DC - Part 2

ORBJ posing with some of Dom's toys

Wednesday was another stunning day.  We went to Rock Creek Park (the nature center).  ORBJ loved looking at the turtles and fish on display, as well as the stuffed birds and the animal pelts.  She was less enamored with the following hike.  Despite seeing horses, she constantly said "It's taking FOR AGES" when we'd mention the next landmark (the creek, etc.).  It was a lovely forested and creekside walk.  I carried her for about half the hike, but I didn't mind.  I knew it would be the only we could complete the hike and avoid a meltdown (by ORBJ, that is).

She perked up a bit for dinner - yummy pizza at a local institution (whose name I have already forgotten).  And she's always up for dessert - leftover birthday cake and homemade ice cream.  So it was a pretty good day despite all the walking.

Thursday's weather was not looking quite as good, at least later in the day.  The weather started off ok, so we went to the U.S. Botanical Gardens.  It was a pleasant walk and ORBJ thoroughly enjoyed watering the plants in the children's garden.

ORBJ the gardener, in her "rainbow shoes"

I had never been there before, and I enjoyed the views of the Capitol:

View from U.S. Botanical Gardens

Next, we went to the National Museum of the American Indian, which was practically across the street.  It is a reasonably new addition to the collection of Smithsonian museums.  I had a great time, as I also had not been there before.  I felt a bit guilty about buying a generic DC picture book in the book store for FABJ's international day (I'll explain in the next post), but that's ok.  The "imagiNations" activity center was a big hit with ORBJ even though the exhibit where you can make your own igloo was closed.  I was quite disappointed, but we found other activities such as pretending to kayak.  JR even had a go at the skateboarding simulation, where she did a great job.  ORBJ and SR were lucky that the time on the parking meter was running out, or I would have tried to see more of the museum.

Plus, the museum is known for its excellent café.  That's ok, we had a top notch lunch BBQ joint (Docklands) in Arlington.  Unexpectedly, the pulled chicken sandwich was even better than the pork pieces sandwich.  The root beer hit the spot, and ORBJ charmed her way to a free cookie.  She was too tired to eat more than a couple of bites, so we saved it for the airport.

Our afternoon activity was to accompany SR and Dom to Dom's school for a retirement party for a few of the teachers at Dom's school.  The PTA (including SR) handed out ice cream sandwiches and popsicles for the kids.  ORBJ quite enjoyed a popsicle, and SR was able to snag an ice cream sandwich for me.

Sadly, it was then time to go to the airport for the trip home.  Still, ORBJ and I were looking forward to returning home and seeing LBJ and FABJ when they returned from France a few hours after our arrival.  By the way, they had a great time as well.

Getting ready to go through security at DCA

Thanks again to all the friends and family that made this such an enjoyable trip.  We look forward to seeing you again soon, perhaps when we can return the favor and host you in Dublin!