Vacation & Travel: Fun in Washington, D.C. – World War II & World War I Memorials, Trolley, White House, & Splashing in the Pool
They wanted a picture by the Kansas one since it was the first one they spotted.
We put some miles on our shoes walking to and from the various places in Washington, D.C. this summer. It was awesome being able to go through the city and see the neat historical memorials and monuments with the girls. They were fascinated and had a great time!
Checking out all the states on the World War II Memorial. Brina spotted “Kansas”
Hanging out by the fountains at the World War II Memorial
The fountains at the World War II Memorial were beautiful. There were large pillars on each side one saying “Atlantic’ and the other “Pacific”. On the smaller pillars were the names of the states that had soldiers who fought in the war.
They insisted on stopping to take a picture of the reflection pool and the bird wildlife.
A group of college students were doing a scavenger hunt competition the first day we were in Washington, D.C. One of the items on their list was to take a picture with a set of twins, here is one of the groups (several groups stopped us to ask if the girls would take a picture with them). It actually became quite comical after the first couple of groups stopped us for a picture. The girls thought it was hilarious and fun being a part of a college game!
Karlie posing by the World War I Memorial
WHAT!? Brina stopping to get a sip as we ride the Trolley to the next location!
All smiles riding the escalator back to the van after a big day on the town of Washington, D.C.
After dinner they still somehow had enough energy to go for a swim on the roof top pool!
Karlie diving down for one of the pool toys
Karlie having fun in the pool
There’s Brina!
Brina all smiles as she is ready to jump in and make a big splash!
Look out! Brina’s coming….
Thankful for a fun day in Washington, D.C. with the family. It was worth the stop to see all the neat places. The girls were super excited to explore different places that they had studied about in Social Studies. I think all of us crashed quickly that night once we hit the bed after a fun filled day of adventures, history, and fun!
Vacation & Travel: Smithsonian Institution – National Air & Space Museum
Jake and his girls at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.!
Our family was able to spend some time at the Smithsonian Institution of National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. this summer. The first time we drove by the building and Karlie saw the sign she was ready to go explore it! The Smithsonian Institution buildings that we went into were really nice, very educational, and the best part is that they are FREE! You cannot bring in any food or drinks, but there are water fountains and a McDonald’s at one end of the Museum if you get hungry.
So excited to explore this building that they had to get a picture by the sign!
Over-the-top excited to go into the Air and Space Museum
Both girls love science and learning, however, Karlie loves anything relating to space so this adventure was a big hit with her!
So many things to look at and explore in the Air & Space Museum. As you can see Jake is the only one actually looking at me, ha! Thanks Babe! The other two were mesmerized by all the displays!
Karlie all smiles as she touches a piece of moon rock. This particular piece was brought back from the moon on Apollo 17 in December 1972.
Brina touching the moon rock….how cool to think that it was once on the moon!
Jake is so good about showing the girls the various items and explaining it to them. They love soaking up all the cool information!
Having fun at the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum!
We thought the room with all the history about how planes and other flying items were created was pretty neat!
Brina all smiles waiting in line for the next activity and you can see Karlie in the reflection checking to make sure her Air & Space Museum pictures were turning out! Silly girls!
Brina flying the plane!
Karlie’s turn to drive! They’ve got their eyes on what’s in front of them! Whatever it is better look out!
Soaking it all in….
Wow, what a huge carrier. Even the display model was big! Love that they are so fascinated by the display they don’t even realize I am on the other side taking their picture.
Having fun at the Air & Space Museum!
Karlie wanted a picture by her favorite rocket – The Apollo! The space rooms were a hit with Karlie!
Karlie all smiles as she gets a picture in front of Buzz Aldrin’s astronaut suit. Earlier this year in March she had a chance to see and hear Buzz Aldrin speak at Wofford College in Spartanburg, SC!
Mommy and her girls!
It didn’t take Brina long to figure out all the computer activities!
Showing Daddy what she put together on the computer!
Fascinating, this was probably Brina’s favorite rooms with all the interactive science activities, experiments, and fun information.
Gravity, force, magnets…..all kinds of fun activities to check out!
This picture cracked me up – all three Karlie, Brina, and Jake have their heads down looking at the all pictures in the displays.
Someone really liked this room!
Having fun at the Air & Space Museum in Washington, D.C.
