Our final week of vacation. On Friday, we spent most of the day just recovering from our trip the day before. However, kids are so resilient that for them, it was like nothing had happened. They were up and ready to be entertained as always. So we took our snack trip to Harris Teeter to get some groceries and then mom took the older three kids swimming in the afternoon. That night, Charlie experimented with Poppa on an electronic circuit game/builder set Poppa had bought on his Amazon shopping trip of toys for the kids. It reminded me of the one he and I had played with when I was little, but the connections were almost clearer because you could see where/how they were being made.
Saturday, we impulsively took a trip to National Harbor to see the National Children’s Museum launch center. The museum had closed it’s building for renovations, or perhaps even demolition, and had started up this launch center to collect ideas for their new place. It was free, and they wanted feedback from their activities to help them as they prepared to reopen. We drove do
wn to Alexandria, VA to catch the water taxi to the harbor. Alex was so smart, as he looked around he kept remarking that the town had his name. We got our tickets to the taxi, and as we had a little time to kill, we wandered briefly through the Torpedo fact
ory – a factory that has been revamped to house small artist studios. We played “I Spy” and even bought a few souvenirs/gifts from one artist. The kids (not including Florence) absolutely loved the boat ride over. Even though I’m not a big fan of boats and water, somehow, I felt safe and we all really enjoyed the wind in our face as we took the 20 minute ride from Alexandria to the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor. Florence’s issues were lunch/nap related, along with some small irritation at being confined in her stroller. She did get to stand on the side of the boat as well, but preferred going in and out the glass doors to the air conditioned sitting area. Once we got to the hotel, we found a kid-friendly place to eat – a sports themed bar/restaurant where we ate the best tasting hamburgers, wraps, 
hotdogs, ever. While we waited for our food, Grandma took the big kids to ride the 18 story glass elevator so they could ride up and look out over the harbor. After we ate, we got to visit some of the elaborate sand sculptures built around the stores located by the hotel. We tucked Florence tight in her stroller as we left the hotel to walk down to the harbor and she fell asleep before we were even a block away. It was a lovely walk, the boardwalk was full of people, though the shopping was a little beyond my taste and probably affordability as well. But at the end of the block we found the museum. Their theme for the day was ladybugs, and there were puzzles, matching games, an “I spy” challenge, and a build-your-own bug jar kit. There were the requisite building blocks for the little kids and stuffed birds that sang their actual call so that the older kids could try and match them up with their description. They also had sing-a-longs, but we didn’t get to stay for that.
After the museum, we wandered down to the waterfront to the beach where they had moved the statue “The Awakening” – the giant man coming up out of the sand. Here the big kids climbed while Florence took her place at the water’s edge, throwing in rocks. We then took our water taxi back to Alexandria to head home for the day. That night, Aunt Susannah came up to visit and Poppa treated us to the latest Harry Potter movie, complete with ginormous bags of popcorn and soda. As always (of late), the movie itself was beautifully and amazingly done, but we missed so much from the books. I’m glad they have decided to make the final book into two movies, though I hope they release them closer together.
Sunday, I got to attend church on my own without the little ones. I sat in the sanctuary and enjoyed one of the best youth choirs ever. Yes, they were primarily teenagers rather than children, but they had a small orchestra that was very well trained. I embarrassed Charlie by going to talk to their music minister after mass. That afternoon, Grandma and Poppa had opera tickets, so after we helped get the house cleaned, the kids and I took a trip to Target to a)get out of the house and b)gather our snacks for the trip home. That afternoon, Lucy loses yet another tooth – this time on purpose.
Saturday, we impulsively took a trip to National Harbor to see the National Children’s Museum launch center. The museum had closed it’s building for renovations, or perhaps even demolition, and had started up this launch center to collect ideas for their new place. It was free, and they wanted feedback from their activities to help them as they prepared to reopen. We drove do
wn to Alexandria, VA to catch the water taxi to the harbor. Alex was so smart, as he looked around he kept remarking that the town had his name. We got our tickets to the taxi, and as we had a little time to kill, we wandered briefly through the Torpedo fact
ory – a factory that has been revamped to house small artist studios. We played “I Spy” and even bought a few souvenirs/gifts from one artist. The kids (not including Florence) absolutely loved the boat ride over. Even though I’m not a big fan of boats and water, somehow, I felt safe and we all really enjoyed the wind in our face as we took the 20 minute ride from Alexandria to the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor. Florence’s issues were lunch/nap related, along with some small irritation at being confined in her stroller. She did get to stand on the side of the boat as well, but preferred going in and out the glass doors to the air conditioned sitting area. Once we got to the hotel, we found a kid-friendly place to eat – a sports themed bar/restaurant where we ate the best tasting hamburgers, wraps, 
hotdogs, ever. While we waited for our food, Grandma took the big kids to ride the 18 story glass elevator so they could ride up and look out over the harbor. After we ate, we got to visit some of the elaborate sand sculptures built around the stores located by the hotel. We tucked Florence tight in her stroller as we left the hotel to walk down to the harbor and she fell asleep before we were even a block away. It was a lovely walk, the boardwalk was full of people, though the shopping was a little beyond my taste and probably affordability as well. But at the end of the block we found the museum. Their theme for the day was ladybugs, and there were puzzles, matching games, an “I spy” challenge, and a build-your-own bug jar kit. There were the requisite building blocks for the little kids and stuffed birds that sang their actual call so that the older kids could try and match them up with their description. They also had sing-a-longs, but we didn’t get to stay for that.
