Another day, another field trip.

This time we hit the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum (the one on the Mall downtown).

Bubby, J., The General, Princess & V. at the Imax where we watched The Sun 3-D. The kiddos thought the movie was good, the moms were less than impressed. We had been studying Astronomy together last semester, so we were hoping it would be a nice completion to our studies. It did have some cool graphics that showed the concepts of solar wind, as well as the effects of space weather on the earth. I guess I was hoping for more facts about the sun. Another bummer, 2 year-olds do not get in free. I'm really hoping Bubby got something out of his $7 Imax experience.

The General, Bubby, V., and Princess pose with an astronaut suit.

Left: The kiddos watch themselves on the heat sensor screen. Right: J. & The General playing with some of the hands on experiments. See the floating ball? Well, the clever boys figured out they could combine the two experiments: floating ball vs. vacuum hose. . .boy did they have fun!

Princess, V. & J. takes turns flyinig the plane. The wing flaps are all working, so they can actually see how the plane operates.

V. & Princess are checking out more of the exhibits. This hands on area is lots of fun, and the various physics concepts are nicely explained.

This museum is always a favorite for kiddos and adults alike. There are so many fun things to see and do, it takes a day to get through all portions of the museum. There are some historical airplanes and space items here, but if you really want to see the big planes up close you need to head out to the Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly (Near Dulles Airport). It is also a Smithsonsian Air & Space Museum, they just ran out of room for the big planes downtown. I personally prefer the hands on more science stuff downtown, but my husband and other airplane lovers really enjoy going out to Chantilly.

A highlight of the Air & Space on the Mall is they have food options. You can go with McDonald's, Boston Market or Donatos Pizzeria. I voted for the pizza. . .it was YUMMY!

American History Museum-Something for Everyone

Another stop on the touring circuit was the Smithsonian's American History Museum. There was so much to see, we had to make it a two trip visit. The first day we did more of the pop culture and American wars sections. The history of our country's wars is done very well, with great interactive exhibits that even kept Bubby happy. The pop culture was just fun. It takes you down memory lane, and you have a lot of "remember when" moments. The gang in front of a Civil War era ambulance. Ones like these were used by the Red Cross, which Clara Barton started.

Even toddlers can have those "remember when" moments. Here Bubby is recalling the fun he and I had on the Dumbo ride at Disney World.

The General is all about Star Wars, so this was a treat.

My niece loves the Wizard of Oz, so she was quite pleased to set her eyes on Dorothy's ruby red slippers.

On the next visit we checked out the following areas: Presidential, Science & Technology, and of course Old Glory-The Star Spangled Banner. The very flag that was flown over Fort McHenry in the Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812. This is definitely worth a stop for the flag alone. Unfortunately, no photos are allowed. The flag is too fragile, the exhibit is dimly lit to help in the preservation.

To the left Princess is standing next to a chess set used by one of the first families in the White House. To the right The General is watching one of the video clips, which is one of his favorite learning mediums. It is quite insightful to observe how each child takes in the different exhibits.

Princess tries out the Presidential podium. These interactive stations are a life saver for active boys like Bubby. It keeps him occupied while The General, Princess and I explore and learn.

Here Bubby is playing in the hands on portion of the museum. This is a new section of technology and science. They had experiments for the big kiddos and this play area for toddlers. I think they all had a great time.

Tips for touring: As always, I recommend visiting DC in the fall (nice weather, less people). Summer is too hot, and starting in the spring all of the schools start their field trips. . .again TOO CROWDED! If you must come during peak periods, get there first thing in the morning.
There are little restaurants in the museums, but they can be pricey. Most allow you to bring in a bag lunch, which can save you money.

He thirsts. . .

Today Bubby was so incredibly precious during mass. The gospel reading was about Jesus asking the Samaritan woman for a drink of water. Well, Bubby thought that drink sounded awfully good, and kept asking us for some of that water. He wanted to go right out and get some water from that "can".
On the surface it is a very adorable toddler story, however, it reminds me how much he hears and takes in. Yes, his interpretation is quite literal now. . . I hope when he is older he will still be influenced by the word of God, and thirst for the living water Christ offers us.

