Whew.
There was only about fourteen hundred photos that I went through to narrow it down for this post. Do you do that on vacation? Take a million pictures one day and then only four the next three days? I do that. I do that a lot. And seeing as how seeing Washington DC was on both Jeremy’s & my bucket lists (and we only had about 24 hours to tour it) we were a little shutter happy. All that to say, we were very excited about seeing the capitol of our nation and having brunch with the president.
Just checking to see if you were still paying attention 🙂
Seriously though – we had no major plans…just a kid, a stroller, and a map. Here’s some of our highlights:
Jer scored a nice hotel for us for cheap (whoazers DC is expensive so cheap was still a lot)…
That morning we had a shuttle (err…towncar?) to take us to public transportation called the Metro. Will loved not having to be in a car seat. I threw myself over his little body only twice when I thought that someone was pulling out in front of us.
If you remember our visit to NYC in January, we aren’t the most savvy public transporters with strollers. In fact, when we were in the New York subway Jeremy got stuck. more than once. So we were fully expecting the same thing to happen in DC. Thankfully – it didn’t.
When we got to the city, the White House was the first place we went to see. No we didn’t go in. No we didn’t see anyone important. But yes, we were recognized by a dear reader Lynette (Hi friend!) and ended up meeting her cutie-patootie family (who did go into the White House – so cool) and inspired us to next time we visit DC.
Of all the buildings this one was most grand in my opinion. It’s the Dwight D Eisenhower Executive office Building….I would totally live there if Dwight would let me.
We walked around a bunch and then finally read a sign that said all the museums were free. Of course, we both got weirdly giddy and happy and voted on the two that we really wanted to see….Jeremy said Air & Space and I said Natural History.
The planes were amazing. I wish Will was awake to see them but he had fallen asleep in the stroller.
How cool would this be in a nursery?!
This reminds me of Don Draper for some reason 🙂
Afterward Air & Space, we stopped for a very healthy lunch. The best part was that we sat near the back and had so much privacy and even a view of the capitol building.
Oh and let’s be honest – we also stopped at a couple of these for snacks. What can I say?! We are eaters!
This is the Hirschorn Museum and sculpture gardens….
We didn’t go into it but we did see some of the sculptures and decided to play the “Name” game while were there. This is “Rack o Paint Brushes”
Here’s “Tibetan Monk bowling”…
And this one was dubbed by Jer as “Exploding Testicles”….
Sorry mom. And no – that isn’t the official names of the sculptures although I personally think it should be.
Next we visited the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. And yes, the sole reason I voted for this one was because of Ben Stiller 🙂
One of my Pappap’s favorite animals is elephants. Elephants and Hummingbirds. I love how I associate certain people with certain animals. I also love how Will loves elephants (it’s one of the three animal noises he can do)…it just reminds me of my dear Pappap.
This was an exhibit showing how the french neandrathals buried their dead. Of course, I was over there making jokes about how hairy the chick’s legs and pits were and saying things to Jer like “of course she’s french!” when Will studies the entire thing and points and yells BOOB!
yes, I am to blame for teaching him that word. And yes, he also points at men with large man-jugs and says it.
My only complaint is that they didn’t make my eyebrows nearly thick enough. Let’s just be honest, I totally would have a unibrow and a stache.
We went into the bug exhibit – Will is fascinated with Bees right now…and calls himself Bee…which is either short for Baby or just because he likes to make the buzzing noise. Anyhoo…we are watching the bees and a crowd of young handsome orthodox Jewish boys bent over next to Will and he decided to grab onto those curls. You know…the locks of hair that grow down beside their faces (I think they are called peyot?). I don’t know why…maybe he did it out of jealousy that he just got sideburns…maybe he was just interested. He didn’t pull…just hold it. I almost died. Weird random memory.
I also almost died when I saw Jer holding this giant cockroach. yuck. Good thing I saw him holding it first because otherwise I would have knocked this prize insect to the ground and screamed while smashing it with my shoe.
We got into the butterfly exhibit for free because it was a Tuesday. I’m glad but there is no way that exhibit is worth $6 a pop. The one in the Tennessee Aquarium is much better. Anyhoo…
Butterflies remind me of a family that lost their daughter to suicide. Everytime I see one now I pray for them. It’s fitting because these creatures are so fleeting…just like life. I should make a butterfly display like Sherry did to remind me of that.
