This year our baby girls turned 6 and 4! Usually we throw a big potluck part for both girls. This year we decided to take a long weekend trip instead. We headed to DC July 28-31. We stayed outside of DC in Tyson's Corner (thanks to Justin's traveling points). It was wonderful, and had FREE parking!
We arrived Saturday afternoon, checked into the hotel, then headed to the Natural History Museum (the girls' favorite). This visit, we were able to wander through the butterfly tunnel. Hailey liked to look at them, but was terrified that they would land on her. Kaelin absolutely LOVED it. She even got to hold a paint brush the butterflies landed on for her. I didn't get many pics at all (especially of K), because Hailey wanted to go through pretty quickly, while K held back with our friend Kathy and her daughter.
Ready for our Sunday at Mt. Vernon (or George Washington's house - according to K). Both of the girls have active memories of visiting here in April of 2011, and were very excited to go back. They were also excited to use their new 'hiking' cups from Mrs. Shawnna and Mr. Paul :). Our friends Kathy, Peter and their adorable daughter Claire were able to join us for the afternoon. We haven't seen them in over a year, so it was wonderful to spend time with them!
Outside the distillery at Mt. Vernon.
Playing in the gift shop
Helping to sort the wheat kernels
Mt. Vernon has a wonderful education center! The kids especially love the young child area where there is a doll house replica of the home, style clothing to try on, dolls, books and many other hands on learning items.
Oh - and a cute picture of Logan :)
Monday was Hailey's actual birthday. The hotel staff was awesome and gave her a Happy Birthday breakfast by putting a candle in a muffin. It was very cute, but I didn't get a good pic!
One of the main reasons we went to DC was because there is an American Girl Doll store. We didn't tell the girls, but completely surprised them. We told them once we arrived, that they each got to choose 1 doll and an outfit. Additionally, thanks to their bday cash from Papa Keith and Grandma Cindy, they got to pick another outfit and an accessory. Instead of choosing the character dolls, they both chose "Look Like Me" dolls.
In the end they each picked a doll, 2 outfits (plus the dolls each came with another outfit) and a little puppy dog as their doll's pet.
After we chose all the dolls, dresses, dogs etc, we had about an hour to kill before our next surprise so we wander the AMAZING shopping mall. Lego store, Apple store, Vera Bradley store etc. etc. etc.
Surprise #2 - Tea Party at the American Doll Store!
Getting ready to head back to the hotel for their final small surprise.
About a month ago Justin picked out the dresses the girls are wearing for them. What they didn't know was that the dress also came with a matching doll dress. We were finally able to give them to the girls at the hotel. Now they can match their dolls. :) As soon as we got into our room everything doll related came out of all the adorable packaging for play time.
What we didn't know, was that Uncle Chris was working nearby! He stopped by that evening as a surprise for the girls (with an hour or 2 notice for us). They were shocked! We took the girls to California Pizza kitchen, where they made sundaes and sang to both girls.....and then we also had to get Dippin' Dots because we had promised earlier that day. There was a lot of sugar eaten that night.
Tuesday we headed home, but not before a visit to the National Air & Space Hanger. We had been to the museum before, but not the off site Hanger. The girls were bored pretty quickly, not fully understanding the history - but they did like the space stuff. Justin really enjoyed it, and I think could have stayed longer.
It was a wonderful trip, full of fun for our 'little' girls. It is amazing to me how quickly they are growing! I cherish the time we had together.
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