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On a trip like DC there is always going to be a hierarchy of experiences – ones you’d replay over and over again and others you wouldn’t need to do again. I have two on my list I know are traditionally really popular, they just weren’t on the top of our kids’ list and that is the Air and Space Museum and the White House tour.
In full disclosure the Air and Space has been undergoing multi-year renovations and the main exhibit was not open. We visited this museum after our capitol tour and the kids may have been tired but they just didn’t engage super well. They had moments of interest but we found ourselves standing around talking. The younger kids found the planes cool and the space section was interesting…but the whole experience wasn’t at the level I was expecting. I’m wondering if it will be any different when the main exhibits are open. And perhaps if this museum fell at a different time in our rotation it may have changed the experience.
The White House is iconic – and yet it was underwhelming. This was our first appointment when we got to DC and there was so much build up. When we applied for tickets weeks before our trip, we had to input all of our information for a background check. When we arrived, we had to go through multiple security checkpoints where we had to check-in and everyone had to give their birthday. For good reason, the security was heavy – but this made the process to get in lengthy. And because it was our first stop, the kids were anxious. We finally got in and we were just a small number in a constant stream of people walking through the White House. We walked through several prominent rooms – green room, red room, blue room, dining room…it felt a little like cats being herded in a processional line.
Before long, we were in the entry way – we took our family picture and then were ushered out the front door.
What’s crazy to think is someone actually lives there. We were the last tour of the day at 12:30 and then they were going to roll the carpets back and it would go back to being a house and not a tour. Both Hallie and I agreed it was “historically” decorated but it didn’t feel like a home. (Would it take an act of congress to update the red room because it could use some work!) It made me wonder if the personal living quarters – where we didn’t tour, such as bedrooms – have a more personal touch.
After our tour was done and we were standing on the front steps, one of the kids said it best, “That was it?!”
Yep.
Probably not the best idea to start with this one because it was underwhelming…but whenever they see a picture of the White House, they’ll remember being inside. And let’s be real – half of visiting DC as a kid is being able to recognize something and say, “I’ve been there!”
While we were in DC we hit up a lot of museums and at the end of the trip we had the kids break down what they loved and what they didn’t love. I already shared about the Holocaust and Capitol which ranked at the top of their lists but here are few more museums/tours the kids enjoyed.
Full disclosure – I’m not a huge museum so this trip really stretched me! 🙂
Museum of Natural History This stop was early in our trip and was not one of my favorites but surprisingly the kids said they enjoyed it! They kept referring to the movie “Night at the Museum” but that is actually set in the New York museum, not DC – slight disappointment.
We let the older kids explore on their own while we followed the younger kids around and we met back up when the museum was closing. Not only are these museums free – they are interactive which is nice when you have kids that want to touch everything.
Bureau of Engraving and Printing This was a last minute add and I enjoyed it more than the Natural History Museum! (Years ago we went to the Mint when visiting Denver and our kids still talk about it – I think it was Bennett that really wanted visit.) Unlike the other museums, this was not interactive. You watch an 80’s video in the beginning and then you walk through a short tour and watch the actual production line – our kids remained interested the whole tour. How can you not find it interesting to watch sheets of $50 bill being printed!
Museum of American History This museum was not on our radar and we could have just as easily not gone. But the friends we were going with really wanted to see the Star Spangled Banner flag. It used to hang in the entrance of the museum but has since been relocated in order to preserve it. I love the flag and I love the Star Spangled Banner and this exhibit exceeded my expectations.
We thought we would go in and see the flag and then leave to move on to other sights of DC. But curiosity got the better of us and we decided to stick around and explore. The kids were especially engaged with the pop culture and entertainment sections. Steve and I enjoyed the section that showcased common items from our generation and we quizzed the kids to see if they knew what the items were. The knew a few of the items and then made fun of us for the rest of the items!
Ford Theater The day we were flying home, we had a really short window in the morning so we debated whether we head back to the national mall and enjoy the grass at the Washington Monument one last time or hit something new. In a last minute decision, we landed at Ford Theater, where Lincoln was assassinated. My expectations were really low – we were just filling some time.
There is a museum in the bottom of the theater and like most museums it was a lot of reading with some interesting artifacts. There was a lot of explanation and details of the environment which led to the assassination which was kind of lost on the younger kids. Understandable. I would have liked a little more time in the museum, but we were on a tight schedule and there was a presentation they suggested we attend. Not knowing what to expect, we herded all the kids upstairs to the theater portion of the building. We watched a monologue by a park ranger portraying himself as a doctor who attended to Lincoln after he was shot. The ranger did an excellent job and we were all pleasantly surprised by the presentation and we learned a lot. It felt a little surreal to be sitting in the theater where such a significant moment in history took place.
