My parents were able to keep the kids, and we decided that instead of spending money to stay elsewhere, we'd do things in the area along with a daytrip to Washington, DC.
Since Pete is working construction this summer and this was his first full week of work, I made steak, salad & orzo for dinner Friday night after dropping off the kids. We decided on a movie to go see, pick up our tickets ahead of time, then stopped at Pine View Acres Dairy for some homemade ice cream. (It's incredibly yummy and organic!)
Saturday we took our time getting ready (no diapers to change!!!!) and were headed to DC by 8:30. We wanted to visit the Museum of Natural History, but also wanted to be free to wander, so we purchased a day pass for the Metro. It's perfect for daytrips, especially since parking is plentiful and free on the weekends.
We found some lunch at a Panera-ish place called COSI on Pennsylvania Avenue. I'd rate it "good". It was cool, clean, and worked for what we needed, but I'd probably try another place the next time we visit.
We walked through the National Post Office en route to the Museum of Natural History. It was a beautiful old building, but when we saw the mini-mall they had created inside we kept going.
The Museum of Natural History seemed the place to be that morning. Literally everyone and their motherwas there...but we got to see what we wanted. I especially liked the Mammal exhibit. Perfect for kids (or "big kids" like us) who want to see to-scale animals up close, albeit still life. The two lions taking down a water buffalo, the giraffe, and the hippo were my favorites.
Other highlights were the Dinosaur and Ocean exhibits, the elephant in the atrium, and the Hope Diamond.
We also enjoyed a visit to the National Gallery of Art and the various gardens and fountains nearby.
The Impressionist gallery was moved due to them grouping together one contributor's varied collection, so I'd say our favorite part of our visit was the Dutch gallery...and watching these overly enthusiastic gentlemen. Tee hee. Such a sneaky shot.
Flies, beware!
The next time we're in DC I'd like to go to the American History museum, Union Station, and Ford's Theatre. We just ran out of time and steam--it was a very hot and humid day.
During our drive to and from DC I co-piloted and read excerpts of "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls to Pete. I had recently read portions of her "Half Broke Horses" to him. What a C.R.A.Z.Y. memoir! (Which reminds me of some more book reviews I want to post.)
The rest of our weekend included a stop to Five Guys for burgers, Carrabbas, alittle window shopping and time to relax.
My favorite part? Time alone with my best friend.
5 comments:
Scheduled time away is a must with kids! So glad you had a great time!
Glad you had a great anniversary and got to spend some time in one of my favorite cities! The Dutch galleries are Josh's favorite at the National Gallery (mine's the impressionism & American). And I haven't been at the Natural History Museuem since I was a kid!
I'm so glad you made time to get away, Krista! I long for the day when Ethan and I will be able to stroll kid-free through a museum, and actually read about what we are seeing. Happy 10th Anniversary! It's just amazing the difference a decade can make!
*I* know someone who lives near DC that could have given you some GREAT advice about what to do and where to eat!!!
NEXT TIME!
Seriously, you should go on a segway tour sometime. Patrick took me for my birthday last year, and it was SO fun! Looks like you enjoyed your weekend together though.
Lynn, We saw a segway tour group and I told Pete about Patrick surprising you with it last year. He thought it looked like fun too.
It's a good thing DC is so accessible and close--endless possibilities!
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