At the capitol building Will went for a little walk…right into the water. So for the rest of the night he had one soaked shoe and pant leg. I thought it was only a hair deep…he proved otherwise.
Right after the museums we stretched out on the lawn in front of the capitol building and let Will play for a while. He was so good the entire day. Which was surprising because he didn’t sleep well the night before. He’s not a good sleeper to begin with – he still wakes up every night – sometimes more than once. He also gets night terrors. So when I say that he didn’t sleep well in the hotel room (that he was sharing with us) it means that it was really bad.
The sun was starting to set and we decided to forge ahead and walk from this end (where the Capitol was) to the other end of the city (where some big memorials are)…we both knew it would be a long walk – but I’m glad we did it.
I think the Jefferson Memorial is just gorgeous.
We saw this United States helicopter while we walked – Jer called it Marine One. I doubt it but of course, took a photo anyway 🙂
Inside the Jefferson…look at that ceiling. wow.
Me and Eleanor. I have a thing for this woman. Call it a girl crush. I’m pretty certain that she is a defining influence in my life…and I’ve never met her until now. I’ve read about a dozen books about her…biographies with her journals. And as cruddy as this photo is – I do cherish it. I just never knew she was so dang tall 🙂
I asked Jeremy what monument or memorial best represents him. He said the Washington Monument. Such a guy.
I said I like the Jefferson best…something about it being right next to the water…the fact that its really open on the surface but underneath, there’s a lot more to be discovered….and that it’s separate from the other buildings….it’s kinda all alone out there…and not just in the way that it is located but in design too…kinda round, kinda square – different in a quirky way. That’s me.
The last on our list was the Lincoln Memorial. It really is impressive.
We asked a stranger to take our photo. This is what we got. Weird that you can’t even tell where we are. I laughed when I saw it.
Jer wanted a photo with Honest Abe almost more than I wanted one with Eleanor…this was unfortunately the best we could do.
I’ll tell you what – this was by far the busiest site. Crowds and crowds of people everywhere. It surprised me and I don’t know why but it was unexpected because all the pictures I see of this place it is empty.
For dinner we stopped at Whole Foods right outside George Washington University. Kinda odd place to stop and eat but they had a buffet with Will-friendly foods and I really felt like it would be good for him to get a fruit or vegetable in his tummy.
At the very end of our DC journey we got off the Metro and had to wait for our shuttle. So while we waited, we danced to the music of this trumpet master…who filled the air with sweet mashups of Sinatra and Elton John. It was such a good way to end the day….
So that is the end of the DC adventure – of course there is more on this roadtrip. I might have it all done by Christmas 🙂
For now – feast your eyes on this slideshow with about a hundred more photos that didn’t make the post!
When I was in middle school, my family went on a bus trip to DC to see the Smithsonian and the Air & Space Museum. I spent the whole day wondering who Aaron Space was until late in the afternoon when we got to the building and it clicked. Duh! And to think I was an honors student…
I’m so bummed you came to DC and I didn’t spot you! You definitely hit up all the best spots too! hope y’all had funnnnn!!
It looks like you had a great time! I love the tibetan monk bowling! I remember being exhausted when I toured DC a few years ago – it was a ton of walking and my dogs were barking at the end of the day. Hahaha 😉
Oh my gosh i LOVE eleanor roosevelt! Have you read “Learn by Living”? It is amazing. I never would guess that it was written decades ago…its lessons are relevant now! I even debate naming a girl Eleanor after her : )
I used to live in the apartment building right across the street from Savoy Suites!
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wash DC!
Looks like an awesome trip!! Loving all the photos.
By the way, my 12 month old boy has also ALWAYS been a horrible sleeper. And he has just recently started with the night terrors. Have you found anything that helps with those?
Washington DC is on my bucket list too! I love your pictures of the monuments…so great!
And, Eleanor Roosevelt is one of my inspirations too. She’s a big part of the reason why my 18 month old is named Eleanor. 🙂
I am glad you loved DC.
I’ve been to the Lincoln Memorial many times and it is ALWAYS packed with people. Always.
If you are an Eleanor fan, I suggest her home in Hyde Park, NY. My husband and I visited there in September and it was fascinating. Both Springwood where they lived while FDR was alive and Val-Kill where she lived afterward. You’d love it! Plus a visit to the Culinary Institute of America is an absolute must!
I remember the 1st time I went to DC. It was awesome and exciting. It’s such a beautiful town in the main parts too. Looks like you guys had an awesome time!