So many of the places we visited in DC served as a memorials – but this where an actual event took place and it felt different because of it.
Today I’m joining up with Melissa at 320 Sycamore to share a few of my favorites things. Now this may seem like an ecclectic bunch of items…and it is. But my favorite things span all my hobbies and interests including my family’s hobbies and interests. These are items that we’ve used and have used and loved for a while. Tried and true. The best kind of recommendation. (This post contains affiliate links, disclosure here)
A couple years back I took an online modern calligraphy class. In that class I was introduced to so many different styles of brush pens. I cannot be more clear – all brush pens are not created equally and if you don’t have a quality pen, it will be hard to be consistent. My very favorite brush pen is made by Tombow and they come in all sorts of fun colors. Because they are a brush pen, over time they brush will start to fray just a bit and then its time to replace them. It helps to only use the pens on really smooth paper (my favorite marker paper is made by Canson).
I have a love hate relationship with toys. With 5 kids we’ve had so many toys come and go. Some toys I think are going to be a hit and they end up sitting on the shelf collecting dust, while other toys are used over and over again with every kid. Magformers are the favorite toy in our house. We were originally given a set as a gift and we’ve added to the set over the years. Unfortunately, they are pricey. In fact the price might deter you from purchasing – but I’m telling you – the kids love them. And the more you have, the more they can build with them. They can stick to your fridge and make patterns. At times I’ve had them in my church bag and they would stick them to the metal chairs in front of us. Bottom line: We’ve had them for 5 years and they’re still played with just as much today as they were 5 years ago.
If you’re up for some cheap holiday fun – pick up some of these Holiday Specs. They are paper glasses that transform Christmas lights into fun holiday shapes. It is such a simple idea, but it’s really quite magical and entertaining. They have all sorts of shapes, and it’s fun to experience all of them. Whether you’re driving the neighborhood or enjoying the tree in your living room – this will add some fun. The best way is to buy a variety pack so you can see several shapes. Buy some for you, drop some off at a neighbors house, buy a few more for you so your kids stop fighting over them!
If you know my husband Steve, you know he’s as traditional as they come. Black suit, with black socks, with black shoes. About a year ago he decided to go “wild” and start wearing colored/patterned socks with his suits. This was a big leap for him! But he hasn’t turned back. My favorite men’s sock is Stance. They have some crazy wild patterns but they also have some moderately wild socks and that’s where we’ve landed. 🙂 They have different fits for their socks but they all seem to be a little heavier and more cushion than typical dress socks.
I get asked this question all the time – my favorite place to print books (blog, photo, special event, etc) is blurb. I’ve printed with a lot of companies and Blurb.com is the best quality for the money. They often have promotions so I typically finish a book and then sit on it until they have a good promotion – which has been about monthly. As it gets closer to Christmas they’ll have some 40% off and even a 50% off.
I typically don’t like any books that have moving pieces/pop ups that my child will ultimately rip and ruin. Robert Sabuda books are the exception – and for our family they’re special occasion books which are supervised. I was introduced to Robert’s work while studying graphic design in college and his use of white and negative space in his pop-ups is mind blowing. I marvel as to how he designed these books. We have a couple of his books but every Christmas eve you’ll find us reading Twas the Night Before Christmas (Steve’s family tradition) with our Robert Sabuda pop-up. Really, any of his work is amazing. You won’t be disappointed.
This is a staple for the church bag and roadtrips. Each kid as their own board and everyone is happy that way. We have multiple versions but my favorite is the scribble and play version – we have three of them. It comes with some extra writing tools and when you write on it it’s rainbow. I suppose I should admit that I often steal my kid’s board at church and practice my handwriting with quotes from the lessons and talks!
I bought these for Steve as a gift a couple years back and he fell in love. So much so when I wanted to borrow them earlier this year for a three day school field trip with Hallie – he kindly declined my request and he got me some for mother’s day. I loved them on the school field trip, I loved them even more on our long summer road trip. I use them all the time. Steve has the wireless, I have the wired because they were cheaper. You can imagine my disappointment when I got a new phone with the lightning port and no headphones jack! I tried the little lightning port adaptor and it didn’t work consistently and I lost control of adjusting volume and pausing from the headphones itself. Luckily, Bose is willing to exchange them (for a cost), which is better than having a pair of fairly new, expensive headphones that are no longer compatible.
