmed up with mac & cheese and Bayley had a...bacon cheeseburger. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2uRKyKpDnw/VHkgf3S7WtI/AAAAAAAAHC4/-wcuk8mHBpU/s1600/DSC_2764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u2uRKyKpDnw/VHkgf3S7WtI/AAAAAAAAHC4/-wcuk8mHBpU/s1600/DSC_2764.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-21520814676504098332014-04-27T16:23:00.000-07:002014-11-28T16:54:01.658-08:00DC Day Five :: Viewing Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M55dyO2Lc08/VHkRkMqh0WI/AAAAAAAAHBc/2Lvv71h7NX8/s1600/dc24.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M55dyO2Lc08/VHkRkMqh0WI/AAAAAAAAHBc/2Lvv71h7NX8/s1600/dc24.png" /></a></div>
After a celebratory brunch on Sunday, we left the wedding festivities and headed towards Mt. Vernon. On the way we stopped and visited the <strong>NRA Museum</strong>. I think this was one of Bayley's favorite spots on the trip. He's always been interested in artillery, and this spot highlighted the evolution of arms in America. Of course, he liked the Teddy Roosevelt parts the best. Hayden was much more interested in the big game trophies. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UR8-fh2Mmf4/VHkT7JRK7LI/AAAAAAAAHBo/EeoxK4UDyMI/s1600/DSC_2699.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UR8-fh2Mmf4/VHkT7JRK7LI/AAAAAAAAHBo/EeoxK4UDyMI/s1600/DSC_2699.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>At <strong>Mt. Vernon</strong> we were able to explore the property before and after our mansion tour. We'd purchased our tickets online, but I didn't realize the time on the ticket wasn't the time for you tour - it is the time you may get in line for your tour. Crazy. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ARnLvTuXg0/VHkVy1B4m6I/AAAAAAAAHB0/IqZq4qM7xio/s1600/DSC_2709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ARnLvTuXg0/VHkVy1B4m6I/AAAAAAAAHB0/IqZq4qM7xio/s1600/DSC_2709.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a>The kids were given a scavenger hunt when we entered, which helped keep us on track and sent us toward things we might have skipped. We got to see the different ways the slaves and landowners were buried, as well as different parts of the estate. We enjoyed a wagon ride around the farm, where they use period tools to do the work, just like it was during Washington's time there. I loved seeing the way the tools were manufactured, as well as the threshing room. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ECTzn88Mc/VHkWYo8bf5I/AAAAAAAAHB8/Mqujh4pqCMY/s1600/DSC_2712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ECTzn88Mc/VHkWYo8bf5I/AAAAAAAAHB8/Mqujh4pqCMY/s1600/DSC_2712.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>We made our way up towards the main house, walking past many of the outbuildings - bunkhouses, washing rooms, cottages, and slave quarters. There were a couple of surprises -- Mt Vernon isn't white, it's a sandy color, because they put sand on top of the wet paint to give it a stone look like in Europe. And the kitchen was in a separate building. We couldn't take and photos inside. Which was too bad because they had some of the rooms made up beautifully. <br />
<br />
Afterwards, we found the blacksmith shop. They were making nails and keys. I think Grace could have stayed there for an hour, trying to figure out how it all worked. We also went through the museum, and Bayley and I watched a short film about Washington's life and Mt. Vernon. I'd love to go back when Grace is Hayden's age and has studied it a bit.<br />
<br />
The time came to drive back and find our new hotel and drop off the rental car. We'd decided to stay in Crystal City because it was on the Metro, and right by the airport. The one thing we hadn't counted on? Crystal City shuts down hard in the evenings. It's really just a giant complex of office building and hotels. The businesses cater to that crowd, so finding a restaurant served to be harder than you'd think in an area packed with them. But we did find a Mexican place, where Bayley ordered...a bacon cheeseburger. <br />
<br />
Another thing that proved how spoiled we are in the PNW? The beer selection could be counted on one hand. One hand. Every place out here has a dozen taps, plus bottles.<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-35652347925595256942014-04-26T15:46:00.000-07:002014-11-28T16:16:12.523-08:00Wedding Day!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AV-SX9h3zs/VHkMb44RrtI/AAAAAAAAHAc/DYhDXb9BzyU/s1600/dc16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AV-SX9h3zs/VHkMb44RrtI/AAAAAAAAHAc/DYhDXb9BzyU/s1600/dc16.png" /></a></div>
The big day finally arrived! Gracie had been waiting to wear her flower girl dress for 'my whole life', so she wanted to get into it as soon as possible. I worried about food landing on the pale ivory gown, so she wore her coat over it for most of the day. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CflcHEXaB4E/VHkMaCvvIRI/AAAAAAAAHAU/WRPTJ6RaobE/s1600/dc15.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CflcHEXaB4E/VHkMaCvvIRI/AAAAAAAAHAU/WRPTJ6RaobE/s1600/dc15.png" /></a><br />
