Washington DC 2013

About a month or so ago, we took a long weekend trip up to DC.  We were able to meet up with a couple friends and some family while we were there.  After making it through a pretty huge traffic sprawl outside of DC, we finally made it into the city.  Luckily Alia was a fantastic little traveler.  On our way up, we told her it was time to take a nap.  She said, "Okay."  We handed her her doll and a blanket and she put herself to sleep pretty quickly.  I wish it was always this easy at home!

We made it in Saturday night and immediately went into the city to meet up with my friend, Daren.  We picked up some Panera Bread for dinner -YUM!- and went to the National Zoo.  Since it was getting a bit later, the indoor exhibits were closed.  But we did get to walk around the grounds and see quite a few different animals.  Plus we didn't have to fight any crowds, so it was perfect.  Daren and I got a chance to catch up and reminisce, and we all got to see some fun animals. :)

Alia insisted on grabbing the camera and taking this picture.  Not too bad! 

On Sunday, we drove out to the suburbs of Baltimore, and met up with Jared's sister, Emily and her family and in-laws.  Then we spent most the day at her hubby's sister's place.  It was fun.  We had good food and conversation, and Alia got to play with her cousins and others little kids.  We even had a chocolate chip cookie bake-off.  Unfortunately, I didn't win.  But I blame it on Jared who didn't vote for my cookies, even tho he thought he was. :)

Then, we spent all of Monday in Washington, visiting museums and seeing the sites.  Since Jared and I have been before, we tried to keep things a bit more Alia-friendly.  She was such a trouper, and had a really great time.  I think I was the lame one, the preggy lady that had to keep sitting down to rest.  They should make strollers my size!

We saw some of the National Monuments, mostly from a distance.  We had lunch at The Mall, and spent most of the day at the Museum of Natural History, The Air and Space Museum, and The National Gardens and Museum.

We had never been to the botanical gardens and the National Gardens before.  This was really neat, and very kid-friendly.  Alia loved the area where she got to water some of the plants and play in a little house just her size.

At the end of the day, Alia pooped out.  We went into a Starbucks and sipped hot chocolate while she napped, and I rested a bit.  She actually managed to keep sleeping most of the Metro ride back to the car.  Even our little girl can get worn out from all the site-seeing!

Then, that evening, we met up with one of Jared's friends from college, Dan and his wife Ann.  We met them at this nice little restaurant and had a fun time chatting and eating.

Finally, it was back to the road for the drive home.  It was nice to be in our own space, and I think we were all a bit exhausted from all the traveling.  But we had a great time!