Fred and I are both in complete agreement that the trip was fun and an educational success. We went in hoping that she would come away with some (20-40%) retention and understanding of the magnitude of the trip.
The first whammy of understanding that I was privileged to hear came to day about 2 hours after they arrived home. We took the girls to Panera for lunch and Ellie said to me:
"Mommy do you understand that a Bed and Breakfast is JUST THAT." You can stay there in a bed and have breakfast, but that's all. No lunch or dinner!"
I loved it. I asked her to compare that to a hotel and she was able to. She explained that her bed and breakfast was actually 2 houses made into a small hotel for guests. While a hotel (Like a Marriott which we always stay in) she explained that they don't really take care of you when you are there. She explained "Fiona" took care of her and daddy while they were at the B and B. They gave them breakfast, served coffee, and helped them get to where they had to in the city. Also, Fiona loaned the guests umbrellas on rainy days. They also had tea time but they were always out in DC.
She also liked the capitol. She explained how in this one chamber there is a parabolic sound phenomenon, in that, if you whisper on one side of the room it is clearly heard on the other. No one could keep secrets in that room! She loved that.
It was her first experience with Taxis. "Do you have to pay him?"
There were people protesting in front of the White House. She knew he was in the middle east presenting a speech. She asked Fred how he knew that the president was out of the country. He explained that it was on the news. She said to Fred, "I guess these people don't watch the news."
She sat in Congressman Alan Greyson's desk (he was home in Orlando) prior to the tour of the capitol. She liked that lots.
At home tonight, Fred and Ellie were simply thankful to be home and have a home cooked meal.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Reflections on Taking a 6 Year Old to Washington, DC.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Day 3 in DC Photos (Capitol and Pottery Painting!)
Today was a 100% rainy day. Fred said it was much like Seattle so it was a constant misty sort of rain. Fred and I love that! Ellie not so much.
Today Fred and Ellie woke up early. They ate a lovely breakfast at the inn and headed by taxi to the Capitol! After waiting in line through security they went upstairs to the 6th floor to our Congressman's office (Alan Grayson). There was another family from Orlando waiting for the tour. They had a great time on the tour. Ellie was a little lost but she loved the statues, paintings, the huge rotunda and the gift shop! Of course. Lunch was in the Capitol cafeteria. She enjoyed fries, a hot dog, and fish fingers. Yes, she can eat it all. Growth spurt!
Because of all the walking they have done I suggested Fred take her to a little pottery place near the bed and breakfast in the afternoon. Sitting and painting would be a great way to wind her down. She was thrilled when the taxi pulled up to Color Me Mine. She picked out a bear and spent the good part of an hour painting it. Fred was so happy she was happy. They talked and talked as she painted.
The evening was spent at Chiplote (Sp?) (around the corner from the B and B). She enjoyed her favorite vegetarian burrito bowl, chips and guacamole. She was exhausted and laid on the bench at one point. Our little trooper held one thumb up for a pic!
They just called from the Bed and Breakfast. She was already dressed for bed in one of the three Air and Space t-shirts she bought. Ellie wanted to settle into bed next to her daddy and watch movies on my ipod (she borrowed it and I doubt I will get it back now!). Good night my Bella.
Tomorrow the National Zoo and Udvar Hazy. Sunday morning home!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Ellie and Fred in Washington DC June 2009
We decided, rather quickly, to have Fred and Ellie take an impromptu trip to Washington, DC. She has wanted to go since the Inauguration. Her interests led her to look at web sites and check out books from the library so we knew she was serious. So all of the stars aligned one week before the trip. We booked airline tickets, a bed and breakfast near Dupont Circle, and bought books/maps. Fred was EASILY sold on the idea. He needed a little vacation and has been wanting to visit the capital.
CLICK ON THE SLIDE SHOW TO MAKE IT BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ON THE SLIDE SHOW TO MAKE IT BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
CLICK ON THE SLIDE SHOW TO MAKE IT BIGGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bridesmaid Gown Shopping Sunrise Florida
