Skating

The laces for my skates finally came in and I was able to take Tavish skating.  This was Tavish's first time skating in real skates (last year I took him but he used double blade skates).  It was really fascinating to see how well he improved over the course of the hour.  When he first put his skates on he could not walk on the ground without his ankles rolling in but by the time we were ready to leave he could skate a short distance from me to my dad.  I really need to find him lessons.

 Getting ready to skate - a bit wobbly

Just push me mom

 Skating with Grandma

 I can skate on my own

 Just a cute shot of Tavish

 Skating with Grandma and Grandpa

 Callen slept though the whole thing

 By myself 

I did it

Air and Space yet again.

Can you tell that the Air and Space Museum in Dulles is one of our favorite museums?  This was Callen's fourth trip and at the time he was not even three months old.  As always we had a great trip, we took in an IMAX - Legends of Flight and my dad and I even rode on the spinning simulator (lots of fun aside from the fact my glasses fell off and it took about 20 minutes to find them).  For the most part though the museum has not really changed much in the other 3+ times that we had gone (read here) but I did get a tip from another mom blog about how to take better pictures in this giant museum.  I alway use my flash (I'm a very beginner photographer) and for the most part did not know any better so when I read on the Snot, Tots, and Espresso Shots blog that the flash washed out the pictures, I decided on this trip to go flashless and these were my results:

 We enjoyed the IMAX (which was a great place to feed Callen)

 Tavish loves the little computers

 Callen just hanging out

 McDonalds came though with a great toy

  And in my opinion photos much better than my last trip.

Mount Vernon

The second stop on my dad's historical tour of the D.C. area was Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon has historical significance as it was the home of George Washington.  This was my second trip to Mount Vernon and second time seeing it in the winter (we went last year in December with Kyle's mom and sister).  Mount Vernon in the winter is quite beautiful but I would love to venture out here in the spring (before the onslaught of school trips) or fall.  The best part about Mount Vernon in the winter is how quite and peaceful it is.  I think we saw maybe 3 or 4 other small groups wandering around and we even had a private tour of the Mansion.  The problem with coming in the winter is some of the buildings were closed for renovations and the pathways to the dock and stables were closed.

After touring the house and the outlying buildings Tavish was getting grumpy and hungry so headed to the food court.  I must say I was quite surprised at how good the food was here; for museum fast food it was some of the best I've had in a long time.

Unfortunately our visit ended in a bit of ciaos.  I need to finished feeing Callen and then run to the washroom so the plan was that my mom and I would meet the rest of the family in the museum.  Somewhere between the bathroom and the museum Kyle and I musted have crossed paths.  Tavish who was quite tired having missed his nap the day before refused to go in the museum (the gun fire sounds scared him and he was tired).  From the washroom my mom and I met up with my dad in the Museum and I had just assumed that Tavish and Kyle went to the kids discovery room.  Now I did have my cell phone on my but I was told to silence it when we went into the main house and I never turned the ringer back on.  When we got to the kids room and Kyle and Tavish were not there, I looked at my phone and missed 5 calls.  Oops.  Kyle was pretty mad.  Tavish was not going into that museum at all and really needed a nap so we all decided we were museumed out too and headed home.  Aside from Tavish's meltdown and getting lost on the way home (our GPS had issues) we had a great trip to Mount Vernon and I do look forward to coming back in the spring or fall.

Mount Vernon is a great family trip.  It's a good place for kids to run around outside but the roped off areas in the house can bit a bit of a problem for some toddlers and preschoolers.  The museum is really interesting too and it goes though the life of George Washington and the Revolution.  Mount Vernon is a must see if you are in the Washington Area.