Hahaha… the walking into the water picture is awesome 🙂
AHHHH No way. I am currently in grad school at George Washington University and wander around that Whole Foods every Tuesday evening between two of my classes! I would have flipped.out. if I saw you. I wish I had! Looks like you guys had a good time in DC 🙂 Next time you’re here you should say so and I will take you over to the Georgetown Waterfront and you can have some amazing pictures.
I love DC… it’s my favorite US destination and we are hoping to move out of West Texas and somewhere closer to the capitol in the next few years! We are also planning a 2-week vacation there this summer, and I can’t wait for my hubs to see it! He’s a history teacher and loves politics, so I’m hoping the city tickles his fancy.
Love your pictures and your slideshow, Will is one lucky little guy to be traveling so much at an early age!
Oh, like I didn’t want to go to DC bad enough before seeing this! Oh, and btw, nice can of Copenhagen (air museum pic of you). Please remember I’m from the WEST, cans of snuff are a regular site. I was taking some family photos and my aunt started lecturing me about how gross and bad tobacco is for you and that I’ll get throat cancer and ruin my teeth and that she thought I was much more of a “lady” to do something so gross. I just stood there dumbfounded. My husband realized what she was talking about and patted my butt. Light bulbs finally went off! “Oh, No! Aunt, Linda, it’s my camera lens cover!”
Did you by any chance stop at the FDR memorial? It’s the memorial along the tidal basin walkway. It has the really pretty waterfalls? That’s where my husband proposed to me, such a special spot for us. Curious if you went there!! 🙂
The photo of Katie and Eleanor Roosevelt is from the FDR memorial.
Hey there! As a DC resident, I am 1) so glad you got to enjoy the city and 2) really happy that a couple of your pictures are in my ‘hood (I think). Was the picture of the Metro train from the escalators taken at the Cleveland Park station? Possibly after a trip to the Zoo? Also, I think that little truck where you guys got snacks is from Dupont Circle, which I recognize because I pass by it every day. Anyway, thanks for letting me be a little creepy in naming the random places you took pictures of! Love your blog!
I love all the pics from your trip! I’m from that area originally (just recently moved up to Baltimore) and LOVE driving past all the memorials on my way down to my parents’ house. It’s absolutely gorgeous! I hope you all had a great time and think it’s hysterical that Will took a little stroll in the water! haha
Duhhhhhh. Ha — thanks for pointing that out. 🙂
Aww we live about 30 minutes from DC, my husband works there….would have loved to have spotted you!
THIS, Kate, is HILARIOUS!
AMAZING!!! I want to visit Washington now! Looks like SO MUCH fun!
btw- between the “exploding testicles”….and the picture of the stewardess, dressed as a “party girl”….I laughed HARD lol….oh man!!! Great post!
Hmm… my comment looks so funny since I’m also named Kate. I probably should have said
THIS STORY, Kate Ediger, is hilarious.
That was all in one day?! Whew! The “early human” picture is creeeepy!
I was beginning to wonder if you were okay since you had not posted today. Was about to send Sherdog to make sure you were okay. 🙂
I love that Neil Diamond is the song for the photo montage. Looks like you had funin our city 🙂
I grew up right outside of D.C. and took my family there this year for the first time, even drove by my old childhood home – your pictures are great – depict the city beautifully.
Love the pics! DC is so gorgeous. Since I went for work the 2 times I was there, I wasn’t able to do the whole site-seeing thing the way I wanted, but was desparate to see the Lincoln Memorial. So in our cab ride to Reagan, the cab driver stopped in that circular “driveway” near it. I ran with all my might (which wasn’t too fast considering I was 5 mos. pregnant at the time) over to the memorial so I could get a glimpse. Didn’t go up the stairs or anything but it was a cool 30 seconds before I ran back to the cab. We were running late so I was glad my co-workers let me do it!
Last time we were in DC we ate at the cafeteria at one of the museums… seriously, some of the best mac and cheese and skillet cornbread I have ever had in my life… lol we go places and look for food(it’s the next best thing to the actual attraction). I am thinking it was the Museum of History? something like that… it’s been a while. Who would have thought huh?
That was really funny 🙂
Nice post, great pictures. On a side note, I really miss your old masthead (…this little light of mine..). I smiled every time I saw it 🙂
Will’s outfit is adorable – such a cutie!
