D.C. Day 2

Today we went our separate ways. Angela and Jerome had things to do for the ward party. So we went back to D. C. to finish off our bucket list.

We started with the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. We walked through the lunar module. Seen the space suit of Buzz Aldrin. Seen the exhibit of the Wright Brothers. Our kids might have understood everything they seen but this opens up a world of homeschool lessons to later on.

Our kids were thankful they did not have to fly on this type of plane.

We also seen the Amelia Earheart plane. Because Mike is related to her as well. He has greatness in his veins.

We left and moved onto the one place we just had to go. The National Archives Museum. This is the place where the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights are held. This museum is open only for certain hours so we couldn't miss it. Due to no photography being allowed inside this special memory has to be preserved in our hearts, mind and this blog. 

Doing our research we found out that Mike is related to several of the signers of these documents. So while we waited in the lobby and waited for our turn our excitement and appreciation grew increasingly. When it was our turn to actually see those signatures from our ancestors.... it was amazing. Almost as if they were looking down and seeing their posterity right next to their signatures.

 After this we ventured into another Smithsonian. The National Museum of Natural History. Walking around we seen so many cool things. Fossils of prehistoric dinosaurs and sea creatures. Mummies. Skeletons. And then we found this place. The Butterfly exhibit.

After paying for our tickets we waited anxiously to go inside this little room. The butterflies were flying everywhere. We were instructed to look down before we took a step since the butterflies like to sit on the floor.

The worker let our girls hold butterflies on paint brushes. These made their day.

 Hailey was excited to hold the paint brush as well. Then butterflies started to land on her. On her shirt, shoes, hair, legs, etc. We're not sure why but they were attracted to her. It was like a scene from Enchanted with all those flies around Giselle. 

Mike even got a butterfly kiss.

After this we headed left D.C. to meet Jerome and Angela at their ward party. We met some of their friends, their ward missionaries, and one old lady who told Mike the next day while at church that first she didn't recognize him even though he spoke with her for a good 10 minutes. Then tells him that having tattoos must be hard for him. Ummm.... No it's not hard. Whatever!

The kids played games, enjoyed the slip-n-slide Jerome made, ate yummy foods, and Lily set her personal best record of 3 minutes hula hooping.

Afterwards we headed back "home" to relax and enjoy some family time. Hailey absolutely loves Jake. She was constantly holding him.

Teagan and Mason were BFF's most the time.

It was so fun to see our nieces and nephews become more comfortable with us. From the first met and standing in the doorway, just staring at us to climbing all over us. It was so fun to be able to play with them.

Landon was climbing on Mike just giving some cuddles. It was so cute to see Mike bonding with his nephew. I love it!

 But late nights lead to a bunch of tired kids. So all the kids went to bed early which left us grown-ups a chance to chat until the early morning.