Scenes from Jefferson's Memorial

This is one of my favorite of the monuments and memorials sprinkled about Washington, D.C. It is not directly on the mall, so many times it isn't as crowded as the others. It overlooks the tidal basin, and during cherry blossom season, it is breath taking. (This is a photo we took last year.)

Make sure to stop by the visitor center in the basement. It has some interesting displays and videos playing. Always seek out the park rangers, they are a wealth of information. They are thrilled to find people who are interested in learning about history, not simply there for a photo (they especially love children who ask good history questions, and reward said children with FREE stuff :). You can obtain a little National Park Visitor booklet from them, and each time you visit a different site they will stamp that site into your booklet. This can be fun for the kiddos. . .now if only I could remember those booklets when we go touring!

The General, Princess and their cousin while she was visiting us a few weeks ago.

Bubby & I at the foot of the monument. That is the tidal basin, with the Washington Monument (AKA the white crayon-at least that's what the neighborhood kiddos call it :) in the background.

A favorite quote that is engraved on the wall. The irony is Jefferson never freed his slaves.
Bubby & I walking around the statue of Jefferson. I was trying to keep him quiet, as he was not happy to be in the stroller--punishment for running off. Sometimes it is hard to be a little boy. Sometimes it is even harder to be the mommy of a little boy touring :)

Guess what I am???

Here are the pieces to one of my latest projects (prior to felting and being assembled ). Do you know what it is???

Happy Birthday Keeghan. . .we miss you.

To remember Keeghan on what would be his 13th Birthday, I asked his mom to write something for my blog.

Keeghan Barry was a 12-year-old boy who wanted nothing more than to grow up and find a cure for cancer. Keeghan was taken from this life on August 31, 2008 by brain cancer. In an effort to continue his dream, his parents are trying to raise money for cancer research, as well as to help other families still on this journey with pediatric cancer, through Keeghan’s Cell by Cell Fund.

Donations to the Fund can be made in two ways. First, by mailing donations directly to Keeghan’s Cell by Cell Fund, c/o Bank of America, 185 Chappie James Blvd., Bldg 4570, Bolling AFB, DC 20032. Second, through the purchase of jewelry made by Keeghan’s mom, Shannon, at http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5036403. In memory of Keeghan on what would have been his 13th birthday, 100% of all jewelry sales in the month of March will go to the Fund.

Please feel free to copy and post Keeghan's story on your own blog, or link back to this site. If you would like to know more about Keeghan and his family you can visit them at http://www.skeleigh.com/ .

Off the beaten path, but worth the visit!

A visit to The Basilica of The National Shrine of The Immaculate Conception.

My sister-in-law and niece were here a few weeks ago for a visit. We visited the National Shrine for Sunday Mass, what a treat. I love this place, it is so incredibly beautiful. All of the church history depicted in the mosaics are wonderful lessons for the big kiddos, and they really keep Bubby busy during mass.

The creation story with Adam and Eve are his favorite. I know it is a little hard to see, but if you look closely you can see the animals all around them. He enjoys finding the giraffe, the fish, and the snake is always a favorite.

Below are just some random shots of the various mosaics. Aren't they amazing?

The depiction of Pentecost was the final mosaic in a series that portrayed the various stages of the Passion of Christ.

There are many small chapels throughout the shrine, this one was donated by the Hope family in memory of their daughter. The art work for this chapel is completely different. It is like pieces of sculpture that are floating. Very beautiful.

Left: Princess taking a moment for prayer.

Right: Princess and her cousin standing next to the statue of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. (She is a Native American saint. Google her, her story is very interesting)

The National Shrine is located in the NE portion of Washington, DC, and is a little off the beaten path. Most of the tourist head to the National Cathedral when they are visiting DC, which is also very beautiful. However, I would highly recommend a visit to the Shrine.