March 4th we made a day trip into DC as a family. After a few hiccups in the planned subway trip, we made it to Arlington National Cemetery.
It was so cold and windy, but the experience was definitely worth it. We walked around and tried to take it all in. We were able to watch the Changing of the Guard.
Next we made a quick visit to the National Archives. We didn't have a lot of time left in our day so we viewed the Magna Carta, then made our way up to the Rotunda. There we viewed the The Declaration of Independence, The United States Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.
On the 8th Obi had Winter Sports Awards, and Gavin and Athan had lacrosse evaluations.
Gavin has officially killed his first pair of glasses. This was fully expected, and this is why I bought him two pair.
The kids had this last week of school off for spring break. Although it was anything but spring like.
On the 13th the kids and I made a trip into DC to meet up with some friends of ours, the Nop family from Huxley.
Before meeting them to see the American Indian Museum, and part of the American History Museum, we took a walk down to the tidal basin. The cherry blossoms were just as sad about the cold weather as we were.
The 15th the kids and I headed towards New York City, with a planned stop in Philadelphia. Phil had to make a trip to the Colorado project site, so he flew into Newark airport where we picked him up on the way to the hotel.
Our first stop was at the US Mint. We did the self guided tour and saw coins being made.
The next stop was Independence Hall in Independence National Park. On the 4th we view the founding papers of our country, and now we are viewing the room where Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution were signed.
Our last stop was to see The Liberty Bell.
It was very cold outside, so we didn't tour any more of the park. We will have to make another visit as a family.
Thursday we used the hotel shuttle to get to and from the Secaucus Junction Station of the New Jersey Transit Rail. We visited the American Museum of Natural History.
This place is huge, and kind of overwhelming. I'm wishing I would have planned a route through parts of the museum. Anyway, we took in as much as we could enjoy in one day.
Friday it was just the kids and I, for Phil had to drive to a meeting in Dover, DE. The previous days' transportation didn't go as smooth as we liked (mostly because the shuttle back to the hotel was very late), so we decided to try the bus. There was a station across the road from the hotel, and would take us into NYC to the Port Authority Station. I swear this station is bigger than Huxley, so it took a bit to find our way around. Thankfully there are information desks.
Our first stop, per Athan's request, was M&M World.
I couldn't resist allowing the kids to make some personalized M&Ms.
We explored a few more stores, then headed towards Cora's request. On the way we enjoyed some ramen for lunch.
Our desert was a giant scoop of cookie dough at dō.
We each got a single scoop, which was by far more than enough. Cora was just giddy over the experience. The sun was out and our tummies were full to the top, so we walked to the nearest subway station, and headed to Central Park to walk it off. Although we were so full, Cora and I thought about staying on the subway for a while longer than we needed.
The sun was out, so we enjoyed a walk through the park. We saw the The Falconer, Hans Christian Andersen, Alice in Wonderland, and viewed Bethesda Fountain along the way.
We could hear the St. Patrick's Day Parade passing by on 5th Avenue as we walked through the park, for it went from 11-5! So we walked up to the street to take in the experience.
It was a very nice day. It was a bit warmer than the day before, and the park was beautiful with the snow. After our city adventures we took the subway back to the bus station, and the bus back to the hotel. All went smooth and well. Phil returned from his meeting, and used Uber for the first time to get from the rental car place back to the hotel. We're gradually figuring new things out.
Saturday, as a whole family, we took the bus again into New York to visit The Met. This visit was mostly for me. I even played the "mom's activity" card with the boys, and told them at one point to find a bench and be quiet. This place is also huge, and cannot be done without a map. We started with some random roaming, but then acquired a map and heading to what I wanted to see, Van Gogh and Monet. I was giddy over the experience.
By mid day everyone was tired and ready to head for home. We walked to have some more ramen for lunch. Then the subway, the bus, and then the van.
Today we rested. Tomorrow school is back in session.
So thankful for the many experiences we are having!
Thanks for reading -Jessica
