Washington DC

After resting up over the weekend, we hopped on the Metro and went to The Washington DC Mall.  For those of you not aware, this is not a shopping center.  It is the heart of DC where all the monuments and Smithsoneon Museums are located.  We knew we would have limited time with 4 kids, 1 baby, 4 parents and an Opa in tow.  So, we set out and saw what we could see.  The only disappointment was the Washington Monument was closed until further notice. It was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake on the east coast.  (Boo!)

Here are some highlights from our day:

 Riding the metro (subway) into Washingtn DC.  This could have been the highlight of the kids day.

 We finally made it!!!  (I'm going to go ahead and tell you that the kids are holding their hands up in almost every picture because they are trying to make it appear they are holding the object.  They didn't get that doesn't work for everything.)

 Trying to hold the Washington Monument.  Didnt' work out so well.  I think they were already complaining about the heat at this point.

 Juliana with her birthstone, Topaz.  She was happy to see that there are actually pretty shades of this gem. 

 Juliana and Sammi.  They were pals the entire time.  And yes, Sammi is trying to hold the rock. 

 Jackson is holding up the world at the Museum of Natural History.

 Finally some shade.  This is only after walking for about 10 minutes.  I had to make an Auntie promise that if they could just keep going, WITHOUT COMPLAINING, I would buy them ice cream before we got back on the Metro.

 World War II monument.  This was a very beautiful place.  We were able to rest and remember those who fought for freedom.

 Juliana, Jake and Jackson

 You can see the Jefferson Memorial in the background. 

 Juliana, Sammi, Jackson and Jake climing across this cool tree.

 The girls eating their hard earned ice cream.  It was very hot so they had to eat them fast. 

Jackson, Opa, Juliana and Max

We were sad to not be able to see more, however, that's what happens when you have little kids in tow.  If you ever have the chance to travel to DC, have a plan of what you want to see in each museum, that way you don't have to waste time seeing things that aren't interesting. If you have small children, don't expect to do it all in one day.  The monuments are very spread out and it takes a long time to get through it all.  Also, bring a lunch.  Smithsoneon food is very expensive.