Ben and Justin's Adventure to Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. Trip - August 2009

Note: This is why I don't blog as often as Dana - it takes me three months to publish a post!

As explained in the a previous blog entry, our vacation in early August turned into two vacations. One for Dana, Ian and Cami and another for Ben and Justin. This is the story of Ben's Washington DC adventure.

After Dana, Cami, and Ian left for LA, Ben and I waited in the airport for 4 1/2 hours to catch the flight to Washington DC. Ben had been wanting to go to Washington DC to see the Smithsonian Museums since the beginning of summer so while he was bummed about missing out on the trip to California, this was an ok substitute in his mind. His interest in the Smithsonian seemed to coincide with Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, but even without the movie he has an interest in museums, history, and the like. So since we still had flight benefits through Midwest, we were planning a father/son trip trip to DC to see the Smithsonian museums, but we hadn't planned on it this weekend.

So while we waited, I hooked the laptop up to the airport wireless to book a hotel room, learn the DC Metrorail system, and determine when the Smithsonian museums were open. Our flight was good and we arrived around 5pm and took a shuttle to our hotel. We arranged our stuff and headed to the Metrorail station to get down to the National Mall area. The Museum of Natural History was open until 7:30pm so we went in an explored for about an hour. We saw some gigantic dinosaur bones, a huge elephant, the Korea exhibit, the ice man, and some sea creatures. When the place closed, we headed back and swam in the pool and then went back to the room to watch TV. One of the things Ben still talks about from the trip is sitting in the hotel room, eating popcorn and watching the River Monsters show on Animal Planet about giant man-eating Piraiba Catfish in the Amazon.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and headed back down to the national mall. We stopped at the Smithsonian castle because a prop from the Night at the Museum movie was on display. After that, we went to the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. August was national inventor's month and to celebrate, a world record, 8 foot tall lightbulb was being constructed there. Thousands of kids built bricks for the giant light bulb which was assembled by two Lego master builders. Ben was one of the first 1o kids in line to build a brick. Then we talked to the Lego master builders a bit. Ben loved the joke he heard from the younger master builder who asked, "Do you know how Steve (the other Lego Master) got his job? Because he's such a blockhead." Perfect humor for a 6 year old!

After seeing some of the exhibits at the American History museum (Lincoln's tophat, ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, an old American flag, and Oscar the Grouch), we grabbed a bite to eat before heading over to the Air and Space Museum. However, before we got there, Ben was intrigued by the circular Hirshorn Museum and the fountain in the center. So we spent some time looking at the sculptures in the garden and some of the sculptures and artwork inside the building. Ben says this was not his favorite place, but he did show some interest.

Ben standing by a sculpture at the Hirshorn

At this time, Ben was starting to lose steam so we started heading back to the subway. We made a quick dash through the Air and Space museum and I told Ben we could come back later that evening after he took a rest. He didn't resist because he was beat. He fell asleep on the ride back to the hotel and I carried him to the room. He slept for a couple of hours and then we grabbed a little to eat and some snacks and headed back down, stopping at the Air and Space museum until it closed at 7:30pm. We saw several space craft, airplanes, the Wright flyer, Amelia Aerheart's Spirit of St. Louis, military jets, etc. Ben really enjoyed this museum.

After Air and Space closed, I asked Ben if he would be interested in going down the National Mall to see the Washington Monument and visit the Lincoln Memorial. I told him he could

have a piggyback ride any time he wanted as long as he was patient because it was a long walk. He eagerly agreed and we walked down the mall to the Washington Monument, then on the World War II memorial. It was a beautiful evening with a gorgeous sunset and a crescent moon overhead. Unfortunately, I ran out of film before we made it to the WWII memorial. We then trekked on to the Lincoln Memorial, arriving after sunset. I had never seen the Jefferson Memorial and hoped that we could see it, but wasn't sure if Ben would have enough energy. I asked him if he'd be up for it and he agreed. We ended up seeing the Korean War Memorial, Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial, and finally the Jefferson Memorial. Ben was a trooper as we stayed up way past bedtime. After we got on the Metrorail, he eventually fell asleep. The Metrorail was one of his favorite things about the trip. I showed him how to read the map and he was getting the hang of it after a few rides. He especially liked putting his ticket into the reader when we would enter and exit the station.

Ben still wanted to see the White House, so on Sunday morning, our last day, we got up a little earlier, ate a quick breakfast and headed down to see the White House. We walked as close as we could get, took a few pictures and then headed to the Museum of Natural History to see the Ice Man. We also looked at the rocks and gems. Ben really enjoyed this section and we probably would have spent more time there had we not been as rushed to finish up and get back to the hotel so we could get to the airport. Before leaving, we made a quick stop back at the American History Museum to see how the light bulb was coming along. Ben created another brick and then we headed back to catch the early afternoon flight.