I love DC! We went to Baltimore/DC/Annapolis in May for a friend’s wedding, but DC was by my favorite place to stop and act as a tourist. We shared a few photos on our blog, here:
http://www.yellowbrickhome.com/2011/05/26/city-hopping-and-a-hunk-of-wood/
Like you, we only had one day to fit things in, and you’d think we’d be used to walking so much in Chicago where we’re from, but we got tired EARLY. We didn’t hit as many spots as you did, but it looks like you had a long, fun day!
#1… I love that Will yelled BOOB! I would have been hysterically laughing had I been a witness to that.
#2… while the picture of Jeremy holding the cockroach is a great picture, it still gave me the heebeegeebees… BLEH cockroach!
Growing up in AR, I never dreamed I would get to visit Washington, DC. Then as an adult, my family moved to the VA suburbs of DC. Even after 6 years and numerous trips in, I still got a thrill at seeing the monuments. We did get to tour the White House twice, once on my birthday and it was decorated for Christmas. That was the day Cheney’s office caught on fire in the adjoining building and they hustled us out very quickly! It is definitely something you’ll have to go back and do sometime. Now we live 3 hrs south so when we go back our boys don’t want to see DC, just their friends. Glad you got to enjoy it.
I love DC. Hubs and I went last spring to be touristy and visit some family.
Just FYI (that is, if fabulous Lynette didn’t mention it), to visit the White House (and a couple of other big places like the Capitol), you need to go through your Congressperson. We tried to tour the WH this last visit, about 3 months in advance, but still didn’t get in (Spring’s always so busy). Usually they have forms and stuff on their official webpage. Sometime, I’d like to get one of the US Flags that have flown over the Capitol. You can get those through your Congressperson’s office too, and they’re not a bad price.
Have you read “My Year with Eleanor” by Noelle Hancock? It just came out a couple months ago and it’s supposed to be fantastic! I’m a public librarian and the copy I ordered is NEVER on the shelf!
Oh my gosh..its the camera lens cover. I was totally going to leave a comment asking Katie about her dip can haha. It all makes sense now!
I’m so glad you enjoyed our city! I wish I had known you were here, I work at the Capitol and could have given you guys a quick tour. Love your pics :).
Exploding testicles:…..heelarious!!!!!
Maybe I grew up in hickville for too long, but that just jumped out at me too!
Aww poor Will. Everyone in my family has night terrors. My husband combats it by keeping out house super cold. He says I only really have them when I wear socks to bed, it makes me too hot and I guess that sets it off for me.
I’m so glad you enjoyed our city! The photos are beautiful and convinced me that I really do need to take a “staycation”. I’ve lived here for 6 years and haven’t been to the Jefferson or Lincoln memorials ever. Maybe soon!
That is hilarious! Sounds like something I would do.
xo – Erin space 🙂
Next time you plan a trip – call your Member of Congress’s office and they can set you up with tours of the Capitol and, frequently, get you tour tickets for the White House (it’s all free!) and usually help with out tours and ticketed things! That’s what you’re paying them for! (along with voting and stuff)
Lovely pictures, especially the sunsets over the water!
Most of my family is in DC and I’ve been dozens of times but I have never visited all of the popular landmarks. I will have to visit DC as an adult to really appreciate it.
MyersMaison.blogspot.com
My great grandpa helped carve Lincoln’s hands and face at a quarry in North Georgia 🙂
Oh Katie! I loved your video slide show. I went to college right outside of DC (GMU! Patriots) and loved seeing how you guys saw DC. That whole fresh set of eyes deal.
Looks like you had a grand time.
I would also like to especially note tiny Will in your hotel shot… barely peeking in the left corner, but awesome. And your lens cap in your front pocket in your airplane shot. These little details make my heart smile.
When will there be Will and Clara pics? 🙂
Hampton Roads? 🙂
If you’re ever back in DC, I have two places you should try to hit up:
The first is the Einstein Memorial at the National Academy of Sciences. For any readers heading to DC any time soon, it’s across Constitution from the Lincoln, btwn 22nd and 23rd. It is so cool and kid friendly and usually not very crowded. You’re allowed to climb on it! And, if you stand in the middle, face the statue, and talk to it, it echos back. Great memorial for kids.
Then there is Ben’s Chili bowl. Excellent chili burgers and fries. Always crowded though. But yummy and famous.
Oh, and the zoo. Also free because it’s part of the Smithsonian.
