National Book Festival - D.C. Trip

Maevy-girl-

We just got back from an awesome long weekend in Washington, D.C. with Grandma. We met lots of Mommy's old friends, new kid-friends, and fit in a few touristy things. Here are the highlights with my favorite stories from the weekend.

Friday -
You are becoming quite the traveling pro. You've pretty much have all things airport-related down. We rode the metro from the airport to our place on Capitol Hill and quickly became obsessed with the metro map.

We headed to the Olivos for dinner where you met Lucas and Nathanial. After dinner we headed to the park where you and Lucas made up the "push Maevy-game". You hang suspended from the zip line and Mommy and Lucas push you back and forth as many times as possible. It was pretty fun.

(Totally forgot to take picture of any of this.)

Saturday -
First thing in the morning, we went to the Thomases for breakfast where you met Mason. He quickly showed you his train set and new room...and you loved Ms. Rebecca's monkey bread.

Waiting for Mommy and Grandma to grab some coffee. You were made yourself at home and read your book. 

Post-breakfast, we booked it to the metro/book festival; so we could see Jeffrey Brown speak. He spent a lot of time taking questions/requests from the kid audience. You quickly raised your hand and wanted him to draw Princess Leia, which he did eventually draw.

Right after he spoke, he had a book signing. You did pretty well in line, and your face was priceless when you finally got to meet him and he signed your book which included a picture of Princess Leia.

Most of the authors we wanted to see weren't till much later in the afternoon. So instead we did all the other kid-related activities which included - listening to some story-tellers, watching a cook demonstration, getting some free books, writing a story/coloring a picture inspired by a primary source, and "visiting" all 50 state-tables to fill up your passport. You were very proud of accomplishing the last task, and became a pro at navigating and slipping through the crowds. Oh and I almost forgot- you gave Curious George a hug. (Don't tell Carter.)

Other fun times at the festival - You and Mason running around in the open space. You attempting to teach him red light, green light. And Mason leading us out of festival on his "train". He was the conductor. :)

Caption bubbles in the PBS area - 

We finally called it quits at 3p, and headed back to our place for a power nap. I think you could have slept for hours, but we had to head out to Arlington. The Funks were throwing a pool-pizza party in our honor.
Even though Hunter is your age, I knew 8yr old Madeleine would be your favorite.

Post- pool party - you played with legos for a minute and got in your jammies. Hunter even asked if you could spend the night; so I think they were fan of MMT.

Sunday -
We slept in a little, but made it in time to eat breakfast at Eastern Market. They have the best pancakes which we all enjoyed.

Post -breakfast...checking out the DC Donut "machine" -

You've been obsessed with your book, Looking at Lincoln for a while now and really wanted to see "Abie" or "Linky" as you call him. So we headed to the Lincoln Memorial -

Obligatory photos -

 eyes closed...with Mommy

 With the Washington Monument and Gma -

We made it as far as you could walk - to the end of the reflecting pool and grabbed a car to the metro. Then metroed out to Marymount where we went on an Alumni tour. Mommy wanted to see all the new stuff at Marymount. I'm not sure if you were impressed, but you did enjoy the cookie that the tour guide hooked you up with in the dining hall. Grandma asked what you thought college was while we were hanging out at the Main House. Your reply - "It's where you go to learn more before you become an adult and start working." Sounds about right...I have no idea how you know that.

Not interested in a photo- while waiting for Ms. Faith to pick us up. 

After the tour - Mommy's old roomate, Ms. Faith picked us up and we headed to Rocky Run Park, this cool park with lots of stuff to climb on. You had fun taking off your shoes, and playing with Joey and Ellie.
Sweet pic of you holding Ellie's hand on the rope swing.

Saturday was little hot, but we rallied and headed to the American History Museum after the park. You really wanted to see Dorothy's slippers and the First Ladies dresses.
Eyed closed..on the mall -(it was too bright!)

With Dorothy-

Grandma asked if we could stop by the gift store to pick up a little something. You were very stressed by all the options, but seemed most excited about the little stuffed animal of Bo, the Obamas' dog. Bo came in this little carrier, and you were in love. For the rest of the weekend, you told Bo not to be scared on the metro, where we were going, and how to act. And when we got home from dinner, this what you told Zebra -

"Zebra, we have a new friend. His name is Bo, and he's a President." Zebra seemed cool with it.

Other random stories - we enjoyed the piccolo player that was performing outside the Smithsonian metro. On the way back from the museum he was playing "We're off to the Wizard..." and you thought it was coolest thing.

We spent Saturday night watching Spy Kids at home, and you got gummy bears and milk as an after dinner treat. We were all in bed early.

Monday - 

We spent the morning packing up, and then met Mommy's friend Allison, daughter - Caroline, and hubby - Curt for breakfast. You were sweet to Caroline, sharing your crayons and bananas with her. (Totally forgot to grab a picture)

We had time to do one thing that morning before heading to the airport, and decided to go to the National Building Museum, a museum that Mommy has always loved.

They had this cool maze - that took a good while to figure out. Grandma almost started freaking out, but we made it out okay. 

The Work-Build-Play area had large and small block, gears, etc. It become a running joke all weekend that most of your favorite things to do (watch tv, movies, and read) all include lounging. So what did you make - a chaise lounge, with a tv in front, and remote. (Hilarious)

They had this cool - food pantry - can exhibit. Even though you've never seen Wheel of Fortune, you picked it as your favorite.

 Lastly, Mommy and you helped some boys and other Daddys building a 7 foot arch a couple times.

Phew...what a trip. We headed back to our place, grabbed our bags, and made our way to the airport. We had some nice chill, time on the plane, and Mommy let you watch My Little Pony (still can't stand that show).

Grandma and I had a great time with you, and you were a wonderful travel-partner. I hope you had as much fun as we did. Let's do it again soon, okay?

Love you lots,

Mommy

P.S. Daddy took you to school this morning where you delivered your gifts - a book (My Teacher is a Monster) to Ms. Boles and the National Book Festival poster to the librarian. I think they were a hit.