Washington Cathedral

On Wednesday the boys and I visited the Washington Cathedral.

The cool open space was a welcome retreat from the humid streets of DC.

The Rose Window

In a church full of colorful stain glass depicting Christ, Daniel ran up to a statue of George Washington yelling "Jesus." He still yells "Jesus" whenever he sees this picture.

Daniel loving the view from the tower.

Daniel had so much fun running down the narrow hallways and hiding between the columns. Isaac loved chasing him and they both enjoyed the echoing voices. Good thing we were the only ones up there.

Outside on the grass, Daniel found some "rain" that originated from a sprinkler.

The next stop was Bishop's Gardens, located next to the Cathedral. The narrow rock pathways were tricky in the stroller but the boys enjoyed the digg'in.

Here's Daniel making one of his five wishes - Five being the number of pennies I had.

But . . .tresses

The gazebo was a favorite. We'll have to return with Dad for a picnic.

Kick for Kids

Last weekend we were invited to a benefit called Kick for Kids that Can't. It was put on by an organization called Limbs of Life. My cousin Suzanne and her family were there and the kids enjoyed playing on the national mall. Amanda with her medal.

The cute Merril girls

Daniel found a soccer friend.

Too bad he's too interested in his granola bar to play with him.

Here's Marc teaching Isaac how to properly eat a plum.

It was his first time tasting a plum - We think he liked it.

Day of Closures

Get use to disappointment. . .

Today we visited several DC sites that were all closed. We started our day at the Octagon building, where Pres. Madison lived, and where presently the American Institute of Architects is located. It was, of course, closed for renovation.

Daniel near the closed door.

Isaac playing with a program from last year.

Our next destination was the Corcoran Gallery of contemporary art. It was closed in the morning for renovation.

We then headed to the national headquarters for the American Red Cross - where the museum had been permanently closed.

Daniel on the steps of the extremely white building,

"mas brillante que el sol . .."

Daniel with Clara Barton, one of my heroines.

We then headed to the Organization of American States (OAS) building. Where they had beautiful gardens in the courtyard. . .

The lovely Aztec gardens in the courtyard.

I guess Che Guevara had reason to hate the OAS.

Isaac's reaction to the AOS gardens.

Our final destination was the Children's attic at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) headquarters.

I was disappointed to see the small amount of toys until we started playing with them.

The boys loved it.

Daniel playing with the toy car and Isaac climbing stairs,

currently their favorite activities.

Daniel loved the antique cars and the wooden Noah's arc set. It's hard to find toys made of wood and metal these days, I would have purchased the toys if they were for sale.

Daniel and Isaac kept fighting over Noah. Daniel thought it was Jesus, like he thinks anyone with a beard is, and every time Isaac picked it up he would grab it out of his hands, yell "JESUS", and hit him with it. This happened a few times before "Jesus" went to time-out.

Isaac on the stairs. He loves to climb.

On the way out of the museum we found ourselves on the wrong floor and before I could stop him, Daniel had ran into the library and yelled from the balcony to hear his voice echo. The researchers were less than thrilled.

Ducks

On Friday we all went to visit my cousin Suzanne and her girls in Columbia MD. They loved feeding the geese and ducks at the park.Daniel, Samantha and the geese before the feast began.

Samantha, Amanda and Daniel throwing bread to the crowd.

Amanda and Samantha sharing the swing.

Amanda (in the princess dress and sunglasses) is a bone cancer survivor - Her left leg is titanium but it doesn't slow her down. Daniel had a hard time keeping up with her.

Daniel swinging on the "Sings"

Stairs & Park

So Isaac conquered stairs a couple of weeks ago. Here are a few pictures of the little climber

He's so proud of himself.

We're in the process of switching to cloth diapers (see above) but sometimes I regress to disposable (see below).

He sticks his tongue out whenever he's concentrating.

The park

Daniel borrowing a toy dump truck.

Notice how quickly things get out of control. Isaac is eating a leaf and Daniel is throwing the truck over the fence.

Story Time

On Mondays, if Isaac doesn't nap too long, we all go to story time at the local library.

Here are all the neighborhood children listening to the moms and nannies sing.

Isaac in his blue tank top.

Does a tank top have to be white to qualify as a "wife-beater"

Daniel wasn't too interested in singing - He wanted to read his own books.

Heat Wave

This past week we tried to survive the heat wave by...

Playing basket ball at a nearby rec. center -

Oh wait, they didn't turn on the air conditioner in the gym.

Marc only played two games before it was too hot.

Very short walks outside.

Daniel's colored face tells me this particular walk was too long.

Hanging out in the PJs

Eating watermelon after watermelon

Actually Isaac doesn't eat it - he only sucks the juice out and the remaining watermelon ends up hidden in the cracks of the high chair.

And finally, thanks to high oil prices, enduring more walks.

Ho Down

Last Saturday we joined our congregation to celebrate pioneer day.

A professional "caller" was hired so we city folk could dance properly.

Here is the gang properly dancing to YMCA.

Pie Baking Contest.

The bishopric judging the many pies,

Just so you know Katie - Marc liked your peach pie the best.

Daniel (in his make-shift cowboy attire) dancing with Kalayla and her balloon. You know you're in a Mormon church when you see hay next to a baby grand piano.

Lillian holding Isaac while Marc, Daniel and I tried to keep-up with the caller.

He corrected us more than once.