Washington DC

Last year, instead of a bunch of toys,  Drew asked for a trip to Washington DC for Christmas.  In April, during our Spring Break,  we headed to the east coast for some fun and exciting sightseeing.  Drew had a list of everywhere he wanted to go, read up on his Kids Book of Washington D.C. and was ready to go!  His two "must sees" were the Lincoln Memorial and the Spy Center!  

It was a great trip, exhausting but GREAT!  It was cold and rainy and we walked A LOT!  So many great pictures (almost 1000) and so many great memories.  It was Matt's first time to DC too, and he  loved it!

We arrived on Addie's Birthday!  And had a wonderful birthday lunch where she enjoyed some tiramisu! Yep, she's my girl!! 

 

Then is was off to see it all!  

Becoming Spies.....

The White House....

International Spy Museum ( this place had a HUGE line, cost a lot of money to get in and was pretty boring in my opinion, but it was on the list, so we stuck it out!)

Corn dogs and ice cream sandwiches from the food truck.... the kids were in heaven!

Addie could have spent all day riding the Metro!  She loved the "train"!

 And so did Drew!

The Air and Space Museum!

Lots of pictures, lots of memories, and lots of fun had by all!!!

Happy 5th Birthday, Addison

Dear Addie,

My sweet, sweet girl!  My sweet FIVE year old. I can't believe you are five.  You are growing up way too quickly, but I must admit I LOVE the stage you are in now... just LOVE it!!  You have always kept our lives interesting.  You are as stubborn as they come, Addie.  You stand your ground and don't let anything change your mind.  If you set your mind to something, you NEVER give up! 

Your stubbornness is still as strong as ever!! But in so many ways you have changed.  The little toddler who wouldn't let you comfort her, hold her or even touch her at times, can now spend hours cuddling on the couch.  

You LOVE life and everything and everyone in it.  I am amazed by your love of life.  You've been through so much in just 5 short years and yet you hold no grudges.  I only wish I had half of your forgiveness.  Your smile is contagious!!!  It lights up a room and melts my heart.  And boy do you know how to use that smile.  There are plenty of people who will do just about anything to please you Addison, and you know just who they are!!!  

You are smart!  So smart that you often get frustrated when you can't quite communicate your needs.  You know all of your letters, numbers, and shapes.  You can work an Ipad and Iphone better than most adults.  You pay so much attention to what is going on in the world around you and you never, ever forget!

You love to brush your hair, put on makeup and twirl around in pretty dresses, but most days you'd rather be kicking a soccer ball or playing catch with your brother.  You love to ride horses and play in the dirt.  You LOVE Minnie Mouse!  You could watch it over and over again!  

You are such a special little girl, Addison.  You are loved by so many.  Not a day goes by that your daddy and I don't talk about how amazing you are and how lucky we are to have you as our little girl.  I can't imagine life without you in it.  I love you so much!

Happy Birthday,

Love, Mommy!

This year we celebrated your birthday Minnie Mouse style!  It was a small party, but perfect!!!  You shined the entire time!  This was the first year you actually truly and genuinely enjoyed your party!  It was amazing to watch!

Some of the "minnie" touches and a deliciously beautiful ice cream cake!!

The BEST friends as girl could ask for!!

You were so in love with this balloon!!!!

Silly Boys!!