Tavish and my parents with the Mansion in the back

Tavish having a great time (before the meltdown)

Callen taking it all in

Tavish had a great time playing in the corner

View from beside the Mansion

Just strolling along - it was a beautiful day

Tavish checking things out with his dad

Monster Trucks

Okay I'll admit when I think of Monster Trucks, I think red neck.  I would have never in a million years predicted that someone in my family would ever go to a Monster Truck show.  But as it turns out my husband (who is pretty much as far from a red neck as you can get) wanted to take our son and my dad to see the Monster Trucks.  I'm not sure where Tavish got his fascination of Monster Trucks from.  Maybe it was the book my mom gave him or maybe it's from watching Mater's Tall Tails but he sure does love them.  The Verizon Center was hosting an indoor Monster Truck show and was VERY loud, especially when all six trucks were going.  We were told by my brother-in-law to bring ear protection for Tavish but Kyle and my dad were kinda wishing that they had some of their own.  They all had a great time but they were ready to go at the intermission as it was well past Tavish's nap time and I don't think my dad and Kyle could take the noise.  I'm not sure that they will go to another Monster Truck show any time soon, especially an indoor one. It was sure an experience that they soon won't forget.  Tavish may never remember it when he's older but I'm sure the memory will last for a quite awhile.  He talks about it pretty much every day.  If you have kids and they like Monster Trucks it's a fun bonding experience even if you only do it once, just bring the ear plugs.

Here are a few photos from the show but giving my husband responsibility of the camera was not such a good idea (apparently it was quite crowded so these were the best shots he could get while still keeping Tavish from getting swallowed in the crowd) and I forgot to download the pictures from my dads camera so this is the best that I have.

Checking out the cars about to be crushed

Talk about big wheels

Cheese 

Tavish reading his Monster Truck book while waiting for the show to start 

Monster Trucks in Action 

Natural History Museum

While the older boys (my dad, my husband, and Tavish) were off at the Monster Trucks, my mom, Callen and I headed to the Natural History Museum.  Now a few of you may recall that my last trip here was a huge disaster but I knew my mom would like to see it so I decided to brave it again (this time Adults out numbered kids).  Thankfully the security guard from hell was not working so things were already off to a better start.  There were two really interesting exhibits that caught my attention this trip.  The first was the crocheted coral reef.  I kinda wished I spent more time looking at it as it is quite remarkable.  It's amazing what people can do with some yarn, a crochet hook and inspiration from some of the most beautiful creatures on earth.

The second was the the Written in Bone exhibit.  During the last part of my pregnancy I discovered a new favorite show, Bones, and the Written in Bone exhibit reminds me a lot about that show.  I must go back when I have more time to really explore this exhibit as it is quite fascinating.

My mom and I sped through the museum and looked a few of the other exhibits but I'm sure we say not even half of what was there.  I'm pretty sure I could spend a few days exploring the Natural History Museum and I'm looking forward to checking out a few of their IMAX shows.  I'm sure I'll get back in the next few weeks.

The Natural History Museum is a must see in D.C. and a GREAT place to bring kids (providing they are not super grumpy).  The museum is quite loud so don't have to worry about loud toddlers disturbing anyone.  Kids of all ages will find something they like from dinosaurs to butterflies and they even have a discovery room for older kids.  I highly recommend going when it opens at 10am because it gets really busy, even in the off season.  If you are a local then I'd avoid it in June when school tours take over D.C. and I'm sure it's pretty busy in the summer too.  My husband and I HATE crowds so we are all about getting seeing things in the off season but if this is your only trip to D.C. I'd brave the crowds.

 My mom by the stunning Orchid Garden

 One of the Orchids

 Giraffe doing the splits in the Hall of Mammals

One of my favorite areas, the Deep Sea

National Archives

Every time I go into D.C. I find myself in the movies.  D.C. is the backdrop to so many movies and T.V. show your almost guaranteed to find yourself on the set of a movie you know.  Our second stop of the D.C. day with my parents took us to the set of National Treasure.  Okay not really but we were in the National Archives which is featured in the show.  Even if you have never seen the movie I'm sure most people know that the Declaration of Independence is on display in the Archives, making it a popular D.C. stop.

