The Brown Family: We're Home!

We got back from Washington DC last Saturday. We had a WONDERFUL time, although I wouldn't say it was a relaxing time. Kids had a blast and were great! They were troopers and put up with A LOT of walking WITHOUT complaining. The last day we were there, we tried to make it to a park with supposedly magnificent playgrounds. We knew it would be a long walk but were told it was doable. I think we needed bikes for that adventure!! We didn't make it to the park despite the 3 hours (at least) of walking. The kids still didn't complain but Isaac went into his dramatic humor mode and was telling us in a very labored voice, "must sit down, must take break, must pass out...." But, he kept truckin' along. At my pace, even. I don't tend to slow down, even with the kids. Matt was probably glad he was in class b/c my walking pace is a little much for him. He thinks I might as well be jogging!!

We rode the metro-lots, took a bus tour, visited most of the monuments and 3 museums, went to the zoo and to Arlington. I may be leaving out a few things. We also went to Baltimore to a children's museum on one of our rainy days. Reed would be upset if I left out the highlight of our trip (at least "his" highlight of our trip). We ate at Ben's Chili Bowl. This is a must for Reed when he goes to DC to visit his friend. It was very yummy. I definitely recommend it! A bit of a cultural experience for Rylie who tends to be my worrier. Rylie liked the zoo the best b/c of the pandas. Isaac says he liked the war parts of the museums and the Changing of the Guard at Arlington. They both liked to hear about Lady Freedom on the top of the Capital Building. We definitely ran into a few situations when I was glad to have mom with me!!! Let's just say I spent a lot of time in prayer on a few occasions! We certainly knew we were sitting in the hands of God and that he was guiding and orchestrating all the little details of our trip! Even down to placing a metro security guard in our car on our first excursion. That was the ONLY time we were in a car with one and the ONLY time I felt like I really needed one! The comfort and relief in knowing that God was (and is) with us was very calming!

Since we have been back, the kids have enjoyed the pool!!! It has been extremely hot! Isaac got overheated at his T-Ball game last night and had to sit out for a while. I can't wait until next week when we have fewer games and maybe cooler temps. 4 games in 5 days is a lot!

We took lots of pictures in DC but here are a few highlights.

The White House