After the museum, we wandered down to the waterfront to the beach where they had moved the statue “The Awakening” – the giant man coming up out of the sand. Here the big kids climbed while Florence took her place at the water’s edge, throwing in rocks. We then took our water taxi back to Alexandria to head home for the day. That night, Aunt Susannah came up to visit and Poppa treated us to the latest Harry Potter movie, complete with ginormous bags of popcorn and soda. As always (of late), the movie itself was beautifully and amazingly done, but we missed so much from the books. I’m glad they have decided to make the final book into two movies, though I hope they release them closer together.Sunday, I got to attend church on my own without the little ones. I sat in the sanctuary and enjoyed one of the best youth choirs ever. Yes, they were primarily teenagers rather than children, but they had a small orchestra that was very well trained. I embarrassed Charlie by going to talk to their music minister after mass. That afternoon, Grandma and Poppa had opera tickets, so after we helped get the house cleaned, the kids and I took a trip to Target to a)get out of the house and b)gather our snacks for the trip home. That afternoon, Lucy loses yet another tooth – this time on purpose.
Monday, we made our annual trip up to Columbia Maryland to visit Monica’s friends’ Sharon and Greg and their children. Their two kids are the same age as Charlie 
and Lucy, though because of the boy/girl switch, they tend to be friendly to a child not their own age. Lucy gravitates towards older girls, so she really enjoyed playing with Sydney, especially her hamster and her other big girl toys. Charlie played with Brandon on his Wii – in fact, we didn’t really see them much the whole time we were there. Alex went back and forth between the two, and Florence hung out with the grownups, and tried her h
and at the drums. She definitely has some music and rhythm in her, but please God, not the drums. We had our traditional hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill, with chips and fruit and cookies/brownies for dessert. This year, we had the added excitement of finding a tiny mouse with babies living in the storage can for the bounce house. Also, Greg and S
haron had some leftover fireworks from their big July 4 celebration and the kids got a chance to play with sparklers and Greg shot off a few bottle rockets and spinners. Followed by popsicles, it was an amazing summer evening for the kids. It is so much fun to see how, even though they only see each other once a year, they just slide right back into their relationships without thinking about it. It’s nice to have good friends like this to catch up with. Florence 
did wonderfully despite staying up past her bedtime. She was shy around Greg at first, but eventually played peek-a-boo through the fish tank and rolling ball with him. As always, it was difficult to pack up and leave, but we were full of promises for next year.
and Lucy, though because of the boy/girl switch, they tend to be friendly to a child not their own age. Lucy gravitates towards older girls, so she really enjoyed playing with Sydney, especially her hamster and her other big girl toys. Charlie played with Brandon on his Wii – in fact, we didn’t really see them much the whole time we were there. Alex went back and forth between the two, and Florence hung out with the grownups, and tried her h
and at the drums. She definitely has some music and rhythm in her, but please God, not the drums. We had our traditional hamburgers and hotdogs from the grill, with chips and fruit and cookies/brownies for dessert. This year, we had the added excitement of finding a tiny mouse with babies living in the storage can for the bounce house. Also, Greg and S
haron had some leftover fireworks from their big July 4 celebration and the kids got a chance to play with sparklers and Greg shot off a few bottle rockets and spinners. Followed by popsicles, it was an amazing summer evening for the kids. It is so much fun to see how, even though they only see each other once a year, they just slide right back into their relationships without thinking about it. It’s nice to have good friends like this to catch up with. Florence 
did wonderfully despite staying up past her bedtime. She was shy around Greg at first, but eventually played peek-a-boo through the fish tank and rolling ball with him. As always, it was difficult to pack up and leave, but we were full of promises for next year.Our trip is coming to an end. We have two full days to squeeze in everything we have left to do. Tuesday morning, I get up early and head down to Richmond to see 
John Rocco one last time. He is now discharged from the hospital and living at home. I missed John Gilbert, unfortunately, but did get to see his renovated kitchen and the nursery. I only got to spend a few hours with Lisa and Rocco, but we did share lunch, she looked at my photo albums, and she got to get a shower while I played with the baby, who by now is smiling up a storm. It was also fun for me to pet their tortoiseshell kitty, who was so sweet. After 5 weeks, I was really missing my kitties, and their cat reminded me so much of my Phantom, who’s been gone for 5 years now.