I went to GW and have lived in the DC area ever since and I have to say I am impressed that you saw so much in one day – with a toddler no less! It looks like you had a blast and you did hit the cream of the crop 🙂
So glad you got to enjoy DC! I would have loved to have spotted you during your trip! Although I probably would seemed entirely crazy running up like I’ve known you for ages 🙂 I just had a friend visit from out of town and we hit a lot of the same spots.
So sweet that you think of the family when you see butterflies – I had a friend die from suicide early in college and during the funeral there was a red butterfly (his favorite color) that stayed right under the tent the entire time. He and God were with us 🙂
DC is one of my fave places! I’m crazy about the architecture! As much as I love being a small town girl, I really love big cities!
Looks like you 3 had a wonderful time. I can’t wait to go back – last time I was there I was about 10, and was almost eatten by a squirel (not really, but the visual is impressive).
I love that butterflies have meaning to so many people… my Aunt passed in 2006 & there were butterflies EVERYWHERE afterwards. When we’re having a bad day, or trying to make a major life decision a butterfly lands on or near us and we know it’s all going to be okay!!!
I totally thought that was dip in your pocket, but see I’m probably wrong like the others:) and love jeremy’s testicle comment, we are all terrible! Oh, is it legal to not have will in a car set? I assume it’s just a safety option and not necessary? How come you guys didnt just drive your car since you had it? Just being nosy and my hubby and I are taking a road trip so I thought I’d get your advice:)
I’m glade you guys had so much fun! Looking at those air and space museum photos brings back memories. My sister and I would walk though the whole thing pointing out planes and saying “WOOOWWWW! That’s really plain”! lol we can be such 10 year old girls some times. You know what that’s like. Yeah I remember your trip to goodwill with Sherry. 😛 Our capital sure is beautiful. Maybe next time you gays could check out the zoo. Its not necessarily part of the Smithsonian but its free too! I can’t believe you walks all the way from the capital to the other side! Bless your poor little feet. At least you got to see almost everything. And in one day too!
I used to live in DC and miss being there a lot…thanks for the wonderful pictures and the trip down memory lane!
Awesome! I have a thing for Eleanor too! She was my favorite subject for biography reading when growing up.
When I saw that you had a “thing” for Eleanor Roosevelt, I immediately thought of one of the customers who regularly purchases her milk from my workplace. She is about 91 years old and an actual veteran of World War II. Not only did I read the book that she wrote, I have visited her house (Which is from the 1800’s, might I add!!) to speak with her about her experiences from World War II. She actually had lunch with Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House and to her surprise, Mrs. Roosevelt served hamburgers! The WWII veteran’s name that I speak of is Birch Hotz and if you get a chance to look up her book and read it, do it. She is a remarkable woman. We only live an hour outside of DC too!
My husband (a Navy helo pilot) says that the helicopter appears to be an H3 (or the civilian equivalent) but without seeing the paint, he can’t tell you specifically. Any other pics or description? It’s quite possible that it was Marine One or Two, depending on what day you were there.
Should y’all ever visit San Diego, my husband will give you a tour of his helicopter and squadron. We also have fantastic friends at Norfolk that would do the same.
Great Trip! I love DC…can’t wait to go back now that I have kids! The first time I went I was 8 and in a singing group and we sang for all the states govenors…so you know…I’m kind of a big deal there. 😉
It’s so funny seeing pictures of my home 🙂 I live right outside of DC, so I have seen all those sights many of times before! Glad you’re enjoying your road trip!
As a DC area native (I grew up and still live nearby – holla VA!), you definitely picked the two best Smithsonian venues (though, next time you make it back, the American History museum is worth a trip along with the National Zoo). Oh, and can I throw in an alternative name for “Rack o Paint Brushes”? I’d suggest “Rubber Stamp It”…
p.s. I’m jealous that my name isn’t Lynette, I need to brush up on my stalking skillz 😉
My favorite is the Roosevelt Memorial – I’m embarrassed to say that I live so close to DC and didn’t even know it was there until my husband and I took a weekend to ourselves and stumbled across it as we wandered through DC. But check it out – it’s this meandering walking memorial right on the water. And definitely a well kept secret in DC 🙂
hi I’ve been a long time lurker… I just wanted to tell you that my daughter(now 3 yrs old) also used to wake up every night screaming bloody murder and it took about 5-10 mins before we can get her to stop crying. this was every night (average 2x a night) for a good year. I believe she’s outgrown it now and only does it when she’s had a long, tiring, napless day. Just hang in there, I know how tough it is but it wont last forever.