Having previously been to the Archives and having Callen in the stroller (getting up to see the Declaration of Independence there are 3 or so stares making it not very stroller friendly), I viewed the Maga Carta while my parents at the Declaration and Other documents. The Maga Carta is a facinating peace of history in which the Declaration is based on (I think, I'm a biologist not a history major). In addition to the Declaration and Maga Carta there is also a gallery which has an exhibit on Discovering the Civil War: Consequences.  This exhibit does a good job of showing how the Archives are used to find new information on the Civil War.  It was very educational but not that stimulating (if that makes sense).

While the National Archives are interesting and have lots of cool historical documents this is not the most toddler/baby friendly stop in D.C. Unless you are a history buff or are kidless then I'd skip the Archives and head to the American History, Natural History, or Air and Space Museums as they are much more fun for little kids.

Ford Theater

I will fully admit that I don't know much about American History but living so close to D.C. is like living in an American History text book.  When my dad said that he wanted to visit the Ford Theater, I had no idea what significance it had.  It's where Lincoln was shot, like I said I don't know much about American History.

My dad has a friend who is a huge American History Buff and has decided to live vicariously through my dad.  He gave my dad a list of places of historical significance that we should all visit and the first on our list was the Ford Theater.  I must say it's pretty impressive to be in a place that holds such historical importance.  While I may not have known the story surrounding Lincoln's death, I sure do now.  We (my dad, mom, Callen and I) had a great time wondering around the museum.  Callen liked looking at all the colourful exhibits on the wall and I found the mixed media of the museum more stimulating (lots of movies, statues, and artifacts) than some other museums.  In the Theater itself we were able to look at the presidential balcony where Lincoln was shot and enjoy a short play (well until Callen decided we had enough).

A Few D.C. and Ford Theater Tips

My biggest complaint about the majority of things to do in D.C. is their late opening times, 10am or later.  My husband and I like to get out early, at or before 9am.  Early in the morning the crowds are much smaller and you can accomplish so much.  The nice thing about the Ford Theater is that its open at 9am daily.  While we went on a Saturday, I highly recommend going to D.C. on a Sunday as there is free street parking (there is lots if you get into D.C. before 10am, you can still find some around 11 but the spots are not as good), but if you are willing to pay there is lots of garage parking.

You need to get a free ticket in order to visit the Theater (I'd assume they fill up during peak periods but it was not crowded 10am on a January Saturday).  Before you enter the actual Theater you are directed to a very interesting and well planned museum.  Plan to spend at least a half hour in the museum, more time if you are a huge history buff. Every hour or so you are allowed into the actual Ford Theater for a short performance (I do believe this changed).  There is a bit of time to look around before the performance begins but I don't know how much time you are given after as we had to leave because of a fussy baby.  If you have a loud baby or toddler the performance part of the tour might not be for you but don't let the stop you from checking out the museum and then take a quick look at the Theater.

If you are ever in the D.C. area I'd add this as a highlight for sure but if you are pressed for time, have loud kids, or don't care about Lincoln or history I'd skip it as there are more kid friendly museums near by (but not all are free).

My Parents and Callen in the Ford Theater Museum

Mom and Callen Brushing Up on their History

 Callen Taking a Break

 Go Lincoln 

The Place where Lincoln was Shot

A Painting Outside the Theater

Visitors

Whenever someone comes to visit us, I like to show them a good time.  There is so much to see and do in the D.C. area that it's not a problem finding stuff to do as long as the weather and my kids cooperate (when kids don't cooperate you can have a pretty big disaster).   When family and friends come to visit I try let them decide what they want to see as it's their vacation and really I could see most of this stuff any day I want.  On this trip my dad really wanted to see three things: Ford Theater, Mount Vernon and the Marshall House. We did managed to get to 2 of the 3 as the Marshall house was closed.  We also managed to pack in a trips to the National Archives, Natural History Museum, Swimming, Skating, Outlet Mall, Dulles Town Center, and Air and Space Museum, all in 7 days. Also this was my dad's first time meeting his newest grandchild so there was lots of bonding time at home too. Needless to day I think we are now all exhausted.