Our flight back went fine. We were hoping Dana, Cami and Ian would be able to make the earlier flight of the day so we could all go home together. But even with the earlier flight, we'd have at least a 4 hour wait for them. So we dropped off our pictures to be developed, stopped at Culver's for a bite to eat, then went to my alma mater, Concordia University Wisconsin, to see the renovations they did to the bluff that hugs the Lake Michigan coast. At the bottom of the bluff, there is a trail that leads to nice beach area. Ben and I enjoyed throwing rocks into the water and talking about the time I spent at Concordia. I showed him the dorm where I lived all four years, the Peace Center - it was gutted - apparently for renovations.

Dana, Cami, and Ian made the earlier flight back so we picked up our pictures and got back to the airport to reunite the family. What an adventure!

A Tale of Two Vacations

This past weekend we were excited to head out as a family to California to see Mike and Allison and the kids. Cami wanted to go visit her cousins, Austin and Kylie, as part of her birthday present. Since we still get free travel on Midwest, we happily agreed to take her. We left early Friday morning and drove to Milwaukee for our flight. Upon arriving, we learned from the gate agent that the flight had seats available to Kansas City, but the connecting flight to LA was now full. We decided that we would travel at least to Kansas City and hope for the best. Ian was beyond excited to see all of the 'Whees', AKA airplanes. He has been asking about going on a plane since Grandma Aladodo came to visit a few weeks ago. We came up with 'Plan B' on our flight to Kansas City. We would have at least mom, Cami, and Ian head to LA, if the seats were open. If not, we would all head to Washington D.C. for the weekend.We arrived in Kansas City and learned there were only seats available for mom, Cami, and Ian. Ben was looking forward to going to Washington D.C., but was also a little sad that he would not be able to go out to California and play with Austin.

The kids were right at home on the plane. The kids always get a special treat of a lollipop for the flight to help them with their ears. To date, we have not had any ear problems while flying!

Ian was happy to pull his suitcase once we arrived in California.

As a special birthday surprise for Cami, we were able to see Jana Alayra in concert. We had received a DVD of Jana Alayra a few years ago from Allison and Mike and the kids LOVE watching it. Cami was shocked to be able to see Jana in person! The kids each got a a signed picture of Jana.

Jana called Cami up on stage during the show and wished Cami a happy birthday. Cami was also able to stay on the stage along with Ian to sing one of her songs with her. Needless to say, both kids were beyond excited. The video we have is awesome!

Allison bought Cami a Jana Alayra Tshirt at the concert.

The kids were thrilled to meet Jana after the concert and have their pictures and shirts signed by her.

Saturday we headed to the park. The kids had a perfect morning for playing outside on the swings and the play structure.

After lunch we headed to Corona beach. We stopped for shakes and smoothies at Ruby's Shake Shack.

Ian was a bit overwhelmed by the ocean.

He saw it last year, but now at age 2, he is a little more aware of it. He was happy to play in the sand and watch the water until the tide started coming closer. Austin's bucket got picked up by the water and Ian freaked out. He promptly collected the buckets from all the kids and refused to let them play with them in fear that they would end up in the water again.

After the beach we headed to Balboa Island for dinner. We got to see lots of boats! The kids enjoyed looking at the variety of boats in the water. We rode on a ferry across the island, which was a hit with the kids. We enjoyed some amazing pizza for dinner than walked around the island before returning on the ferry and then back to Mike and Allison's house.

It was hard to say good bye, but we were looking forward to seeing Justin and Ben and hear about their adventures in Washington D.C. They had to buy a disposible camera for pictures since we did not anticipate taking 2 separate vacations, so we are unable to upload any pictures from their trip. Despite being on 2 vacations, everyone had a really great time and lots of wonderful adventures!

Cami's Family Party

We started last week with a good bye to Grandma Aladodo on Monday as she headed back to Eugene, OR. It was tough for us to see her leave, especially since we don't get to see her very often. Ian had the most trouble as we had to call 2 nights in a row so to have her sing to him and tell him goodnight before he would even think about getting into bed. We think it is a blessing that the kids adore her and Papa Bruce.

The kids started Eastside Lutheran's Soccer VBS camp on Monday as well. It was a cool and sort of rainy and overcast for most of the week, which was a huge change from the very hot and humid weather last year. Cami had her first experience with soccer and enjoyed kicking the ball. I think she enjoyed socializing most of all since she was often seen sitting on the sidelines with one or two other girls talking while the other kids in her group played soccer. When asked what she liked the most about soccer camp, she replied "the freezy pops at snack time". I guess whatever brings them in to hear God's Word, right?

Ben had a great time playing soccer with the 6 and 7 year olds. He ran back and forth on the field and even got the ball a few times. No goals for him, but he worked hard and did a great job. He stated that his favorite part of soccer camp was having his friend, Zach, there. Zach is a friend of ours from our Korean Adoption Group.

Earlier in the week Dana and the kids headed to Wauwatosa to celebrate the Webers daughter, Kelly, birthday. She turned 3 on Tuesday. The kids had a great time playing together. We especially enjoyed the time catching up with them and eating the Suzy Q like birthday cake. It was delicious!

