On Thursday morning of spring break, we started out early to attend Ford’s Theatre. This was the one thing during our D.C. trip that actually cost money. D.C. is totally awesome like that!
We had to buy tickets in advance. They were for a specific time and included a Ranger Talk in the theatre, as well as entrance to the museum across the street.
As soon as we sat down, Tanner started screaming and Ridge started getting restless. I quickly indulged Tanner with fruit snacks and Ridge with my phone. The Ranger Talk was not something I wanted to miss!
The boys quieted down pretty quickly and made it through the presentation. I found it fascinating to hear more details about the night Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. So did Jade. She tells us this was her favorite part of the trip! I think it was my second favorite—right after Arlington Cemetery.
The museum was just as fascinating. Jade and I really enjoyed it. Even if the boys weren’t cooperating the best and all I got were a couple blurry pictures. Cody was so wonderful to entertain them so we could enjoy looking at the displays. Below left is the room where Lincoln died.
That afternoon we said our goodbyes to the Banks family and headed to my sister's house about an hour or so away. We couldn’t visit D.C. and not see Kristen and her fun family!! The kids had a great time playing with their cousins that night. Then we headed out to another museum on Friday morning while the cousins were at school.
This time we went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History.
Although Cody really enjoyed the war section, the museum wasn’t quite as entertaining for the kids. I think Jade still liked it though, just not as much as the others.
The highlight of the entire place was definitely seeing The Star Spangled Banner, of which they would not let us take pictures!! Another cool tidbit was a drawing of the first submarine. I don’t know why, but I thought it was so interesting! Jade also enjoyed being the President for a moment.
We also got to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers, but were more surprised to see a sunstone from the Nauvoo temple! The sunstone was accompanied by a snippet about how the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints founded Nauvoo, Illinois but were driven out by anti-Mormonism.
After Tanner had a nap in the stroller, we let him out and put Ridge in for a rest. I hadn’t even thought to bring a stroller for Ridge, because he never rides in one anymore! It worked out though, because he simply took a nap in there when Tanner was done. Ridge was happy to walk the rest of the time and Tanner was happy to get out and have some exercise when it was Ridge’s turn to sleep!
After the American History Museum, we headed through the National Mall to see the Smithsonian Castle.
Tanner was so cute walking around as he had to carry his lovey the entire time!
A nice passerby offered to take a picture for us. I wasn’t paying too close attention, so I was surprised when I got the camera back and the picture was crooked!
Not to worry, she also took a straight shot. I will say, I kinda like the crooked one better though! Ridge was still sleeping in the stroller, so he missed the photo-op.
Right across from the castle, in the center of The Mall, was a carousel. Of course, the kids had to take a ride! Jade made sure to tell us not to tell Ridge. She didn’t want him to feel bad that he missed the most fun part of the day!
It doesn’t get much cuter than kids on a carousel!
We enjoyed our last stroll through beautiful D.C. on our way back to the car. We really lucked out with the weather during our trip. It was overcast all week, but never really rained on us! It was great!!
We got to spend one last night and Saturday morning hanging with the Staley clan. It sure is fun having family so close. We are so grateful to the Staleys and Banks for hosting us!
These silly cousins have so much fun together!!
The boys were definitely tuckered out for the drive home to New Jersey! It took a mere few minutes before they were fast asleep.
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