Week 2 side A

It was my intention to post as the three weeks went along...obviously I was kidding myself.  I then thought I would post each week...then I discovered there were way too many photos for that.   So here is week 2 first half.

As Amelia has never travelled by train, I figured this would be a great adventure as sitting in a carseat for 8 hours (let alone the driving part) would be difficult.  This way she had me next to her for games and fun and we could have our snacks and lunch in luxury as the conductor did the hard work.

Roughly 11 hours later...

Washington, DC.  We divided up the trip into two.  First day travel...second and third day with my friend Janelle in Alexandria and the fourth and fifth day with Rob's Aunt Joan and Uncle Mike in Nokesville.  Sixth day travel ... again.  

We met little Sopharina for the first time.  Amelia was enthralled.  Could have been the hypnotic trance Sophie puts you in when you look into those big eyes.

After the baby cooing the evening we arrived, we headed the following morning to the National Zoo where Pandas reign, but apparently are lazy.

All were inside although the outdoor exhibit looked impressive.  Onto the elephants.  Again...inside.

Luckily the temperature never broke 85 or so the entire trip.  We Alaskans are hard to adapt.   A beautiful day required a few outdoor pictures.

It was obvious Amelia needed a new Panda.

Funny how they put carousels in zoos.  Columbus zoo has one too.  My carousel obsessed little girl dragged Janelle on with her. 

After 4 or 5 hours of walking and a bit of complaining here knees were sore,  we headed back to Alexandria for a delicious pizza dinner at Delray Pizzeria. 

The following day was rainy so we opted for museums where we would stay nice and dry.  It was Saturday so Andrew joined us for this adventure.  First up, the National Gallery.   

Time for Degas.

And Degas goofiness.

There was no sign not to touch the toes...

and a bedtime story for Sophie.

All was fun until Amelia...

got hungry.

Refueled at the museums cafe where I was thoroughly impressed enough to eat there the following day.

Time to head to the very crowded (probably due to the pouring rain) Natural History Museum.  

And...the Butterfly exhibit.

Amelia wanted nothing more to see this exhibit until she got in and said "let's go".  Butterflies everywhere ... landing on heads and backs.  Did manage a couple photos with the Nikon (although the iPhone came in very handy too)...but butterflies are fast.

It really is hard to chose what to see in DC if you are only there for a few days.  Would have loved to see more museums and more of the National Gallery, but I thought of Amelia as to what museums and places to see.  She loves zoos and the National Zoo was a no brainer.  The Natural History too was a must see.  All did not disappoint.

After a drive to Nokesville, we were ready for yet another day  at a few of the Smithsonian museums.  This time with Auntie Joan and a first ever subway ride.  Will post that tomorrow...or the next day :)