Karlie and Brina loved all the neat activities and displays at the Smithsonian Institute National Air and Space Museum! I was shocked at how long we spent there since the time went by so quickly. They could have spent the entire day just in this museum. Karlie was really hoping we had “extra” time in Washington, D.C. so we could go back and go through the museum again, maybe next time sweet girl!
It was educational, fascinating, and a fun place to explore for the whole family. They did a great job with this museum. Washington, D.C. is a great place to visit the only hard part is fitting in all the amazing places to visit into one trip! We packed in as much as we could in the couple days we were there, but I am sure we’ll have to go back at some point to explore some more!
Vacation & Travel: Exploring Washington, D.C. – Union Station, Capital, Washington Monument, and Vietnam Memorial
Outside Union Station in Washington, D.C. The girls first comment was, “It looks like an airport with everyone carrying their luggage around to meet the trains.”
Our family had the opportunity this summer to explore Washington, D.C. The girls were VERY EXCITED! They have studied, read, and heard various things about our capital city of Washington, D.C. so they were thrilled to finally get to go and see some of it for themselves.
We stayed in a Reston which is on the outskirts of Washington, D.C. The girls were up early the first morning ready for an adventure. We parked the van in Union Station and caught the trolley to get around town.
Originally, it was our plan to walk from monument to monument in Washington, D.C. but we found a good deal on the Old Town Trolley and decided that would be a great option especially for traveling around town with the kids. I am glad we did because it was hot and we still had a lot of walking as it was with the trolley to ride between stops. If you have kids I highly recommend riding the trolley because it helps break of the walking a little bit, gives you and the kids a chance to cool down, get a drink or snack, and rest. The trolley drivers give you information about the various sights you are going by as well so you get a little bit of extra history information while going from one place to the next too. The trolley’s went very close to every stop we were hoping to visit as well which made traveling around the town much easier for us.
The Freedom Bell outside Union Station in Washington, D.C. it says on the side of it “Proclaim Liberty Throughout….”
Watching the trains come into Union Station
Capital building! The tent out front is for the July 4th concert!
Karlie chatting about all the cool places as we ride the trolley to the next stop!
You can see the Washington Monument from many directions all over town….now they know why….because it’s so tall!
They look so small standing in front of the Washington Monument!
Resting on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial for a moment while they take in the sight of the reflection pool and the Washington Monument.
Getting ready to go visit the Vietnam Memorial. They are standing in front of a bronze statue called “The Three Servicemen” which is part of the Washington, DC National Mall trail and commemorates the Vietnam War.
They were shocked at all the names on the Vietnam Memorial Wall.
Reading the names….so many people and families affected by this war.
Reading through the names with Daddy.
Copying a name onto a sheet of paper with a pencil.
Each girl picked out one name to copy onto their sheet of paper.
As we were walking by the Vietnam Memorial one of the sections had these boots and jacket folded up neatly next to it. It brought tears to my eyes thinking that someone’s family member gave their life to serve in this war. What a special way to honor them by putting their or another family members boots next to their memorial. It makes me thankful for those both in my family and others who have and are serving our country even though there are great risks involved.
Hero of the Year History Project
Karlie’s Time Magazine Hero of the Year Project – Thomas Sumter
The girls did a Social Studies project at school recently about various people in the American Revolution. They made their own Time magazine “Hero of the Year” cover page and article. They each picked one person and they did more research about the life of that particular person. Karlie choose to research Thomas Sumter who was nicknames “The Fighting Gamecock”. Brina did her research on George Washington who was nicknamed “The Father of His Country”. Both men were instrumental and influential during the early years of our country specifically during the time of the American Revolution.
Brina’s Time Magazine Hero of the Year Project – George Washington
On the back of each of the girls Time Magazine cover page was the details about the hero and his life. It was a fun Social Studies project and the girls got to learn a lot of other details about the American Revolution during their time of research. It is neat to see them get excited over fun school projects. Both of them really enjoy learning about history!
American Revolution – Cowpens Battlefield
For the last few weeks we have been studying the American Revolution with the girls. It has been a fun unit to study and they have learned a lot about our country and pieces of our history during this section. As we were studying this unit I decided to check and see if there were any American Revolution battle re-enactments in our area. I found the Cowpens Battlefield was having its annual celebration this January in memory of the American Revolution battle that took place.
