And here is that thing that they made for that guy. That was awesome.
And here is the whole gang fighting through their sadness of missing me and attempting to have fun touring the city on bikes.
Which leads to a great story about John trying to take a picture of something for his
photo-a-day blog with his phone, while riding his bicycle. This event came to a complete halt (pun intended) when he slammed on his front brake propelling him over his handle bars and onto the soft concrete.
Like I said I wasn't there yet, but if I were, there would be a picture to prove it. (Don't you know it Megan) I don't know how Jen missed the Kodak moment. Oh, she may have been worried about his safety.
Mark was there as well. Now I am guessing he is allowing his picture to be taken here because he is standing next to a military flag. He likes what he likes. If I put one tenth the effort and obsession into anything the way Mark does with his interests, there is no telling what I could have accomplished by this point in my life. Maybe living next door to Priscilla in that shoe box house of hers.
OK, this is where things get exciting, because I finally arrived.
Here is us on the steps of the Library of Congress which is adjacent to the Capital and Parthenon.
See this smile on John's face. That would shorty be wiped off his face by the tedious 90 minute tour we went on inside the Library.
It has been a while since I have been to a museum. And as it turns out I have the same maturity in museums as I did when I was seven. Bored out of my mind. Yes, I would love to see Thomas Jefferson's real live book collection, but I like to just walk by it, as a rather quick pace so I have a free moment to rest my legs and eye lids on that wooden bench in the corner. (I'm pretty sure I hit my third REM cycle)
So did Wyatt. But since he is 9, it is supposed to be cuter. One of the many unfair double standards in our society.
But the delicious cheeseburger I had afterward made up for the long morning. The joint was called "Good Stuff" and they lived up to their name. Especially with the fries and the plethora of mayo dipping sauces.
After I sucked some nutrients from my lunch, we hit the street.
The capital building, for another tour. This one was less painful a.k.a. shorter.
Then Jen asked what we should do next. I suggested a little nappy 'back at the hotel'. But apparently flying across the country to be there 48 hours doesn't really qualify you for any down time ... too many things to see.
So we rode the metro and walked some more to get to the Jefferson Memorial.
Tired of taking the boring pictures.
How cool is DC in the fall? The colors are awesome.
See how tired I was? Jen is quite the slave driver.
After this we made our way back to the hotel to get our layers and sit for a minute before the football game. I actually walked in the room and passed out for 30 minutes. It was a great energy booster. Then we headed to the outskirts of town to the FedEx Field for some football.
We were there early enough to see all the pregame fun. I liked it. And it helped that our seats were AMAZING. Even though we were in Redskin territory there were plenty of Eagles fans to keep us safe.
Like these Bozos.
Those 55 jerseys were quite the hit around town. We got all kinds of vocal support.
So much fun sitting with these guys. Jen would look for Steve Young through the binoculars. Kevin would look at the cheerleaders through the binoculars. And as a former cheerleader I use that word very, very loosely. I don't consider myself a prude, but the dance they did in the outfit they were wearing, let's just say we know where they are working the other nights of the week... (ps. Kevin- John didn't even know there were cheerleaders at the game)
Go Eagles!
Here is Mark sharing the love with all the teams that played. (Eagles jersey, Redskins hat)
This was my first NFL football game and it was way fun. I found it difficult to ignore what was going on down on the field. Which is weird because when John has it on the TV I am perfectly capable of ignoring it. But I did notice that emotions run way higher at footballs games. Through the game and on the walk to the metro we saw four different fights going on. Alcohol may have something to do with it as well.
The next day it was raining. We had a few hours before we headed to the airport so we were able to see some more monuments, just how I like it. Fast, snap a shot, then move on.
The white house with a big 'ole pink ribbon.
The President of the United States lives there.
Obama's backyard.
We also stopped by the Washington monument and rode to the top. Another quick, cool look at the city.
DC was a cool city. I like the old buildings and small streets. And all the trees. I even enjoyed the American sites... just in small doses.
The leaving Layla situation: This was a first. I'm not going to lie, as my plane took off in the air a few tears were shed. I was thinkin' "What am I doing? Leaving my baby?!" But on the flight I just tried not to think about her. It seemed to work. I called and checked in when I arrived. She was fine, though I knew she would be. It's just that we are kinda attached to each other, Layla and I. And I love it, most of the time. It just makes situations like this hard for me. And situations like nursery, hard for her. But we kept busy in DC, so that helped.
I surprisingly appreciated being alone with John. Enjoying a whole meal at a restaurant. Following what we wanted to doing instead of Miss Bossy Boots Layla schedule was also nice.
But I was so excited to see my baby when we got home. I feel accomlished that I did it. But am still nervous for next week, where I will be leaving her again- for 8 days! If I weren't going to paradise I wouldn't do it.
(which was a great recommendation Megan) but I can't just read straight for six hours. Well maybe I could if I were by a pool or the ocean. And someone kept topping off my pina colada.
Here we have the Zombie of Montclaire Moors. How cool is this. I haven't fully decided the direction I want to take my Halloween decor, you know cutesy or scary-weird. But this is just creepy and awesome.
