Father's Day Escapades

Since Sunday was the only day that Jose really had to tour D.C., an area he has never before visited, we had to pack some sight-seeing into this Father's Day.  So after going to Sacrament Meeting, we all changed into our adventure clothes (girls in their swimsuits), and set-off to the National Mall.  We parked near the Vietnam Memorial and planned to make a loop of about four memorials, as we knew we had a limited amount of time before the girls would be ready to move on.

So we headed to the Vietnam Memorial, but not before Jose realized he forgot his camera at our house.  Nate and I had our phone cameras, but I think Jose wanted the assurance and experience of capturing this experience himself, so he went to find a camera.  No less than five minutes later, he returned, disposable camera in hand.  Nate and I were both a bit astonished. Nate even saying half laughing, "I didn't even know they still made those things anymore!"  What a techie world we live in when my "Mr. Adverse to Change/Technology" Nathan says something like this!  But now we know for future visitors! :)

After a short walk, we reached the Vietnam Memorial, where it was interesting to hear mom and Jose remember those boys/men they went to high school with that were lost during this war.  Very sobering.  I never stopped to think that it was my parents' generation that sacrificed the most lives for the Vietnam war.  I got a bit choked up at this, but was able to walk it off while we headed to the Lincoln Memorial.

Lauren loved holding Nana's hand...

Jose really seemed to love the Lincoln Memorial.  And I'll admit I love getting to see the expressions of those people that have never been to the National Mall before. A kind of awe-struck.  It's a bucket list item for sure, one I'm checking of monthly it seems.  There's just so much history to see, be it the monuments, museums, buildings, etc.  I'm appreciative that we have the chance to see it all...

Olivia is being held captive by Nate, after she tried to escape into the memorial's juniper bushes and granite paths.

A picture of the highly polished black granite wall with photographic images of military men and women who fought in the Korean War sandblasted into it's surface.

Mom and Jose with the soldier "V" formation in the background.

Lauren kept wanting to hold this soldier's hand, asking "Who is he mom?" Sadly, I have no answer.

Next we went to the World War II Memorial, but our visit there unraveled so fast I didn't have any time to get pictures.  Lauren was hot and didn't understand why she couldn't go play in the Memorial's fountains.  And without the ability to reason with her yet, we had to strap her kicking and screaming into the stroller and walk quickly back to the car.  Unfortunately this meant that Jose missed the Washington Monument all together; but we've promised him he can come stay with us anytime he wants to come back and see more sights.  Though after Lauren's melt-down, he may be convinced he's seen enough! ;0P

Since the Yards Park is minutes away from the National Mall, we took there girls there to cool off ASAP.  Here they had Nate in the water, holding buckets, and splashing around with them.  We also had a picnic there on the grass, and Papa Jose even managed to catch a cat-nap.

  

 
Then to top off this Father's Day, Papa Jose and Nana Barbie took everyone out for dinner in Old Town Alexandria.  After a bite to eat at Hard Times Cafe and a couple ice cream cones from The Creamery, we were having a blast at Waterfront Park.  Lauren was jumping off cannons and Olivia was making new doggie friends!

Daddy and his girls - Father's Day 2013

Papa Jose and the cannon crew sisters!

What a beautiful picture of Nana and Lauren

We discovered Olivia has a nervous twitch, pulling up her dress and showing off her belly.  Really.

Old Town Alexandria was hopping on Sunday Evening/Father's Day

Alexandria City Hall fountains, where we go to year-round Saturday morning Farmer's Market.

Then to end the marathon of Father's Day activities, Lauren took a victory lap around the fountains...much to daddy's dismay. She was picked up and carried off after these antics!  Ahhhhh, what a wonderful day!