Memorial Weekend Getaway..

We decided we needed a little "refreshing". So we made plans to get-away this weekend. Mike's been working hard, and I was ready for a little relaxing. We decided to take a trip to Washington DC this weekend. We thought we'd go to the National Zoo, walk around down-town, and see what they were doing for Memorial Day.

We talked some friends of ours into joining us for part of the trip. They decided to join us for 1 night, and our trip to the zoo. We were glad to have the company, and I think the girls had a great time!!

I could have stayed another day -- after all that walking & riding the metro I was ready to just spend a relaxing day by the pool at the hotel! (ha) Below you'll find our trip & a day-by-day breakdown --- what a fun weekend we had!!

Happy Memorial Day to everyone & thank you to all those that are serving & have served our country!!

Walking & Walking & Walking - day #1

Saturday was the day we arrived in DC. The trip wasn't too bad -- and we found a way that seemed to go a little faster than last time. Saturday we decided we were just going to get on the Metro & see what we could find to do.

We first decided we were going to see a baseball game. We wanted to get $5 / $10 tickets - just in case the girls couldn't make it & we had to leave - we wouldn't feel so bad paying for the tickets that way. Well, right when when we got there, they had just sold out of the "cheap" tickets -- so we decided to move on. We went down-town DC. We went by the monuments -- our friend Jennifer had never been there before. The sun was starting to set, but some of the pictures came out beautiful w/ the sun setting on the buildings. Not much was really open, but there were plenty of people walking around like we were. It was a nice evening.

Mike, Anne Marie & Avery in front of the monument

The sun setting on the capitol

What a smile!!

Two exhausted girls!!

Lions & Tigers & Bears (and more) Oh My.. day #2

Sunday morning we had plans to go to the Washington Zoo. Our friends were joining us at the zoo before they left to go back home. (We stayed an extra day). We woke up (only 1/2 rested .. it was a long night -- Anne Marie didn't sleep well --- and that wasn't a good sign). We ate breakfast in the hotel room & headed out to catch the Metro (or as Anne Marie called it the "choo choo" train.)

The Zoo was fun, the weather was beautiful, but Anne Marie wasn't quite sure why she had to stay in her stroller!! So we tried to "mix-it-up" we let her walk a little, ride on Daddy's shoulders, and in the stroller. By the end of the day with no nap, a short night sleep, and alot of excitement - she was DONE!! So done, that she passed out while waiting for the Metro & slept all the way back to the hotel.

Our friends headed home & we then went out to dinner & a quick dip in the pool before heading to bed -- we thought it might be a nice end to the day -- Anne Maire was so excited after getting out of the pool it took her another hour before she fell asleep!! (11pm!!!!)

Eating breakfast before our zoo trip!

The entrance into the zoo -- the panda & the Asian trail are the 'big' things now -- we even got Anne Marie a cute little t-shirt w/ all the animals native to Asia.

Catch'n a ride.

Anne Marie's hand compared to a lions paw.

What a cutie pie!!

Anne Marie & our friend Avery enjoying the Tigers.

The panda was so cute -- he just layed around eating..

The Lions & Tigers & Elephants & Zebras ... and so on...

The "last straw" -- and finally --- sleep on the Metro!!

Happy once again - after dinner - a nap & ready to hit the pool!!!

Memorial Day Parade & More .. day #3

On Monday, Memorial Day, we took the Metro into town again. First we went to China town & had lunch. Then we got on the Metro again & went down to the Memorial Day parade. The weather was very warm & we were getting tired, so we stopped at one of the parks by the parade & cooled off w/ a "dip" (just feet) in the fountain.

China Town in DC.

Having a yummy lunch in China Town.


Clapping to the Bands @ the parade.




The Memorial Day parade.

Anne Marie & Daddy @ the fountain in the park.

Cooling off.....

Please Pray..

In the news today there is a report of a large (7.8 - 8.0) Earthquake in China. There are still reports coming in, however I have read that there are many deaths, building destruction, and injured citizens. There have also been sad reports of schools collapsing during school hours. It's so sad! The quake was centered in Sichuan Provence. Anne Marie is from Jiangxi. I've shown a map below for you to see. There have been reports that they could feel the quake all the way in Beijing!! You can see how far away that is!!

I have read that there are families that are either in that area waiting to meet their adopted children, or families that have just received referrals for children in that area. We do not know any of them personally, however as many of you know this country and these children are near and dear to my heart. So I ask that you pray today, pray for the families adopting, pray for the Chinese citizens that are trying to find help or that have lost loved ones.