Washington DC

Last weekend we spent a couple of nights in DC and it was a blast. Mick and I love going to DC, there is always something to do and see. There is so much history in the area and he and I LOVE history. This is our second time in DC and I did not feel as much pressure to squeeze everything in as I did the last time we came. It's kind of funny but we felt like pros, it only took a couple of minutes to remember how to get our passes for the Metro and we knew how to get around a little bit better. We spent the first day at the American History Museum, it's my favorite and we still didn't see it all because the pop-culture exhibit is always packed. I don't see what the big deal is about seeing "Dorothy's slippers" but there is always a least a 45 minute wait to see the pop-culture exhibit. Then we had a good time just walking around the National Mall but it was freezing and of course we forgot our jackets so we got back on the Metro towards our hotel. This time we stayed at the Radisson in Crystal City the best part was that the Metro was about a block from our hotel and it was located in an underground shopping center. So we squeezed in a little shopping and ate a delicious dinner at a Mexican restaurant. Sydney and I bought some cheesy souvenir sweatshirts for the next day because it was supposed to be cold in the morning. The next morning we headed to the annual Cherry Blossom Parade and it was no Mardi Gras but it was still a lot of fun. Afterwards, the crowds were terrible there were about 60 food tents but we wanted to get away from the crowds so we headed for the Ronald Reagan building because they have a nice food court. Afterwards we must have walked10 miles around the city looking at buildings and enjoying the day. In the afternoon we went to the Holocaust museum, Sydney has been asking to go there for long time. We stored our things in the museum lockers and then headed for the ticket desk because the main exhibit required a ticket. At first I was worried because it seems you have to call ahead an get on list to hold your ticket because they run out quickly but it turns out that if your active-duty military they have tickets for you and your guest. It always helps to ask for discounts anywhere you can. This museum was amazing there was so much to look at and I am sure you could spend a whole day there and still not see everything. We were in there for 2 hours that was just one exhibit it was so interesting and recommend it to anyone. Security is really tight since the shooting last year. Afterwards we went to Washington Monument and took a little break before we headed back to the hotel. I am already making plans to go back to do more, it's such a beautiful city.

Walking in front of the Washington Monument

Standing in line for the American History Museum

This is just outside the pop culture exhibit it's the outfit worn on the "Carol Burnett Show" for the "Gone With the Wind" episode.

I thought about sending this to my former boss.

The back of the parade everyone getting ready for it to start.

Veggie tales, Brody was not interested at all.

He is warming up to the idea.

These girls were so pretty, those costumes were gorgeous

CLOWNS-- Run

This guy was so good I have a video clip.

These guys were really good too.

Brody is finally enjoying himself

former American Idol -- or aka first looser.

These were elementary kids had a little routine, that was so cute and the band behind them was also elementary kids some of them needed help holding there instruments because they were bigger than them.

The front of the Holocaust museum

Hockey mascot

These are the crazy bike guys that give you a lift all over DC. Don't bother asking them for directions they never seem to be able to remember.

The natural history museum in the background

The crowds after the parade

the Treasury Department

The back of the White house

Navy memorial

Taking a break on the lawn

Performances at the festival

Lincoln memorial way in the back

Spring time

Spring time is finally here I am so excited to finally be working in my flower beds. The best thing about buying a house that has had previous owners is that they have left behind flowers and plants. It's like a little surprise trying to figure out what is going to be blooming. I have been able to figure most of the plants and flowers out but some are still a mystery. I have several hostas and I have a couple of hydrangea's, roses, Gerber daisy, and Crape Myrtle trees and some pear trees except in North Carolina they are not really pear trees with fruit but they have the most beautiful flowers that only last a couple of weeks and then the leaves come out.

Crape Myrtle

Still waiting to see what will spring up

I have no clue still searching

This is a funny picture of Brody carrying the Louie. Louie absolutely hates when Brody does this he growls the whole time.

The weather was so nice that Micky took Brody for his first ride on the four wheeler

bye, bye come back to me in one piece.

they went around the block a few times and then he took him into some trails in the woods back in the subdivision. Brody loved it he kept saying "lets go a whittle bit longer".

Not a baby anymore

Brody has turned 4 and informed me that he is not a little baby anymore. What am I going to do now? He doesn't want me to call him a little baby, and he wants to do more and more on his own.
We had a great turn out at the house I think I had about 19 people in all, my neighbor convinced me to make gumbo and the kids had hot dogs. I had a few gumbo virgins and a few pros, it turned out really tasty. I just tried to enjoy the day, there was no pressure to stick to a schedule we just played it by ear. I did the craziest thing ever, I decided on Monday to paint my kitchen I was not finished with it until Friday morning so that meant that everything else had to be done on Friday in order to have the party Saturday. I think that is why I was so exhausted that I just wanted to enjoy watching the kids and spending time with friends. We had an Easter egg hunt, a Batman piñata, and then had cake, and opened presents.

I think this was after the piñata was broken and Brody was looking for some candy.

Here is Sydney helping the little kids look for eggs she and her friend Jordan hid for me. It is great that she is older and is a big help.

More egg hunting in the front yard

Leia found two at a time

The kids took turns riding Brody's truck the adults took turns jumping out of the way

Time for presents he was so excited.

A Star Wars light saber!!!

I love the colors in my kitchen

Batman cake and frozen ice-cream that I had to put in the microwave hahahaha!!

The birthday boy just being a silly bug