We decided to surprise the girls and take them to the Cowpens Battlefield for the celebration weekend. They were so excited, had a lot of fun, and they learned a lot of neat information about our country’s history. We watched them shoot off cannons, muskets, calvary demonstrations, walked the battlefield while listening to historical information both on the American Patriot and British side, talked with various “characters” regarding their roles in the battle, listened to the army band, and much more.
What a fun trip. I even learned a lot on this adventure too!!! Thankful for an opportunity to experience a piece of history first hand.
Guns blasting off, muskets and other rifles. The men on the left are American Militia men and the ones on the right are the Scottish Highlanders that fought with the British during the American Revolution.
They fired two canons the “Grasshopper” (the girls favorite) and twelve pound Mountain “Howitzer” (it was called a 12 pound mountain Howitzer because it was the size of shell it could launch)! The picture is of the bigger canon, the “Howitzer” firing.
The girls checking out the canons up close. This one is the “Grasshopper” canon.
The calvary did demonstrations on horseback. One of the girls favorite parts, mainly because they loved watching the horses!
Getting ready to run through the practice course.
The girls thought the kids that got to put on the cabbages for the soldiers to hit in practice were very lucky (guess it looked like a fun job)!
Demonstrating how a soldier would practice using cabbages.
They wanted a picture next to the horses after the discussion and demonstration.
After the walk through the battlefield where we learned key pieces of history both from the American Patriots and British Red Coats sides we got to meet some of the army’s band players.
Brina with a big smile along our walk through the woods.
Karlie giggling as she peeks out from behind the tree on the trail.
Brina writing her name with a quill pen, a lot harder than she thought it would be.
Karlie writing with ink and a quill. A little harder to control, but it was legible.
Plaque with the American leaders at the battle at Cowpens.
One of their favorite parts of the event, learning how to shoot a musket (complete with the instructions and commands soldiers would hear on the battlefield).
Listening to the soldier give commands.
Karlie putting her “powder” in her gun, Brina is already done loading her gun.
Checking to make sure their guns were ready (there was a specific command for this step too).
Waiting for the next order!
It was a lot of fun watching them go through the steps. It was almost an hour long drill and they got the steps down by the end!
Native American & Hagood Mill History Experience
One sweet Native American that took several minutes with the girls explaining all the details of her outfit from the otters, knots on her blanket, family crest, leather, beads and so much more. Very fascinating!
The girls have been learning about the Native American Indians in their Social Studies class at school. It has been a lot of fun discovering neat details specifically about the Native Americans located in South Carolina. They have even done extra credit activities such as building a Wattle & Daub and Longhouse which were used by the Native Americans in SC as well.
Hagood Mill
While I was online I discovered that Hagood Mill in Pickens, South Carolina was doing a Native American celebration. We decided it would be a great opportunity for the girls to learn more and experience first hand a little piece of the Native American culture as well as the mill history in SC. The only problem is we already had multiple events already on the schedule for that Saturday! Thankfully, the event was only a few miles away and we were still able to squeeze in most of the events.
Cherokee “Duck & Dive” War Dance from their war in SC. The “Duck & Dive” was named after the way they fought with the the English ducking and diving as the muskets would be fired then re-loaded.
Karlie and Brina standing on one of the mill stone that used to be used in South Carolina’s old mills
The girls have been working very hard in their school activities, but it is always a lot of fun when we find extra ways to help them have a more interactive experience because it helps the information come alive for them (and makes it stick). This was a great event and will be very valuable as they continue to study the Native Americans at school. We talked to a lot of different people, watched demonstrations, Native American dances, items they used, and a lot more.
Putting their hand prints on the white horse, they loved this activity
Rainbow hand print horse, very colorful. The horse was a good sport! 🙂
Native American meal cooked over a fire, complete with mushroom soup, fish, venison, chicken, potatoes, and corn. It looked smelled delicious!
Roper Mountain Science Center
Holding a snake
The girls always love going to Roper Mountain Science Center. They have second Saturday themed events that are fun for the whole family with a lot of educational information. The animals are always a great hit with our kids. For more information about Roper Mountain Science Center, the upcoming second Saturday events, or activities please check out Roper Mountain Science Center’s website.
What do you think she is holding? If you guessed baby mouse you are correct!
So soft! Chinchilla!