When I returned, Grandma, Charlie and Lucy had packed all they would need for an overnight camping trip and lined it up in the garage so it could go directly in the car. They compromised on the site since we were running short on time. She usually likes to take them into the mountains, but this time they went to a campground closer to home. It had a lovely “swimming hole” for them to swim, some hiking and fishing, but Grandma thinks the outd
oor sky would’ve been more peaceful without the occasional airplane from Dulles Airport. But the kids did get to pitch their tent and roast marshmallows and cook in Grandmas camping pot, so as far as they were concerned, it was a successful trip. Back at the home front, I tucked the young kids into bed early so that Dad and I 
(and Aunt Susannah) could attempt to watch as many Boston Legal episodes as possible before I left. This has been our tradition for three years now – I’ve watched the show from beginning to end on tv, but I enjoy watching it with him and revisiting some of the more funny episodes. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish, but he has already sent it to me so that I’ll be caught up for Season 4 next summer.
The next day is all about the packing. I get as much done as I can, and when the kids get home from camping, their gear goes directly into the washing machine. Our plane isn’t early on Thursday, so the pressure isn’t too bad, and we are able to take our time searching every corner for lost socks or hats, etc. Of course, Grandma did have to send us a box of stuff we forgot, but that’s always how it is. Thursday was our trip home. Our plane was on time, which was great. The kids had chicken nuggets in the car, so we could make due with snacks on the plane. I sat between Florence and Alexander in one row, and Charlie and Lucy sat behind us. We sat near the bathrooms in the back so that they wouldn’t have to wander too far from me. The trip was a nightmare. Florence took only an hour long nap and screamed for most of the rest of the 5 hour trip. I felt I should buy drinks for the lady in front of us, who was very patient. Alexander was very good, playing his DS or watching a movie on my ipod. He required very little of me, especially since he could see my hands were full with a screaming baby. The trip itself was bumpy and stressful – they would turn off the seatbelt sign only in short increments to accommodate bathroom breaks; of course, it was watching other people moving around that made Florence so dissatisfied in her car seat. But we did arrive safely in Phoenix, and Tony was a sight for sore eyes, waiting for us on the other side of security. Home sweet home!
John Rocco one last time. He is now discharged from the hospital and living at home. I missed John Gilbert, unfortunately, but did get to see his renovated kitchen and the nursery. I only got to spend a few hours with Lisa and Rocco, but we did share lunch, she looked at my photo albums, and she got to get a shower while I played with the baby, who by now is smiling up a storm. It was also fun for me to pet their tortoiseshell kitty, who was so sweet. After 5 weeks, I was really missing my kitties, and their cat reminded me so much of my Phantom, who’s been gone for 5 years now.
When I returned, Grandma, Charlie and Lucy had packed all they would need for an overnight camping trip and lined it up in the garage so it could go directly in the car. They compromised on the site since we were running short on time. She usually likes to take them into the mountains, but this time they went to a campground closer to home. It had a lovely “swimming hole” for them to swim, some hiking and fishing, but Grandma thinks the outd
oor sky would’ve been more peaceful without the occasional airplane from Dulles Airport. But the kids did get to pitch their tent and roast marshmallows and cook in Grandmas camping pot, so as far as they were concerned, it was a successful trip. Back at the home front, I tucked the young kids into bed early so that Dad and I 
(and Aunt Susannah) could attempt to watch as many Boston Legal episodes as possible before I left. This has been our tradition for three years now – I’ve watched the show from beginning to end on tv, but I enjoy watching it with him and revisiting some of the more funny episodes. Unfortunately, we didn’t finish, but he has already sent it to me so that I’ll be caught up for Season 4 next summer.The next day is all about the packing. I get as much done as I can, and when the kids get home from camping, their gear goes directly into the washing machine. Our plane isn’t early on Thursday, so the pressure isn’t too bad, and we are able to take our time searching every corner for lost socks or hats, etc. Of course, Grandma did have to send us a box of stuff we forgot, but that’s always how it is. Thursday was our trip home. Our plane was on time, which was great. The kids had chicken nuggets in the car, so we could make due with snacks on the plane. I sat between Florence and Alexander in one row, and Charlie and Lucy sat behind us. We sat near the bathrooms in the back so that they wouldn’t have to wander too far from me. The trip was a nightmare. Florence took only an hour long nap and screamed for most of the rest of the 5 hour trip. I felt I should buy drinks for the lady in front of us, who was very patient. Alexander was very good, playing his DS or watching a movie on my ipod. He required very little of me, especially since he could see my hands were full with a screaming baby. The trip itself was bumpy and stressful – they would turn off the seatbelt sign only in short increments to accommodate bathroom breaks; of course, it was watching other people moving around that made Florence so dissatisfied in her car seat. But we did arrive safely in Phoenix, and Tony was a sight for sore eyes, waiting for us on the other side of security. Home sweet home!
No comments:
Post a Comment