Saw this and thought of you!
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=189472154460168&set=a.126895770717807.28294.126894987384552&type=1&theater
LOVED this post! Your dry humor cracks me up. I think our husbands would get along too. First the sculpture comment and the Washing Monument. Ugh. Are men that easy to classify?
On another note, I have never been to the East Coast (but would love to after reading tons of historical fiction). Huge fan of Ben Stiller and your photos took me back. We have pizza and movie night every Friday with our family (husband, 2 kids) and his parents and sisters and others who drop in. We watched Night at the Museum in September and for WEEKS I have been requesting that we watch the 2nd one (I even bring it with me every Friday) to no avail! I’ll have to sneak it into the DVD player unbeknowst to anyone else. Anyways, thanks for the GREAT post!
Everytime I visit family near DC they make us go into the city to see different museums….needless to say I am no longer delighted to go into the city. Hope to go sometime to just ENJOY myself and stroll around and see the sites of the city not just the museums. Glad to see you all enjoyed yourself so much, and another thing off the bucket list!
You are a fantastic photographer. Would you be willing to sell some of your prints? I think some of them would look awesome in black and white on a canvas in my living room! Please let me know. (:
The National Museum of the American Indian has an amazing cafeteria, showcasing foods from the different types of American Indians
Thanks for the tour of DC, Bowers. Now I don’t have to go and do all. that. walking. I might be lazy and prefer laying on a beach chair drinking pina coladas for vacations. Although we are going to NYC this spring and will probably doing a lot of walking. Got any tips for NYC?
“Exploding Testicles”…. Those ones are a little shriveled looking. Jeremy is Hysterical!!! And then you thrown in the Wash. Momument comment… ahhh!
I snorted at work. Thanks KB!
Went to DC for my senior trip. Lots of neat stuff, I really liked the Holocaust Museum. But would also like to see the Natural History Museum.
Looks like you guys had a beautiful day to enjoy it all. My parents went on a bus trip when the cherry trees were blooming and said that it was the most beautiful time they’ve ever been there. I think they’ve gone about 5 times.
Aw, I love DC. It’s nice to see some pics of you up in my neck of the woods. I live in Baltimore, so my husband and I get to see DC in little day-trip chunks, though I have made that hike all the way across the mall a few times when our parents visit. It’s quite a ways! I’m glad you had fun, though!
Wow! After reading all the other comments I realize how much I take being from Richmond (thus only 1.5-2 hrs. from DC) for granted. It really is an awesome place and I love being able to go pretty much whenever. If you go back Katie I recommend the Museum of American History (the one with Dorothy’s Ruby Slippers) and going to see the National Archives.
Like so many others, I too am sad you came here and I didn’t get to spot you and say hi! Your pictures are wonderful and Jer is right about the helicopter – it’s informally called Marine One 🙂 I always get excited when I see them flying around and it’s a daily occurrence!
My husband and I always joke that we only go on trips to eat. We pack snacks for the car/plane, then when we reach our destination we eat. Then we get snacks. Then we plan dinner. Then we eat again….
That is awesome, Katie G!
Isn’t DC amazing?! I’m so glad you got to visit! The picture of you dancing with Will is so darn cute!
I’ve never been to DC (unless you count a layover at Reagan)! I really want to go, though!
I have a really dumb question, so laugh at me if you want. THe Eleanor statue, was that really sized to life???? She looks double your width and height! I am going to google her right now and figure out her stats…
AMAZING. I will definitely look up her book!
xo – kb
The NYC subway is insanity! The Metro is SOOO much easier. I love all your pictures and the one of the three of you in the Lincoln Memorial made me crack up – my husband and I just got back from Europe and all our “stranger-taken” pictures look like this. The Eiffel Tower? One of the legs is in the picture. The Sacre Couer? We got a side of the door. Buckingham Palace? Whole lotta gate, not a lot of palace. The only good shot we got was at Stonehenge, because I stalked this man who had a really nice camera until he finally said “Do you want me to take your picture or are you following me because I’m so good-looking?” Total awkward moment = great picture.
Next 🙂
xo – kb
How fun! You saw all the best spots. Including that Whole Foods. (It’s new and has significantly improved my life.)
I’m sure you get bizarre comments like mine all the time, but I’m just absolutely, exquisitely, in love with your blog! My best friend and I read it–her being in NYC and me in Memphis–on a pretty regular basis and it always always sparks awesome conversations. The latest being this D.C. Post [a city that we both love as we have family members that went to Gerogetown!]
