Smithsonian National Air And Space Museum!

Six years ago we explored and saw all the vintage airplanes at the air and space museum near D.C. with Noah and it was a different experience for him this time around than when he was six. Noah took his time reading all the history on the displays with his dad. It was as if Jon was giving him a history lesson all about aircraft. It was so nice to watch these two bonding about airplanes. Talking about the transformers scene as well as the Roblox plane Noah has seen in a game online. He got so excited when he stumbled upon it inside the center. We only had about an hour inside the hangar and even though this was our second time going there is going to be a third. We didn't get to go to the tower or imax theatre. Another excuse to go back. 

We can never get enough of this place and it is such a gem for the boys that I made this little reel for them to remember. So happy that Noah has a much better appreciation for this place and I am so glad that Jon took a day off to spend with us and to really engage with Noah all about planes! Oh...and to eat at Willards too! Now for some still pictures of vintage airplanes...

A Little Bit Of Spring Break In D.C!

So here we are in the last week of April and I'm blogging about our last week in March! So behind in the game but looking through all my photos on my phone and seeing all the beauty of spring in pictures gets me motivated to share with you the colorful and wonders of spring. 

Spring break fell on the last week of March and luckily Jon took Good Friday off to spend some time with us! Our tradition on Good Friday has always been going to the temple in D.C, seeing the blossoms, and then eating at Willard's bbq. Well, we stuck with tradition this year except we were only able to view the temple from the outside since it's still closed. We did get to see some blossoms near the Washington monument and walked around until our noses turned red! It was about 40 degrees and super windy but we managed to take in the loveliness of spring.  Lunch at Willard's definitely happened and as usual it was sooooooo good! Hopefully this time next year the temple will be open so we can all go in and serve. Even Noah! It was a beautiful day and so happy that we were able to take the time to drive and enjoy ourselves. Here's a little photo dump for your viewing pleasure! 

NYC & D.C. (our beloved cities)

New York city. 

I'm sure many of us develop a love/hate relationship when one visits for the first time, but for the most part it truly is a magical city in which loathing it would be impossible (at least for me). If you hate it...you'll end up loving it even more after you leave. Trust me.

Visiting the city for the first time thirteen years ago was a dream come true for me. I thanked my brother in law for living in Connecticut so that we could have an excuse to visit so that we can come to the city! Although I was a bit overwhelmed by the tall buildings, mumbling voices, construction noises echoing off the street, and endless honking I fell in love with it. We loved it so much that we took the express train to Grand Central from Connecticut to the city three days in a row. 

New York City is so magical that in spite of the hustle and bustle, and endless noises you end up loving it after one leaves. The adrenaline builds up, and helps guide you as you step foot into the city. It truly is a different experience going for the first time, but if you have a love for crowds, broadway, lights, culture, variety, good food, and diversity then you'll have no problem taking in all of the action and energy this city has to offer. Some of us could possibly live here too, and some may never want to come back. That was their "once in a lifetime" "been there seen it" "never going to go back" "marked that off my bucket list" kind of attitude. I personally love it, and luckily for Ceyda...she thought it was pretty cool too!  

The crowds, and lights at Time Square were a bit overwhelming to her, but nonetheless we walked and walked all over the city with two kids in tow, and one riding in the stroller. Yeah...a stroller in Times Square where the streets are super crowded. Smart huh? Well...Noah was asleep, and holding him all night long was not an option so I had to use that stroller (luckily it was a small one). 

We had gone to a carnival over at Governors Island earlier, and being there all afternoon wore the kids out. Noah fell asleep, and because we only had one stroller, Jon gracefully took Celeste and put her on his shoulders, and I could tell she was mesmerized by all the lights. Made him miss the girls when they were little. 

Times Square never surprises me. You see all kinds of characters...weird, and not so weird. We always look forward to see what new "characters" we'll see. We searched for the cool ones and ran into these Disney characters, and one of my favorites...Madea (not a Disney character).

We grabbed some grub over at Bubba Gump, and watched Forrest Gump on the tube while eating. The food here was delicious. 

I was a bit disappointed though being that they didn't have Dr. Pepper as a beverage, but that was cool. You'd think they would being that Forrest Gump drank like 15 of them in the movie. 

We maxed our time out as always in the city, and headed back to Jersey to await Ceyda's next adventure on the east coast! For the most part...she loved New York City!

*****

Capitol Hill is one of the most classiest, and savviest places in the world to visit and live. I love D.C. and I couldn't let Ceyda go home without taking her to see some of the attractions here. Her main love was visiting the White House. 

and taking her to eat at one of the best authentic BBQ restaurants near the city.

This is the place to eat some tasty BBQ. Haven't had good brisket this good since Texas! Even Noah ate some, and this boy can be one picky eater. 

The past few days with Ceyda have truly been wonderful, and I'm so grateful that she came to see us. I know that I'll be catching up on a lot of zzzzzz's when she leaves, but seriously...I will miss her!