Arkansas 4 - Nice Weather for Walking

It was great to experience a second fall.  The weather was great for walking (or biking for Abby, scooting for Xander, and strolling for Emma).

Arkansas 3 - Abby, Xander, and the Toy Car

It was a joy watching Xander drive Abby around in this oversized toy car. 

Arkansas 1 - The Kids

The weather was pleasant in Jacksonville allowing us to spend some time outside. Here Abby, Xander, and Emma play with sidewalk chalk on the driveway.

Washington D.C. March 2011 - Mount Vernon Part 5

From the adventure map given to Abby and Xander:
"More than 300 slaves lived at Mount Vernon and worked in George Washington's Mansion, gardens, outbuildings, and on his outlying farms. Many slaves spent their entire lives at Mount Vernon and are buried not far from the tomb of George Washington. The Slave Memorial was built to pay tribute to the many African Americans who are buried here in unmarked graves. The monument is encircled by the words Faith, Hope and Love."

Washington D.C. March 2011 - Mount Vernon Part 4

From the adventure map that was given to Abby and Xander at Mount Vernon: "George Washington had many cows, sheep, horses, mules and pigs at Mount Vernon. To keep the animals from getting too close to the Mansion, he built a low wall into the hill. It was better than a fence, because you couldn't see it! If you were playing on the lawn and didn't know the wall was there, you might fall off it and everyone would laugh. This may be why these walls, made of brick were called ha-ha walls."

Washington D.C. March 2011 - Mount Vernon Part 3

Baby lambs had recently been born and were really quite beautiful to behold. Abby and Xander found them to be intriguing. We also found some bulls along the way.

Washington D.C. March 2011 - Mount Vernon Part 1

Mom, Pete, Steph, and I loaded Abby and Xander in the car this morning and hauled off to Mount Vernon. I've been there once before a long time ago but it's been about 15 years. It turned out to be a pretty good place to bring kids as there was a lot to see which kept us all moving around a lot. We were also given an adventure map for kids that had something of a treasure hunt of collecting clues to turn in for a prize at the end.

Washington D.C. March 2011 - Arrival

Mom and I flew-in to Washington D.C's Reagan Airport yesterday and were picked up by my sister-in-law Stephanie and nephew Xander.