Metro Maniacs

This morning we took a spontaneous trip to Washington D.C. for the Cherry Blossom Festival.  I must say I am pleased to have tackled the trip by myself, metro and all, with my two muchkins during one of the busiest times of the year.  I am equally as glad I took everyone's advice and DID NOT drive to the Tidal Basin.  The hoards of pedestrians in the crosswalks alone would have been enough to drive me crazy. Needless to say, as I type this, I am EXHAUSTED....and so are you by the looks of the heavy eyes on the couch across the room.

Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC. The gift and annual celebration honor the lasting friendship between the United States and Japan and the continued close relationship between the two countries. Over the years, gifts have been exchanged between the two countries. In 1915, the United States Government reciprocated with a gift of flowering dogwood trees to the people of Japan. In 1981, the cycle of giving came full circle

Here are the Cherry Blossoms...minus a few blossoms.  They had estimated the peak of the blossoms to be this weekend, but unfortunately, some not so normal cold days over the past week have pushed that date out.  Being that it was our only free weekend, we had to take what we could get!



Caleb and Sydney April 7, 2013

 

Washington Monument view from the Tidal Basin

So you guys may think that just because you are little, that you can't be a part of history just yet.  But I beg to differ. The following photo proves otherwise.

Caleb and Syd hitting the National Mall

For your history lesson today, you are standing in front of the Washington Monument.  By the time you look back on this blog, you will more than likely have seen it a hundred times, either through trips with me or in school.   If you notice in this picture, it is being repaired.  On August 23rd, 2011, an earthquake in nearby Virginia shook Washington D.C. and we felt it as far up as our hometown in Shippensburg.  This earthquake damaged the monument structurally, and it has been closed to the public ever since.  Hopefully someday you will get a chance to climb to the top!




Jefferson  Memorial



John Paul Jones Memorial





My Favorite Badger



Today, you also participated in a tiny piece of history that will be seen across the world.  Both of my budding artists left their mark on the Children's Mural that will be sent back to Japan in honor of the celebration.

Syd's Yellow Flower



My Mini Picasso's

 One our way back home, I asked you what your favorite part of the day was.  I should have anticipated the response...the METRO.  It's funny since I quite enjoy the metro myself.  As always Caleb analyzed every aspect of the inner workings of the rail system. 




Big guy insisted on standing



Pretty in Metro Pink



So this was a very short trip to your Nation's Capitol, but just the first of many.  This area is full of noteable pride.  Unfortunately, our government is a mess at the moment and it is affecting many Americans.  My only hope is that someday you will look at it with just as much pride as I used to and that it will still stand for what it was founded on.  But it all comes down to the fact that this was just a great day to have with you!  I will leave you with one last photo of the day.


Too Much Fun For One Day!



Changes

It's been quite some time since I have posted to this blog.  2012 was a year of substantial change for our family, so as I write this post, our family looks just a little bit different.  My husband and I chose to divorce this past year so the past 6 months have been a period of transition for our littlest ones.

Explaining divorce to a 4-year old and 6 year old was extremely difficult, and some days it still hasn't completely sunken in for them.  Despite their difficulties in understanding the concept fully, they have made the adjustment very well. Regardless of the obvious, this was a big year for the kids all around.  As they have gotten older, they have become even closer playmates.  As much as they enjoy fighting, they love each other like crazy!  I am so amazed at how much they have grown and how they are morphing in to their own little souls.

This year they made their first full week trip to the beach.  We all joined Aunt Megan, Uncle TJ, Gavin, Nanny and Grandpop in Outer Banks.  The kids had a blast.  There is nothing that makes me happier than seeing them interact with their grandparents. 

This year was also a year of accomplishments and events.  Caleb started karate this year and worked his way up quickly through three belts.  With the physical training, he has also found a crazy knack for break dancing and balancing on his head.  It's amazing to see his efforts pay off in such controlled physical strength.

Caleb also began kindergarten this year and has amazed me with him ability to now read "Green Eggs and Ham" to me in its entirety.  It was so difficult to watch him get on that huge school bus that first morning, but he absolutely loves going to school and is such the big guy on campus, especially with the ladies.  He has started to become more and more like me every day in regards to personality and his intensity.

Sydney continues to participate in gymnastics.  She is quite the little tumbler.  She is also the social butterfly of daycare and amuses me with hours worth of stories each week about the goings on of the day.  She continues to be so full of life and love, and can finally reach the light switches in the house.

Sydney has become my mini fashionista.  Her daily choice of attire leaves me struggling between forcing her to change clothes, and chuckling and encouraging her free spirit. 

Both of my babies have developed an extremely impressive ability to express themselves artistically.  One of my favorite things is to watch their imaginations unfold on paper in any medium they can get their hands on.  They are beautiful both inside and out and have truly been a sign of my blessings during a difficult year. 2013 has many new memories in store for our family.  Ball games, vacations, plays, plane tickets, and just the daily things that bring laughter.