Woodworking is in my blood and although I have many tools that are near and dear to my heart and could write a whole favorites post on that alone – this little tool packs a might punch. It’s used on every project. Literally. You may think you have no need for this, but you do! It’s an accurate way to measure small areas and it locks into place to make sure measurements stay even. And it has a little built-in level which comes in handy.
This is a book I read a while ago – then read it again and it’s one I think about often. The pursuit of finding what’s most important in daily life and making that the priority. Of course, I have to keep reading and referencing it because life gets jumbled and busy in no time, but this book will make you think. It’s makes you evaluate what’s working and what’s not working. Love it.
We love playing spikeball – and we think we’re way better than we are. When my family gathers we log so many hours playing this game. We’ve ruined countless patches of grass in the process and we’ve learned it’s best played at the park!
That’s my favorites list! There’s a whole line up of blogs sharing their favorite things with 320 Sycamore. Go check it out and see what else needs to be added to your Christmas list! 😉
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Every now and again I like to take a snapshot of what is current with our family. Here’s our list:
LOVING: Evening walks. Most nights we make our way outside. The three older kids ride their bikes and Steve and I walk the stroller with the two youngers. It gets us out of the house before bedtime which is a relief. We often run into neighbors which means our kids end up playing. And the weather is beautiful and we know it’s not going to last much longer. Sometimes it’s’ shoes optional. Other times it’s pants optional!
DREAMING: Remodeling our kitchen. It’s been on my wish list for a while – perhaps since we moved into the house. I understand its not going to be cheap so I’ve been saving for years. And then something comes along that requires using those funds. So it gets spent and then I keep saving. Its a one-step-forward-two-steps-back kind of process. But I’ll get there someday and in the meantime I dream of how awesome and amazing I’m going to make it. The problem is the longer I dream, the larger the project becomes!
WEARING: Flip flops. I’m tired of stinky socks and sand coming home from school. Unless it’s PE day – they’re in flip flops. Me too. And I’ve become the mom that buys 4 pairs of black flip flops from Old navy so as a kid loses a shoe or two, we can still find a match!
WATCHING: TV is sparse here but we make the exception for Survivor. While I’m working on the computer I like to have something playing in the background, I just started the Gilmore Girls series again. I’m embarrassed to admit to how many times I’ve seen it, but it gives me warm fuzzies. The kids love watching episodes of Studio C. Also Moana and Trolls have been on repeat for two months.
LISTENING TO: Because the kids are obsessed with Moana and Trolls – it’s also the only thing we listen to. When Briggs hears the Trolls soundtrack, his body starts moving and it just won’t stop.
PRACTICING: Handwriting. I’ve taken an online calligraphy class and I loved it, but it takes practice. Tons of practice. I find myself without paper or pens practicing with my finger every where I go. Like mother, like daughter – Hallie has also been practicing calligraphy and I have no doubt she’ll pass me up in no time.
DOING:Purging the house. It’s a daily activity for me. Usually it’s something small like a closet shelf or drawer, but I try to make a daily effort. We’ve also been working on the yard and outdoor projects before we hibernate for summer.
NEEDING: More sleep. Everyone in the house needs more sleep. I go to bed too late. Steve gets up too early. And although we stick to strict bedtime schedules the kids seem to be getting up earlier and earlier as the sun rises. And Briggs is often only taking one nap a day. Let there be sleep.
PLANNING: Our summer vacation. It is going to be long with a lot of time in the car and we’ve been planning it for a while. Trying to coordinate with siblings and family reunions and mission farewells and mission homecomings and friends…it took some serious planning. But we’ve got a plan and it’s been several weeks since anything has changed so I think it’s set.
EATING: Red Roasted Pepper Hummus dip from Costco with Pita chips. We all love it. And we finally found a greek yogurt we really like – Oikos triple berry.
EXCITED ABOUT: After all of our planning – we’re pretty excited for our summer vacation. I always look forward to my Idaho time every year and this year is no exception.
SHOPPING FOR: Kid’s tennis shoes. Their shoes made it through the school year, barely, and now they’re in need. I hate buying new shoes going into summer, but they’re definitely going to need them before school starts. I’ve been scouring Last Chance hoping to score a deal. No luck. I’ll keep trying!