The girls headed to the bridal suite to get their glam on. Gracie twirled around the room, telling everyone how beautiful they looked. The boys had lunch and helped one another with ties and cufflinks - or so I've been told. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWgcefNAEUw/VHkNdHu_FNI/AAAAAAAAHAk/GaSMPiXhhrs/s1600/dc17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nWgcefNAEUw/VHkNdHu_FNI/AAAAAAAAHAk/GaSMPiXhhrs/s1600/dc17.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><br />
The boys did a great job in their role as junior groomsmen, and the little girls were flowerless flower girls. They got their own mini-bouquets instead.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>After the ceremony, the pictures began. Hayden was happy to hold Hudson in the shot with the nieces and nephews. We'd thought Bayley might hold Clara, but she was more interested in Uncle Gabe. <br />
<br />
After pictures at the church, we all hopped on a shuttle bus and went out to Wolftrap for some location shots. It had rained the day before, so we weren't sure if things would work out there, but it was lovely. Only hard to stand on the grass in heels without sinking. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBq9qzfKYpc/VHkO52bVZNI/AAAAAAAAHA4/BVKVbfluOsU/s1600/dc19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBq9qzfKYpc/VHkO52bVZNI/AAAAAAAAHA4/BVKVbfluOsU/s1600/dc19.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gP0xuIMRRsU/VHkO7l-s_yI/AAAAAAAAHBA/H0CwHIA8tp4/s1600/dc20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gP0xuIMRRsU/VHkO7l-s_yI/AAAAAAAAHBA/H0CwHIA8tp4/s1600/dc20.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZlGZBsUlAI/VHkPTLFelCI/AAAAAAAAHBI/E1nBubzBRWI/s1600/dc21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZlGZBsUlAI/VHkPTLFelCI/AAAAAAAAHBI/E1nBubzBRWI/s1600/dc21.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EWOZrNk8RE/VHkQAV3pmTI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/q5YhswDxeJ0/s1600/dc23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--EWOZrNk8RE/VHkQAV3pmTI/AAAAAAAAHBQ/q5YhswDxeJ0/s1600/dc23.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img height="64" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" style="left: 562px; opacity: 0.3; position: absolute; top: 600px;" width="96" />
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-x1LgXi2OtaY%2FVHkOFnx_O8I%2FAAAAAAAAHAs%2FB9eaJfUX6HE%2Fs1600%2Fdc18.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" --><!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" with "https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x1LgXi2OtaY/VHkOFnx_O8I/AAAAAAAAHAs/B9eaJfUX6HE/s1600/dc18.jpg" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-88247433580201947052014-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:002014-11-28T15:34:55.182-08:00DC Day Four :: And the Wedding Festivities Begin!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx5AcNCYkxM/VHj-VNgxwVI/AAAAAAAAG-8/sC-ilaHSNvc/s1600/dc6.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx5AcNCYkxM/VHj-VNgxwVI/AAAAAAAAG-8/sC-ilaHSNvc/s1600/dc6.png" /></a></div>
If the sky's awake, then we're awake. We trekked out in search of <strong>Astro Doughnuts</strong>, which had recently topped our hometown Voodoo Doughnuts in a poll somewhere. We are completely biased, and yet I'm thinking whoever made that poll was too. Voodoo is awesome!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzltXXruzQE/VHkAWVj4_uI/AAAAAAAAG_I/mIycVapFYwI/s1600/dc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GzltXXruzQE/VHkAWVj4_uI/AAAAAAAAG_I/mIycVapFYwI/s1600/dc7.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a> Whenever we explore a city, we like to take the kids up high so they can see where they've been. Unfortunately, the Washington Monument hadn't reopened yet, but we had another great option - the <strong>Old Post Office Tower</strong>. Getting to the top is a two-step process, in an elevator that had seen many things. The views were awesome, and there were guides explaining the history and helping to find all the place's we'd been, and point us towards places we'd yet to see. The only downside? It closed for remodeling shortly after we'd visited. Apparently Trump bought the place, and rumor is he'll turn it into a hotel...and likely charge for those trips to the tower. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zoEbYqhdRc/VHkAaAFT7sI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/xAcPz5UYkAU/s1600/dc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6zoEbYqhdRc/VHkAaAFT7sI/AAAAAAAAG_Q/xAcPz5UYkAU/s1600/dc8.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