Friday night Justin's sister, Keri, and daughter, Natalie, came to visit. The kids like spending time with Natalie, age 2. It is fun watch them play together. Justin's parents came down on Saturday and we all celebrated Cami's upcoming birthday. We will be traveling the next few weekends, so this was the only chance we will have together to celebrate with grandparents and auntie Keri and Natalie before Cami turns 5.

Grandma and Cami playing in the sandbox.

Cami's birthday cake made by Grandma Sandy.

Cousin Natalie and Cami

Mom's Visit

Last week flew by. We started last Sunday with Vacation Bible School at Bethesda Christian Fellowship. The kids were excited to participate in Crocodile Dock. They sang, did crafts, and danced around. Our friend, Mimi, was also able to join them for VBS. Over 60 kids attended and seemed to have a great time!We anxiously await the arrival of grandma Aladodo on Thursday. We attended a play group on Thursday morning at the Vilas Zoo. The kids enjoyed seeing their friends from Eastside Lutheran School. We had lunch, looked at the animals, and took a ride on the carousel.

Justin came home early to take care of the kids while I drove into Milwaukee to pick up mom from the airport. Her flight was about 30 minutes early, but perfect timing once luggage was picked up. We had almost no traffic heading back to Madison and were able to make it to the Mallards baseball game. Justin's company was holding their Mallards game outing, which is always enjoyed. The kids were overjoyed to see Aladodo and tell her all about the Mallards. The kids enjoy watching the game, but have more fun playing in the kids area, eating cotton candy, and playing games.

Friday morning Aladodo and Cami went on a date while mom and kids went to a play group at the house of a friend in our Korean group. Cami and grandma went to the fabric store to find princess fabric, went to lunch at Red Robin, and then went to find nail polish and pretend makeup. They came home and painted their nails a beautiful Bright Pink color! After resting during the rest of the afternoon, we decided to order a fish fry for dinner.

Saturday started very chilly and unfortunately did not get much better. We had a party scheduled with relatives. My aunts, uncles, and cousins were all able to join us for a cookout. It has been quite some time since they have all seen each other, so it was nice that they were all able to come out to Madison on such a chilly day.

The boys enjoyed Sunday since it was their chance to have a date with Aladodo. Ian and grandma headed to Culvers after church to eat lunch. Ian LOVES fries and ice cream, and even managed to eat some chicken. Grandma enjoy a delicious Turtle sundae.

Ben decided for his date he wanted to go to see Ice Age 3D. It was a hard choice between that and a Mallards game. He also was able to go to Target and get a special GI Joe toy.

We spent the early evening at the park flying a kite that Aladodo brought with and playing at the park. It had been another fun filled day.

We had to leave early on Monday morning to take Aladodo to the airport in Milwaukee. We were going to drop her off and then head to the Milwaukee zoo, but the kids were very excited about the planes and wanted to hang out at the airport instead. We spent 2 hours watching planes,

running around, and eating lunch (originally packed for the zoo). They had a great time and were able to say good bye to Aladodo. We headed for home and made it to Eastside Lutheran for VBS soccer camp with a little time to spare. This is Cami's first year playing soccer. She wasn't too excited at first, but after yesterday, she is excited to head back there today.

The summer is flying by and in no time the kids will be headed back to school. We have several more weeks of fun ahead of us, including a trip to California (if flights are open for us to go stand by), a trip to Minnesota, and a trip to Illinois for a boating weekend with the Webers. After that, back to school and getting use to having a 1st grader and Kindergartener and meeting new people at the kids new school.

Fourth of July 2009

I have great ideas to write for our blog entries, however, somehow they don't get done in a timely fashion. I can't seem to find enough time to sit down and upload pictures and then write an entry. My days are filled with busyness with either just my 3 or my 3 with an additional 2.

Sometimes for fun we head out (me and all 5 little ones) and go to the park or a play date or to Target to pick up something that we need. The summer is flying by and in less than a month the kids will start school again. They are still both excited to attending a new school this fall. We are hopeful that Ben will still like it once he has to actually put on "handsome" clothes. He has

warmed to the idea that he will be wearing Docker style pants and polo shirts or dress shirts. He is a bigger fan of jeans and Tshirts, so it may take a while before he gets use to the idea.We

enjoyed our 4th of July weekend at Justin's parents house. We always enjoy the time away to the country. It is so peaceful. Ben had his first camping experience with grandpa. He was so excited to sleep in a tent outside. We thought that camping up north at grandma and grandpas house was the best place since there is a bathroom right inside the house and no worries about other campers being too loud.

The kids enjoy tons of space to run and play, going fishing by the creek, feeding the rabbits, and playing with grandma and grandpa.Each of the kids caught 3 fish while fishing with grandma and grandpa at the creek near their house. Ian was overjoyed and dance with delight when he caught his fish.

It was a fun and relaxing 4th!

The kids leaving the park by Keri and Joe's house

Ian is too cool in his shades!