Karlie trying to play one of the games
Brina and Karlie having fun!
Roper Mountain Science Center – Animals and Activities
Wow! Look at all those tiny legs on this one!
Our girls love any trips we take to Roper Mountain Science Center! There is so much to see, learn, and explore. Whenever possible we try to go to their second Saturday events because they are a big hit with our kids. The second Saturday events have a theme and the kids can do anything from holding animals, crafts, participate in events, and much more. They have everything from animals, ocean life, space activities, farming, cultural events, and more! I have even learned a few new facts about history, animals, and space too. 🙂
Karlie holding a snake
Jake holding the snake. I am not a big fan of snakes so I was okay with not holding this snake, although I did touch it briefly…very briefly!
Look at this cool guy!
Yes, that is a huge spider that she is holding in both her hands! A tarantula actually!
Brina holding a box turtle
Karlie wanted to hold the box turtle too
Super soft……Chinchilla!
Is it a baby pig, baby squirrel, or baby chipmunk Brina is holding???? None of those, it is actually baby mouse (the mouse is only 1 day old)!
Family Celebrations: Catching Up with Family Over Spring Break
Cousins Riding Together on the John Deere Gator! Fun Times! The girls and I had the opportunity to go visit family over their Spring Break this year. We had a lot of fun spending time with Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and more! It had been a few months since we had been in the Midwest yet I was amazed how much the girls remembered. They LOVED seeing family and spending time on the farm. Each night they would crash from their busy schedule but they would be up early the next morning ready to (as Karlie put it so nicely) “Go explore more of Kansas!”
I am thankful the girls have an opportunity to spend time with my parents and all four Grandpa and Grandma’s on my side of the family. Each one has a special place in my heart and I am thrilled the girls get to have such wonderful memories of them as well. It has been a nice adventure full of old and new memories. It was such a blessing to see so many family members throughout our stay in Kansas!
Here are just some of the exciting activities we participating in during our stay in Kansas (I hope to have some more pictures to show in a few days):
- Riding Horses – Brina and Karlie LOVED Sassy
- Playing with Dogs, Cats and Farm Animals
- Watching them Work the Calves
- Easter Egg Hunts
- Kids 4 Truth Activities
- Spending Time with Grandparents, Great Grandparents, Uncles, Aunts, and Cousins
- Playing with family and friends
- Riding the Gator
- “Hunting” (Brina’s paraphrase) for Corn Cobs for the Horse
- Coloring Easter Eggs
- Crafts
- Seeing Grandpa’s Big “Sprinkler” (Center Pivot)
- Lots of Pheasants
- Seeing a Coyote chase the Pheasants
- Gathering Eggs in Grandpa Verlyn’s Hen House
- Feeding the Turkeys
- Homemade Food (including special Waffles)
- Hot Chocolate
- Helping Grandpa Russell on the Farm
- Shooting Uncle Lee & Uncle Josh with Nerf Guns
- Puzzles
- The Big Hole
- The Pet Cemetery
- Grocery Shopping with Grandma Penny
- Reading Books with Grandpa Russell & Grandma Penny
- Planting Flowers
- Learning More About our Family’s History
- AND SOOOO MUCH MORE!!!!!!!
The girls and I had a grand time seeing so many family members and spending time in Kansas. A big thanks to everyone for a super fun trip! It is a Spring Break that the girls will be talking about for years. And yes, they found out that Easter does come to Kansas too! Although we made a lot of wonderful new memories during our trip the girls are ready to see Daddy again. Hopefully he is ready for us!
Audio Book: “The Story of the World” by Susan Wise Bauer (Volume 1)
After a friends recommendation we got the first CD set of The Story of the World: Volume 1: Ancient Times: From the Earliest Nomads to the Last Roman Emperor by Susan Wise Bauer and read by Jim Weiss. The girls LOVE listening to audio books and have thoroughly enjoyed these ones as well. As a Mom I am thrilled about it because it isn’t just an audio book they are listening to but history. It is amazing how quickly kids will pick up on bits of history just listening to the audio books. I have been very impressed with it and glad the girls are captivated by their stories as well! They do a wonderful job keeping the kids attention. If you have a young child that loves to read this may be a wonderful addition to your home library. I have even learned new stuff listening to the CDs with the girls. We look forward to listening to the first set several times and hopefully getting the next Volume in the future.
