Memorial Day Weekend in Washington, D.C.

Smithsonian Castle Smile
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

What a better time to introduce Helen to Washington, D.C. than over Memorial Day weekend. We missed the cherry blossoms, but everything else was blooming, including our own budding young traveler who successfully negotiated the Metro system. Our stroller days are officially over.

Carousel Ride on The Mall

Carousel Ride on The Mall
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The capital was decked out in stars and stripes, and it was fun to experience D.C. under new leadership. (However, the mall is looking rather downtrodden and must still be recuperating from the inauguration!) I didn't know until this trip that the carousel on the Mall is "vintage" -- dating back to 1947.

Where the President Lives

Where the President Lives
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

D.C. for a 5-year-old focuses on the highlights, for example, where the President lives. Unfortunately, where the president lives is now behind so much armor, it’s hard to appreciate the architecture, or to believe that real people actually live there.

Look who we found in Union Station

Look who we found in Union Station
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Fortunately, there were ample opportunities outside of Pennsylvania Avenue to bump into the Chief.

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Putting Memorial Day aside, the big celebration was for the opening of the “Night at the Museum” movie. It’s not on our list to see, but hopefully the Smithsonian can cash in its success. (We did take a picture in front of the “pile of loot” which is being housed in the Smithsonian Castle.)

Alligator Tooth Inspection

Alligator Tooth Inspection
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The Natural History Museum provided great tools for hands-on learning. And those dinosaur bones, not to mention alligator teeth, are really impressive.

Helen with Mr. Bones

Helen with Mr. Bones
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

Human bones are pretty interesting too. Helen got a big kick out of “Mr. Bones” and we got a kick out of visiting museums that we previously avoided before kids. As former D.C. residents, Chris and I have great memories of art museums-on-demand, ice skating on the mall, and living life without the need for a car.

National Zoo

Two Pandas Easier to Photograph
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

The humidity hit hard the day we went to the National Zoo, so we just focused on the pandas. Even though they were wilting, they looked so much better than the pandas we saw at the Beijing Zoo four years ago. My best photo from the zoo ended up being the one showing pandas pre-cast (right) and stuffed (left).

Uno's

Eating at the "Boof on the Rail"
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We thought we owed it to Helen to take her to the place where mom and dad met over 18 years ago. Union Station is as beautiful as ever, and Uno’s -- is still Uno’s. We sent a photo of reminiscence to our friend Ran, and were floored when he immediately rang back to say that he was also in D.C. for the long weekend with his family. Whoa!

Air & Space

Air & Space
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

How cool it was to spend our last day with unexpected travel companions. Helen was even more energetic with 7-year-old friends to keep up with. This made our flight through the Air and Space Museum a first-class trip.

National Museum of the American Indian

Native American Museum
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We also toured the new Native American Museum, (same age as Helen), which was beautifully presented, blissfully crowd-free, and full of multi-media displays. The boats in the lobby were a hit with the kids, and the Fritz Scholder exhibit was incredible. We ended up getting art after all.

Honoring Marge

Honoring Marge
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

And finally, the whole reason for our trip – Marge’s retirement party at VTS. We were honored to share in this celebration. I am struck that a career is often viewed in terms of tangible accomplishments, (Things Produced) but ultimately, one’s work can best be judged by the positive influence on others, (People Touched).

Attack of the Cone Noses

Attack of the Cone Noses
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

We went non-stop this weekend -- all of our normal activities like Chinese class and tennis, and some special activities like swimming, brunch in Santa Cruz with friends, and a birthday party.

Helen was already revved up from her trip to King City for the Salinas Valley Fair with Grandma & Grandpa. It was her first time taking an overnight trip without us (in the longer sense -- there was no going back if she changed her mind!) She had a great time, and she's already talking about the fair being an annual tradition.

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day 2009
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

It was a free day at the Museum of Art, so we joined the crowd and feasted our eyes Warhol and women printmakers. (Didn't realize how important Warhol's mom was in his work.) The two most important ladies in my life provide perspective and food for my soul -- my ever dynamic living exhibition of love.

Reflection of a Young Artist

Reflection of a Young Artist
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

In our three generations, we have two artists. Mom quilts, and Helen specializes in mediums that are messy! Helen could not be bothered by mere observation when participation was a possibility. She had great fun at the "self portrait" station, and then moved on to more abstract themes (as seen in the previous photo.)

Cinco de Mayo y Sombreros

Cinco de Mayo
Originally uploaded by Chris & Kelly.

In four years of posting, somehow this holiday has escaped a mention. This was a pivotal holiday for me growing up in the Salinas Valley but Helen is rather new to the Cinco de Mayo scene. However, any chance to dress up is a great day, so our Sombrero girl quickly coordinated with boots and a jean jacket. (El papa called in a panic when they couldn't find a vest in her closet to complete the outfit...)

We are still chuckling over a funny incident on Easter. Helen's great uncle Joe opted to give her pirate accessories instead of a traditional Easter basket, which couldn't have been a better choice. So, instead of parading in a pastel dress, Helen wrapped her head in a skull and crossbones scarf, and declared it egg-cellent.