All in all–you’re a rockstar, and keep on blogging!!!!! xox
absolutely awesome! We moved from the DC area 5 years ago to the Sunshine State and I totally miss all the great stuff that makes up DC. Thanks so much for the gorgeous slide show of your family’s day in our nation’s Capitol. I actually cried during some of it — just beautiful!
Haha, there are so many hilarious parts of this post! Looks like a wonderful day – I would love to get back to DC to visit sometime soon. I’ve been once, but it was when I was a kid and I don’t remember a thing!
Loved this post, but all I could think about is how terrible it is to have a kid that doesn’t sleep well at night. My little boy is 13 months and finally figured out how to sleep all night. Unfortunately, it is still a rare occurrence, but it does happen. It has been the most frustrating thing for me as a parent this past year, and I don’t handle it well. You seem to handle it beautifully, though. Especially, with night terrors. I don’t think I could do that! Anyways, just wanted to say that I know how you feel and that I’m right there with you on those hard nights. And you are a rock star for functioning everyday and being the amazing mommy that you are! Here’s hoping that Will will figure it out soon–even if it is only every once in a while like Jonah. Best of luck!
Heading to DC for Thanksgiving for Thanksgiving this year. 9 hours of driving from NH. But I love it and settle in with my KINDLE and magazines.
Off the subject…just a question I need answered.
What kind of fabric dye would you suggest for dying fabric. I am thinking of dying these tan pillow covers to gray.
What brand would you recommend?
Where do you buy it?
Any thing else I need to know to do it?
Tips?
Thanks in advance, Katie.
Just painted my bedroom Notre Dame gray…so nice. Will put it all back together tomorrow.
Barb
Oh poor little Will with the night terrors. The good news is that most children outgrow them eventually. I never did but have found better ways to deal with them as an adult.
When I was little my pediatrician had my mom keep a log for a week or two of when the night terrors occurred and then later start waking me up about 15 minutes before she expected it to happen and keep me awake and out of bed for about ten minutes. It was hard, but my sleep schedule normalized and I had way way fewer night terrors.
I’ve used the RIT dye available at well, like, anywhere…but I’ve also seen some at JoAnn’s (I forget the name) that is for front loaders…I guess it all depends on the color. The RIT dye is available at Walmart 🙂 I would recommend washing the tan pillow covers on HOT before any dying…also, note that if there was any grease (or fats like in milk) that ever got on the fabric that it can cause an uneven dye job so keep that in mind.
Good lucK!
xo – kb
Oh I did not know that! That sounds even better than what we had… mental note made to eat there next trip!! Thanks!
It’s so funny to me…like why would I just want a photo of me and my baby with nothing in the background?! Bizzare.
So glad you got Stonehenge – it’s definitely on my list 🙂
xo – kb
What a wonderful DC trip! We used to live just across the river in Virginia and would often play tourist on the weekends. So much fun and free stuff to do! We live 3 hours away now, but I can’t wait to take our 16 month old to explore the city. He only occasionally sleeps through the night (and by that I mean until 5 or 6 am), so I feel your pain.
I’m still laughing about exploding testicles. Sounds like something my husband would say….or me for that matter!! 🙂
I grew up in MD and went to DC for every field trip. I moved away 12 years ago but want to come back as a tourist and explore DC as an adult!
I’m one of those rare creatures who was actually born in DC and have lived here most of my life. You picked a wonderful time of the year to be here by the lack of crowds in most of your photos. A rare thing indeed! Come back in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom and you will be blown away by their beauty (with the Jefferson Monument in the background of the trees). So glad you enjoyed yourself….never enough time to see all the treasures here.
I must go to DC now! And take my kids, of course. This would be such a cool trip.
My 21 month old saw some bras at Walmart the other day and said “momma boobies”. Haha! Boys!!
I almost asked if she was using Tobacco (dipping). Haha!
umm…is that chewing tobacco in your pocket? lol
a day without a post.. my heart is breaking ! 🙁
Can’t wait!
The days not over yet Sara 🙂 Good things to those who wait…or demand violently 🙂
xo – kb
How did you know?!
