Zoo

We hit up the zoo on this beautiful day (along with every other D.C. resident and Capitol tourist), and once we secured our coveted parking spot, we excitedly roamed from exhibit to exhibit, spotting everything from alpacas and sting rays to pandas and a bald eagle.  

What a great start to our weekend!

Sea Lions

Eleanor loved seeing the pandas most!

National Tree Lighting

This year we made it to the National Christmas Tree Lighting... on time!  So, we were admitted along with the masses to a big field, and we stood waiting for the event to begin.  Eleanor actually ran around in the cold making friends with other restless toddlers looking for someone to chase.  

Soon enough the music began, the tree lights came on, and host Tom Hanks was introduced (at least that's what it looked like from the big screen miles away).  After an hour or so, we were one of the fortunate few to be offered a remaining seat.

It was a beautiful thing.  Eleanor sat sucking on her lollipop (as still as a 2-year old can around bed time).  We sang along with carols by famous artists, laughed at the President's playful banter, and even got to hear The First Lady read The Night Before Christmas.

Catching the P Family right before we left was an added treat to our exciting and busy night.    

We got to meet up with the P family at the end of the night.

Memorial Monday

For Memorial Day, we gave the Arboretum in D.C. another go.  This time we were able to explore off-road since I wasn't in a dress in heals.  Lesson learned. 

Eleanor hiked most of the way on her own until she got too hot and tired and had to be held.  This trip she spotted bumble bees and butterflies, squirrels and birds, a giant pine cone, and lots of beautiful flowers.  She had fun watching her shadow change as she moved and collecting rock treasures that I was entrusted to hold.

This quiet sanctuary is now my favorite place in the Capital.  Next time we visit I want to run through it!  Maybe we can make it happen one early morning during summer vacation.

When we weren't at the Arboretum, Kyle and I were cooking up a storm for a little family backyard barbecue picnic.  The hamburgers and hotdogs, potato salad, strawberry pretzel jello, and Caesar salad were the perfect end to the holiday.