FDR and MLK Memorial

We are in DC. We made it. I flew with all four kids by My SELF! Yes there was an angel helping me along the way in the form of a wonderful grandmother figure who so kindly offered to sit with Addy and Luke and entertain them the entire 4 hour flight. It also helped that Sophie slept for 3 of the 4 hours. It was delightful. After a few days of time change adjustments we have settled in for our vacation from reality very nicely. Daddy arrived on Monday which was a huge blessing as we were all missing him after 9 days of separation. Our first family outing together was down to the FDR and MLK memorials. The kids did amazing (imagine little ping pong balls running in every direction). I was a little frazzled trying to keep up with them. I get a little freaked out in public places with out a stroller or a cart to keep them near my side. I am trying to be a little more trusting of them but really they are only 2, 4 and 5 years old. What can I expect. 

I tried to get a shot of them all standing "in line" but alas this is the best we could get. Little Claire loves to "walk" all by herself but don't be fooled by those big dough eyes. She is a little firecracker and when she gets freedom she takes any change to run. 

My ridiculously good looking parents. Seriously I hope I get the genes where I get younger looking as I grow older. As of now they have yet to kick in. But I have my fingers crossed for the future. 

My little four year old buddy. How are you growing up so fast. STOP GROWING PLEASE!

Claire and her Mimi. They are great buddies. 

I always took for granted how beautiful the Washington Monument was. It was in my backyard growing up. How did I never fully take in its beauty!

Like I said. Claire was having a very HARD DAY.  This included lots of screaming, tears and general unpleasantness. Poor little dear has been struggling with illness on and off for 6 months. I can't wait for the day when my little Claire is healthy and happy again. 

I just love everything about this photo!

Learning about Martin Luther King from the parks tour guide. The kids were quite enthralled. It was a great teaching moment to learn about diversity and what it means to be truly free and equal despite differences.

Little known fact. The Martin Luther King memorial is the only national monument dedicated to one person that was not a president. 

My beautiful little Addy. She is truly growing up into such a wonderful little girl. She is so helpful, smart and always very persistent. She is eager to learn and is excelling in school. I just love my dear little girl with a HUGE imagination.

These two photos capture my life in a nutshell. Lots of silliness and laughter. Being a mother is hard no doubt. It is tiresome and physically demanding, especially right now for me. For heaven sakes as I have written this post in the past hour I have put kids "back" to bed at least 15 times. They have switched beds, switched rooms, needed water, potty brakes. There were tears shed, books read, prayers said, kisses upon heads. Up and down hundreds of times. But here I sit now if just for a brief moment in silence to ponder what I actually have. Lots of love and lots of fun. I am so blessed. So very blessed.

My sweet Sophie. For that is what I shall call her always. She continues to be a source of peace and calm in our family. She lights up a room with her smile and when the chaos is swirling around me all I have to do is look at her and I feel a flood of calm and peace rush over me. She is an angel and a blessing, as all of my children are, in every way.