Seriously though – its a lens cap for my camera 🙂
xo – kb
I’m pretty good at not photographing people…or having Jer body-block them while I shoot 🙂
xo – kb
hmmm….and you were able to get back to sleep? I started writing down when it happened, what time and how long it took him to be consoled (some days its hours, some just ten minutes) but there isn’t a pattern to it yet….it’s hard to wait for him to outgrow it.
xo – kb
haha – I love that one 🙂
xo – kb
Hilarious 🙂
xo – kb
San Diego just went on the list 🙂
And the only other pic is the one in the slideshow….it’s closer and says “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” on the side 🙂
xo – kb
We thought that the shuttle was a bus…so this was completely by surprise…and as far as I have read for public transportation, it isn’t illegal to transport a child without a carseat but they do have to wear a belt…of course, I read that when I was going to NYC so it could be different everywhere else and it could apply to buses and not towncars. Any one else out there with an answer?
xo – kb
Dude…you guys know EVERYTHING!
You need to be my travel agent 🙂
xo – kb
Can I demand unviolently?! 🙂
Also… Just checked out your guestpost o homemaker on a dime… Good job!!!
My 13-year-old still doesn’t sleep through the night, but for years now she has been able to put herself back to sleep (thank goodness!). Still, she got back from a slumber party this morning and her first comment to me was, “Mom! I slept the whole night!” I couldn’t believe it until she told me they didn’t even go to sleep until 3 am, so she slept from 3-9. Oh, well – it’s a start!
I have to say, I’m surprised it was so busy at Abe. When we went there (5 years ago!) it was completely dead. I got a photo of my boyfriend-at-the-time standing RIGHT NEXT to Abe. And no one was around.
AW I wish I could post a picture in a comment! But I went to DC last year and did the “What would you look like as an early human” computer thing too! They’re tooo funny. I posted the link to the pic in the website but I don’t know if it’ll work. And the Jefferson memorial is my favorite too..My husband was going to propose to me there but I was 7 months pregnant,it was cold and snowy, I was wearing non-waterproof Uggs so my feet were soreANDwet and I was just not up for the walk all the way over there so he did it at the WWII memorial instead lol
I think I may have been a little bit older than Will (maybe three or four?) when mine started so that could account for the fact that my night terrors were a little more regular. They’re just hard because most of the time there is like nothing you can do to make them go away.
I don’t have kids yet so I can not even imagine how hard it is to wait for him to outgrow them. Sounds like you’re doing everything you can though. Lots of luck!
I see, well nice surprise on the nice ride!! And I’ll be sure to check local laws when we travel. Also I forgot to mention that the sculpture of stamp thing reminds me of the old stamp storage racks my mom used to have at work. She has worked at a bank for 35 years and long ago they had those same round things for all the stamps at each teller window. They had so many that said things like “for deposit only” “pay to the order of” and “please sign and date” along with many others, but I just thought of that when I saw that and wondered if they were common in banks or every where? I remember playing with all of them during “take your daughter to work day”…fun times!! Anyway, I’ll have to show her this picture and she if she’s reminded of the same. Thanks for replying, by the way:)
It is Marine one green bottom white top. Quantico is not far from dc. Glad u did not experience the traffic that is dc. I’ve been here 2 years and even L.A traffic is better than D.C. San Diego should b on everyone’s bucket list! Rt. One the water the shopping the weather amazing, you would love it!
Actually, you don’t need to go through your Member of Congress to get a tour of the Capitol building – you can book a tour yourself online through the Capitol Visitor’s Center website – http://www.visitthecapitol.gov/ – although you can certainly do it through the member’s office as well – they’re happy to help. Tours are free, and definitely worth it! Another really cool place to visit that often gets missed is the Jefferson building at the Library of Congress (across the street from the Capitol) – also free, and the architecture is beautiful.
I’m really interested in reading about Eleanor Roosevelt, can you recommend any of the books that you mentioned? I visited FDR’s monument last week for the first time after living in DC nearly 2 years and then last night finally went on a tour of the West Wing and was really interested by one of the stories we were told about Eleanor so want to learn more!
I liked You Learn By Living…but I dug her autobiography and the ones titled Eleanor (vol 1 & 2) but those were for really hard core El fans 🙂
xo – kb
As a veteran of two safety patrol DC trips- a guided tour is not to be underestimated. Tour guides for DC are independent contractors and well versed ,connected and well ,I do think –they love their job! Your photos brought back memories of the stories Mr. T told us. The Vietnam Memorial brought tears to my eyes- as I wore a POW bracelet throughout High School. The whirlwind 4 day tour was jam packed– well planned –do not hesitate to reserve a spot on a guided tour when planning a trip to Washington D.C.