We hit the <strong>National Air and Space Museum</strong> next. I'd expected the boys to really enjoy this one, but they preferred the more hands-on experiences at Evergreen Air & Space. And I thought they only liked that place for the water park. There was lots to see and do, but once they'd walked through the space shuttle, they were pretty much done. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r93mWmOLBko/VHkDH1J5omI/AAAAAAAAG_c/TWquyvIFqvQ/s1600/dc9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r93mWmOLBko/VHkDH1J5omI/AAAAAAAAG_c/TWquyvIFqvQ/s1600/dc9.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>We had an early lunch at <strong>Elephant & Castle</strong>, which had been Gabe-approved. Hayden was happy to fill himself up with fish and chips, while Bayley had another bacon cheeseburger. The kid had a bacon cheeseburger at almost every place we went. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvB_2Pb_d8/VHkEcyyNCbI/AAAAAAAAG_s/ATK9IFDFfOc/s1600/dc11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUvB_2Pb_d8/VHkEcyyNCbI/AAAAAAAAG_s/ATK9IFDFfOc/s1600/dc11.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a>And let it be known that while Hayden has the same sweatshirt on in every picture, he did in fact bathe and change his clothes every day. Ahem. <br />
<br />
Jeff took Metro to pick up our rental car for our drive to Reston for the wedding festivities. The kids and I walked back to our hotel, so I made them stop for an obligatory photo at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden and again on the National Mall with the Capitol in the background. They were really missing Dad at this point. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5lI1EjAUoY/VHkETcnESGI/AAAAAAAAG_k/zFUHGPHzYjQ/s1600/dc10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R5lI1EjAUoY/VHkETcnESGI/AAAAAAAAG_k/zFUHGPHzYjQ/s1600/dc10.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We made it back to our hotel and were ready when Jeff arrived with the car. We headed downstairs like a bunch of pack mules and loaded the car down for the drive. Which was much easier than expected. Thank goodness for whomever invented GPS directions!<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-24865379866764298862014-04-25T13:45:00.000-07:002014-11-28T15:46:08.687-08:00DC Day 4.5 :: Rehearsal Time<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZdbrbJDwH8/VHkIp03TwII/AAAAAAAAHAA/q-jN-Vu9cbs/s1600/dc13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fZdbrbJDwH8/VHkIp03TwII/AAAAAAAAHAA/q-jN-Vu9cbs/s1600/dc13.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
We found our hotel and unpacked...to find that someone had forgotten to check the closet before we left DC. The dress from hell was still in the city! Now, given my relationship with the dress, I was fine with, except Gracie's flower girl dress and dress coat were also there. I felt horrible. And oh-so grateful when Jeff volunteered to go back into town and get the stuff I'd left behind. Someone ought to marry that guy.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4hGs4zZnCo/VHkIsvL3oLI/AAAAAAAAHAI/D_GQoF41w2Y/s1600/dc14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-f4hGs4zZnCo/VHkIsvL3oLI/AAAAAAAAHAI/D_GQoF41w2Y/s1600/dc14.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>We met up with the rest of the family at the rehearsal. Gracie & Natalie are always happy to see each other, but I think Grace was extra happy after spending so much time with the boys. After a quick run-through, everyone headed to Maureen's parents house for dinner. And a Hudson cuddle. Yes, the tiniest member of our crew made the trip!<br />
<br />
After the rehearsal, PopPop was ready for bed and so was Gracie Mae. We had adjoining rooms, so they went to sleep in one room while the boys had some kind of Pokémon-fest. Jeff went on his recon mission, and everyone else found there way to McCormick & Schmick's. Yes, we found the Oregon-based chain in Virginia. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVwvnwbJd0c/VHkIn3CzMjI/AAAAAAAAG_4/D9WWpVypDng/s1600/dc12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pVwvnwbJd0c/VHkIn3CzMjI/AAAAAAAAG_4/D9WWpVypDng/s1600/dc12.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>I was stressed from having forgot the dress and sending Jeff into the yawning maw of DC Friday night traffic. And so, my brother's medicated me...with beer. I do believe I had a good time, though I have no recollection of taking this photo of my mother doing tequila shots with my brother and his buddies! Too funny!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-79800770218636839812014-04-24T14:03:00.000-07:002014-11-28T22:31:25.553-08:00DC Day Three:: All restaurants should be Gabe-Approved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RsTlIasQIQ/VHloJcnN7pI/AAAAAAAAHGc/dDM4FRYDJfk/s1600/dc36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1RsTlIasQIQ/VHloJcnN7pI/AAAAAAAAHGc/dDM4FRYDJfk/s1600/dc36.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Our tour at the <strong>Bureau of Engraving and Printing</strong> started bright and early. They didn't allow pictures. Or give out free samples. Hayden couldn't stomach the smell of the ink, so he didn't even do the whole tour. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoPgQLuf4cI/VHj0_TpYwRI/AAAAAAAAG98/FngFVCQs2S4/s1600/DSC_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xoPgQLuf4cI/VHj0_TpYwRI/AAAAAAAAG98/FngFVCQs2S4/s1600/DSC_2621.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>We live in a land where coffee is always only a block away. At most. Downtown DC has not realized this key to productivity yet. We were committed, and finally found an underwhelming source at Potbelly. Where, we also found a giant roach. We live in a roach-free land. And so the kids thought it was someone's pet that had run away... Lake Woebegone has nothing on us!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K6GLM7GQQs/VHj6Ui7rGXI/AAAAAAAAG-U/QvZ0eN6OzJU/s1600/dc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3K6GLM7GQQs/VHj6Ui7rGXI/AAAAAAAAG-U/QvZ0eN6OzJU/s1600/dc5.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
Gracie had spied the <strong>Carousel</strong> at <strong>Smithsonian Castle</strong> during our trolley ride, and we got there as soon as it opened. Gracie wanted Jeff to ride with her, so I got to take pictures. And may have had an altercation with a twit whose mouth worked faster than her brain. Bayley was embarrassed. Ah well. There are certain words I do not tolerate being used in front of my children, even if they aren't directed at us.<br />
<br />
The <strong>Museum of Natural History</strong> came next. An African Elephant greeted us in the rotunda, and really set the tone for the visit. Gracie loved the animals and dinosaur fossils. I made sure I saw the Hope Diamond. We'd planned on doing the butterfly pavilion, but the wait was ridiculous and the kids were hungry.<br />
<br />
One of the most raved about places in all the online DC with kids guides is <strong>Mitisam</strong>, the restaurant inside the <strong>National Museum of the American Indian</strong>. Well, it's a really expensive cafeteria. Poorly laid out and impossible to go through as a family. I had to pay four separate times. Since there was a crowd and only one station to pay...yeah. These guides were really letting me down!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5s_3HMBK7A/VHj3t6IgFbI/AAAAAAAAG-I/WBNVU4BEsAk/s1600/dc4.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-J5s_3HMBK7A/VHj3t6IgFbI/AAAAAAAAG-I/WBNVU4BEsAk/s1600/dc4.png" /></a>While the cafeteria was craptastic, the museum was awesome. After the first floor, Hayden was tired and decided to laze about in the lobby. Which meant the rest of us had to rush through. Definitely a museum I'd love to see again. <br />
<br />
The <strong>US Botanic Gardens</strong> is right next door. We had lovely weather, so took our time moseying on over there. The boys weren't as into it as we girls. Everything was so colorful and lovely, with a slower pace and fewer crowds than everywhere else we'd been that day. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBv0KkpdXk/VHj6_PGRC8I/AAAAAAAAG-c/9YHVTgZlWQ0/s1600/DSC_2654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YqBv0KkpdXk/VHj6_PGRC8I/AAAAAAAAG-c/9YHVTgZlWQ0/s1600/DSC_2654.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a><br />
We checked back at the hotel, and with Uncle Gabe. Apparently we should not be allowed to choose our own restaurants. We took the Metro up to <strong>Capitol City Brewing</strong>. Now, we go to a lot of breweries and such with our kiddos, so when they declared this the best one ever, I knew Uncle Gabe knew what he was doing. It may have had more to do with the unlimited soft pretzels, but a win is a win. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIIADR7nHl4/VHj7tOLw10I/AAAAAAAAG-o/xN8cqq_ksZk/s1600/DSC_2659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KIIADR7nHl4/VHj7tOLw10I/AAAAAAAAG-o/xN8cqq_ksZk/s1600/DSC_2659.JPG" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
Since it was such a nice night, we decided to walk back to the hotel. The National Mall is much less crowed at night, plus the monuments are all lit up. It's hard to get good pictures, but much easier to find things - like our state at the <strong>National World War II Memorial</strong>. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5LflZDS7M8/VHj7xXCN5II/AAAAAAAAG-w/7wz5661LOVU/s1600/DSC_2693.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G5LflZDS7M8/VHj7xXCN5II/AAAAAAAAG-w/7wz5661LOVU/s1600/DSC_2693.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13079046.post-49824004041025303862014-04-23T13:50:00.000-07:002014-11-28T23:09:36.446-08:00 DC Day Two :: Let's See EVERYTHING!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np2968Sfj2g/VHjoE1B2TNI/AAAAAAAAG9E/Vlo67RoO4h4/s1600/dc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Np2968Sfj2g/VHjoE1B2TNI/AAAAAAAAG9E/Vlo67RoO4h4/s1600/dc2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
We woke up ready to tackle the day and did breakfast at our hotel. Bayley ate a mountainous plate of bacon. Hey, that's what vacations are for, right?
