Fun Run

One day last fall we drove downtown bright and early to go for a run around the National Mall.  We started by Eastern Market (behind the Capitol Building) down to the Washington Monument and back.  We knew it was a long distance but we didn't know it was over 5 miles. Whew. That was fun :)

On our way back we stopped for a tour of the rotunda in the Capitol, I have pictures somewhere of that, but all I could find was cute Benson, who really enjoyed the fast stroller ride.

We feel very lucky that we live in a place with beautiful and historic things.  The National Mall always takes my breath away.  The views are spectacular.

Four Score and Seven Years Ago

We finally figured out the perfect day for a trip to Gettysburg. Had we realized it was 90 minutes away from our house any sooner I'm sure we would have gone. I was thinking it was a good two and a half hours.  We went on a week day, in January, and we had the whole place to ourselves. It was lovely and not too cold to get out and see things.  Our first stop was at the museum where we watched a short film about the Battle at Gettysburg.  Then onto the cyclorama- which was absolutely fascinating and I highly recommend spending time there asking a guide to show you all the neat things hidden within.  Seriously- go. 

Then we went on a driving tour of the battlefield.  It took us nearly three hours to complete but we loved it.  The CD's we purchased for the tour provided a lot of context for each stop and had some interesting human interest pieces that brought the battle and Civil War to life.  A couple of the stops had look out towers and we could see for miles- which around DC is a hard thing to come by so we soaked it in. Until we were too cold.

Benson was incredibly pleasant the entire trip.  We had a really nice time.

I had been to Gettysburg before, but I was only 6.  The only memory I have is our family standing in front of this memorial- which is dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and his Gettysburg Address.  So here, Serafine Family. A backdrop you should all recognize.  

DC Cherry Blossoms

Well, it finally happened. The blossoms bloomed. Benson and I took a quick trip to see them with a few friends! It was a really beautiful day. The tidal basin was packed which made several strollers difficult, but we did enjoy them! Thanks to my friend Lexie for remembering her camera!

We are really lucky to live in such a fun place! It is amazing how patriotic I feel when we go downtown. An average of 1.5 million visitors come to see the blossoms. I'm glad they bloomed or those people would have been very disappointed. 

He learned how to sniff. 

Gary and Lori(n)

Spring has sprung, but a tad too late. My parents were here the last few days of March and the first few days of April--due to DC's unusual winter spring arrived about 48 hours after they left. Bummer. That didn't stop us from seeing the places the blossoms should have been. The nice thing was it wasn't too hot!  We did quite a bit of walking but we didn't have to worry about a blazing sun making us wet from sweat, instead we had to work with the rain, which got us wet anyway.  It rained for the first three days. Straight. It was a little discouraging, but I think we managed to make everything work.

Riley had to spend a lot of time at school so I was Mom and Dad's personal tour guide. Luckily he snuck away for some fun activities! They were excellent guests and Benson really loved having someone to play with. Dad may have been in dog or monkey mode for the majority of the week.  

Let's begin with pictures- there aren't many.

Dad took Benson swimming - he really loved it. He even dove in when dad wasn't looking. I guess we'll need to do swimming lessons soon!

Benson learned how to climb up on the balcony. He is really careful about it but I always have to watch him. Sneaky boy.

We visited the National Zoo. We were so excited to see the new baby panda- only she was sleeping where no one could see her. That is twice now that I have gone. She needs to wake up!

Dad went to the Air and Space museum one afternoon- It is a goodie!

Here is the mama panda. They eat most of the day.

Lunar landing module. Dad, is that right?

We took a drive up to Delaware to visit Aunt Jenny, her family and new dog! Oh Benson had a wonderful time following Nick around and playing with Charlie. 

"He's nothing but a big sweetheart"

Dad was so nice and drove us across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Thank you, Dad.

On the way home from DE we stopped at the Outlets and Benson got to ride the train-go-round :)

Ha, back to the zoo. Cute baby tiger.

Benson and Nick at the Longwood Gardens. We had the best lunch before going there. Capriotti's. oh. my. the sandwich was soooooo good.

Bens got to go on the merry-go-round at the zoo too! 

Charlie.

The "O-line"  Orangutans cross right about you! Riley never believed that they actually did it, but they definitely do! It was so neat. 

At the Post Office Museum- a new favorite. Across from us, in the stage coach were three statues that were scary looking. Benson didn't appreciate them.

Other highlights:

-We the Pizza

-American History museum war exhibit

-WWII memorial with veterans being honored. (one even stopped to talk to benson, so sweet!)

-Walking around the tidal basin with dead looking cherry trees

-Watching Downton Sixbey

-Watching Lip Syncing battles

-The Amish market

-The almost trip to Fort McHenry

-Having mom and dad around, Thanks for visiting! 

To all other potential visitors- we need you! We know some great places to eat and sight see. We also have two twin beds. and a couch, and an air mattress. Let's just say we can accommodate several visitors at one time. See you soon! 

this one's for dad

Sometimes I forget to take pictures. I wonder where I get that from (mom)... so there is not a single picture on my camera of the wilson siblings here. I can assure you that it did happen. And it was so fun to see them and hang out. The things that did make it on my camera are as follows:

Poor boy had an ear infection that lasted 5 weeks. He was miserable, so he got a treat at the pharmacy.

one day riley had a break during lunch so we went to an asian buffet. Benson loved the chopsticks and wateremelon

One Saturday in November we ventured to Arlington National Cemetery. It was amazing. The grass was green, the trees were colorful and the sky was white. We learned a lot and really enjoyed being there.  The rolling hills of headstones is really impressive. 

This is the view from the hill in Arlington, across the bridge is Lincoln memorial.

The Kennedy grave and eternal flame

Tomb of the unknown soldier and changing of the guard.

There is always a guard there. ALWAYS. the ceremony is really neat. I went once on the Big Trip in 1996, and the only thing I remember is a large crowd of sweating people. This time I understood a lot more and actually enjoyed it :)

Oh how Benson loves applesauce...

benson took his first steps a few days ago. so we took a picture of him that day, though he wouldn't stand for it...

This past weekend we went the the Washington D.C. temple to see the lights and nativities. So fun! Above is Justin/Erin/Bennett/Elsie

This was my favorite nativity. 

Then we came back and opened Benson's birthday presents. We won't be here on his actual birthday so instead of bringing them we opened them here. He really enjoyed it, I think! Can't believe he is almost one..

Then. Last night the saddest thing happened. We were getting ready to watch the first presidency Christmas devotional when we looked out our back window and saw this:

Her/his poor leg was injured and she/he was limping. It is christmas and she was all alone and injured. Break a mother's heart. We aren't supposed to feed the animals that come through but I felt just terrible. 

Next week Benson and I will be in utah! What a fun time it will be. Dad, I hope you appreciate the update :)