Play date

Here are a few photos of Madison & Daniel - They usually get along when Daniel's not biting her.Daniel found a climbing partner.

They both climbed on the table and admired their toddler image.

You can dance if you want to . . . .

Ford Theatre

Last week the boys and I visited Ford theatre, where Pres. Lincoln was shot. It was a little tricky b/c no strollers were allowed on the balcony. I had to hold Isaac the entire time, while Daniel tried to jump off to the stage - like John Wilkes Booth. Needless to say, I didn't get the greatest photos but I did leave the theatre without abusing the boys or commiting murder myself -unlike John Wilkes Booth. Does anyone know what the performance was the night of the assassination?

Answer - Our American Cousin
The boys outside the theatre, where strollers are allowed.

The box where Pres. Lincoln was shot.

Some other info I learned that day. The International Spi museum doesn't allow stollers and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery doesn't open until11:30. I guess we'll visit those another day.

Folger Shakespeare Library

On Wednesday after our weekly walk to the post office (aka our netflix drop-off ritual), we visited the Folger Shakespeare Library . In the great hall they have Shakespeare artifacts and other Renaissance manuscripts. The boys, of course, found more entertainng activities than viewing artifacts and manuscripts. . .like crawling on the smooth steps outside the Library,
and crawling on the stage in the Elizabethan Theatre,

and disobeying rules like crawling on the stage,

and trying to kiss William in the bookstore,
and tolerating a photo,
and playing with a bike outside the Library (by far the favorite).

Labor Day

For Labor day we all visited Roosevelt Island, a small island in the Potomac dedicated to President Roosevelt. Isaac enjoying the view of Teddy
We walked around the entire island which took longer than expected. Daniel was easily distracted, and wanted to play with every stick, throw every rock, and chase every animal; including the visiting dogs. The boys loved it and it was a nice change from the city. Marc and Daniel on the trail around the island. Too bad I didn't get a picture from behind -a view of Daniel's quarter slot is priceless.
Daniel on the boardwalk chasing a lizard.
The muddy Potomac
Marc and Daniel admiring the ducks below the bridge.

The view of Georgetown University and Key bridge.

There were several boaters near the island and we were missing Grandpa's Kyacks. At our next visit home we'll have to make up for the lost time on the river.

The Retreat Continues

The storm continued through Saturday morning so we retreated once again to a Smithsonian. This time is was the Postal Museum - I know a whole museum dedicated to the mail didn't sound too exciting but the boys loved it. It was a super kid-friendly museum with several hands-on exhibits. Daniel viewing the "horsies"

I love his straddled-legs. This is what he does right before his MC hammer dance. Marc won't admit that he taught him those moves.

Truck'en

Daniel and Isaac would not leave this truck. We had a little (actually huge) break-down when we finally had to leave and the entire museum heard it.

Isaac and Daniel in the coach with "Jesus" (any white statue is now "Jesus")

Retreat

Yesterday we retreated from tropical storm Ernesto by visiting a couple of museums - the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries. The benefits of going out in a storm are the close parking, and the lack of tourists, which means we disturb less people. In a museum full of Asian art the boys loved the plants in the stairwell,
and a door stop near the entrance.
When we actually entered the museum Daniel loved this Chimera, a mythical winged beast from China. I think it reminded him of one of his favorite books Where the Wild Things Are. Notice how he is strapped in the stroller - We all know how quickly he would have climbed on that wild thing.
These are some photos of Isaac's favorites - The bookstore where they had all these cute Asian toys from India and China. They were a bit too expensive to purchase but Isaac enjoyed them for a few minutes. The bookstore, like other Smithsonians, is just as interesting to see as the museum. This was Isaac's favorite - I think it because of his appetite for breast milk.

What's funny is that Daniel walked next to this statue, pointed, and said "a mommy."

Catholic University

Last Monday the boys and I visited Catholic university in Northeast DC. School was starting that week so the school was busy with students - We looked very out-of-place with the double stroller. Daniel near the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Don't you love that name?

Since the campus was so busy we headed to a quieter venue near the university- The Franciscan Monastery. Daniel loved the gardens and he enjoyed running through the "bushes"
There were replicas of various sites from the Holy Land (Like the tomb of Mary and the Garden of Gethsemane). I must say the actual sites in Israel were much better and surprisingly much cleaner.
The boys outside the church at the monastery.

We decided to go on a tour of the church and some reproduction Roman Catacombs; but it took only seconds to see that our tour guide was less than excited to have us there. I guess a screaming toddler and infant; and their echoing voices aren't so welcome. I would say , oh well, maybe next time, but there won't be one. A little too creepy for me.