goodbyes

To celebrate our last night there, Rusty and Krista took us to dinner at one of their favorite Mexican places. To get there we took the metro from Union Station to the car, which was parked near the Pentagon. It was rush hour and the train was packed, but it was so nice to see people give up their seats for the kids. Even if they did look like this.

When we got to the restaurant, Rusty was created with a hug. The staff was so funny and so sweet to us and the girls. 

We had a rowdy group. Here are these clowns.

And Krista ordered the BIG drinks. I had no idea they were that big. I was feeling good about half way through. 

This guy makes me happy. 

The girls really warmed up to both Rusty and Krista during this trip. I really want them to have a relationship with all of their family and I think this trip is just what they needed to get closer.

The last night in the bear cave. It was so cold in the basement and I loved everything second of it. Tired days and cold air made this girl sleep really good.

The next morning we headed home. We all had a blast and were sad to leave, but school was starting soon and it was back to reality.

The girls sat in the two seats all by themselves on the flight home. They ate their snacks and watched movies. They even listened to me and chewed gum on the descent. Everyone was happier with this landing.

The National Mall from the plane.

the last of the sightseeing

After our girls morning we met back up with Michael and Rusty to do the tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. I thought I the end they would give us some samples of money. I was wrong. You can't take pictures on the tour, but we had fun in the lobby afterwards.

Then we hopped in a cab to Union Station for the Duckboat ride. A cab ride is the perfect time for pictures.

It was really nice having an extra set of hands around. We actually got some good family pictures on this trip. 

A replica of the Liberty Bell.

We loaded the boat for the tour. It was baking on that boat. The kids liked it okay. I think they were just hot and over it all. We saw some good stuff though. This is the closest we got to the White House on the whole trip.

I love Rusty and Krista so much. I wish we lived closer. I could see all of us hanging out all the time.

Morgan tapped out toward the end. She would much rather play on my phone.

We rode right past the Capitol Building.

Family selfie.

A fun way to end the trip. We felt like we accomplished a lot in just four days. And the girls handled everything really well. I love my little travelers.

american girl store

Before we had lunch at the cafe, Addison and Morgan took their dolls to have their hair done. Addison even got Caroline's ears pierced. It was all pretty exciting. Here's Julie getting her hair done.

Addison and her new sideways smile waiting for Caroline.

With ears pierced and hair done, it was time for lunch in the cafe.

My sweet girls. The entire trip to the store is overpriced, but I'm lucky and blessed that I get to splurge on these girls every once in awhile. It's nice to create these memories with them.

Dessert time! I tried to be good and didn't even order a sundae, but the waitress felt sorry for me and brought me one anyway. How nice and evil at the same time.

Morgan and Aunt Krista. 

 This right here is typical Morgan. She would eat sweets all day every day if you let her.

 Again with the smile. She's still so cute though.

We had the perfect girls day. All six of us!