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SuULVN1JyY/U5y-PqbymBI/AAAAAAAAG6g/0s5vPRDg-6c/s1600/DSC_2589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1SuULVN1JyY/U5y-PqbymBI/AAAAAAAAG6g/0s5vPRDg-6c/s1600/DSC_2589.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>We planned this trip so that we could pack in as much as possible in a short time. There is just so much to see and do, you can't possibly work it all in, but we tried! We started the morning with a walk to the <strong>Capitol Reflecting Pool</strong>. Only, it was too windy to see our reflections. <br />
<br />
On the way to <strong>Union Station</strong> to catch the trolley, we paused to take a picture with the cherry trees. Bayley even got extra credit for sharing the picture with his teacher!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_kPwp0iBko/VHjqLxgijbI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/a_Lv3xqszQU/s1600/DSC_2595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4_kPwp0iBko/VHjqLxgijbI/AAAAAAAAG9Q/a_Lv3xqszQU/s1600/DSC_2595.JPG" height="200" width="133" /></a>The trolley took us to the opposite end of the <strong>National Mall</strong> so that we could (mostly) walk back and explore the monuments as we went. It was a great way to get a lay of the land and gauge distances for our other excursions.<br />
<br />
<strong>The Jefferson Mem</strong>orial was great. A ranger was there explaining the thought process behind the placement (so that the statue of Jefferson was in sight of the <strong>White House</strong>). The boys read to us the quotes carved into the walls, which became something we did at most monuments. It forced the boys to slow down and think about why a monument existed in the first place. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mX6HBh1lg/VHjsNBOpAeI/AAAAAAAAG9c/ZQJ4R4z8sdo/s1600/DSC_2606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1mX6HBh1lg/VHjsNBOpAeI/AAAAAAAAG9c/ZQJ4R4z8sdo/s1600/DSC_2606.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a>We walked through the <strong>FDR Memorial</strong>, which worked through his life and had some great quotes. And the waterfalls are lovely and calming. It leads into the <strong>Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial</strong>. By this point, the kids were done with walking. But we had to make it to the <strong>Lincoln Memorial</strong>. <br />
<br />
I could have sat on those steps all day, just people watching. But my minions were tired and hungry. Not the best combo. We hopped back on the trolley, and let it take us towards the National Portrait Gallery. But first, we wanted to check out <strong>Shake Shack</strong>. We'd heard great things, and they were on all the lists of what to do in DC. We really wanted to like it. But can't say it's something we'd repeat. <br />
<br />
Hayden's class is studying American History, and the <strong>National Portrait Gallery </strong>takes you through history one president at a time. I could have stayed there for hours. But most of the exhibits didn't hold the kids interest. Bayley decided Teddy Roosevelt was the coolest president we've ever had, and you can't really argue that. His exhibit had many of his hunting rifles, which really intrigued Bayley. Maybe we'll hit the NRA Museum when we're in Virginia. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuhIUm0gOLE/VHjwqH_TlyI/AAAAAAAAG9w/KJUwPPfAuaE/s1600/dc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GuhIUm0gOLE/VHjwqH_TlyI/AAAAAAAAG9w/KJUwPPfAuaE/s1600/dc3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
The trolley took us back to our hotel, and on the way Hayden fell asleep. We didn't realize he'd crossed from resting to passed out until the trolley stopped and he rolled onto the floor!<br />
<br />
Since our pick for lunch went sideways, we opted to take Gabe's advice for dinner and went to<strong> R.F.D.</strong> Real food! Great beer! Just what we needed after a long day. <br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05880106055269169399noreply@blogger.com0