 Grandpa's First Time Meeting Callen

Tavish getting a Grandpa Snuggle while watching the Hockey All Star Game

The Final Day - Photo Free

Yesterday I said goodbye to my sister and nephew as they heading back to cold and snowy Alberta.  But before they left we had sometime to do one last fun thing...Chuck-E-Cheese.  I must say I LOVE Chuck-E-Cheese but that being said I have only ever gone in the early afternoon on a normal school day when the place is empty.  Who does not love fun games for both kids and us older folk who are kids at heart without having to deal with other people.  Yes the food is terrible but a few on-line coupons you can have an afternoon of fun for 4, for $35 ($45 if you get extra tokens).  I am really sad I left my camera at home because they boys had so much fun, it was the perfect way to end Jessie's trip: the boys got along, Owen got to run around  before flying all night, and I did not have to make lunch.  While Chuck-E-Cheese has nothing to do with Virginia, D.C. or the United States well all enjoyed ourselves and I think Jessie's trip ended on a high note (aside from plane delays which were out of my control).

Like I said before I am so glad that Jessie came to visit, not just because she helped me with my sick kids and for that I am so grateful, but I loved showing her around the coolest place outside of Alberta that I have lived so far.  I can't wait for her to come again (with Jon I hope) so we can check out more fun things and do a whole lot more shopping.

My Sick Little Man

As always it has been an eventful few days.  Monday was going to be a low key day after the craziness in D.C. and Callen had his 2 month well baby check up.  I was really glad that Callen had a doctor appointment because  his breathing was starting to sound terrible and he had a nasty little cough.  Callen has been growing a lot and is now 12lbs 5oz and 23.5 inches long but his cold was worrying the doctor so she gave him a nebulizer treatment and told me to watch out for his rib retractions while breathing and if that happened to take him to the E.R.  While the rest of the day was mostly uneventful the two older boys fought a bit but other than that all was well until Tuesday morning.

Callen usually gets up between 2:30am and 3:30am to eat but 4:30 Tuesday morning was the first time he woke up that night and when I went to feed him he hardly ate a thing (not normal).  I changed his diaper and looked at his ribs and you could see some pulling, something my doctor told me to watch for.  So I had my huge parental debate with myself to I take him to Emergency or do I wait.  Now I have this huge fear of being THAT parent who takes there kids to Emergency for nothing but my gut was telling me to take him.  Finally I made the decision, told my sister, packed up Callen and then I looked outside.  Last night we had an ice storm and my long steep driveway was covered in Ice...great.  I had to get my sister up to watch Callen while I de-iced my car and drove it down the driveway (I did not want something else to happen to Callen if my car had issues getting down the drive).  Finally we were on our way to the E.R.  Thankfully the Reston hospital is like a small town hospital but with competent doctors as there was no wait in Emergency.  I actually had to hunt down an admission person and within the hour Callen had seen the doctor, had an x-ray and lab results for RSV came back positive.  Callen was not super sick but they wanted to admit him to the hospital anyway, he did not require oxygen or an IV but they did want to watch him to make sure he did not get worse and give him nebulizer treatments every few hours.

Having a sick kid sucks but having a sick kid while your husband is away and you have another child to take care of really sucks and I must say I am so thankful that my sister was visiting as she spent the day watching Tavish (who got her up at 5am).  Kyle thankfully flew home Tuesday night and Callen was released from the hospital Wednesday afternoon.  Callen is now doing much better and this experience has shown me how much my husband and family do for me.

 Callen sleeping just after being admitted, I think he looks like a big newborn here in his hospital bed and blanket

Trying to get better with some humidified air 

Relaxing in my arms 

Not the best sleeper to have on while being hooked up to a machine 

Sleeping again

I think his breathing here sounds like crunching cereal