At home in DC

It's been 14 years since I've lived in DC but this is still my all-time favorite city in the US. I don't know if it's the overall city plan, public transportation or solidity of the architecture that resonates with me. Or the seriousness of the work all around juxtaposed with the swarms of tourists that humors me. But I still love DC.

Bram has integrated himself right into the Large household along with their guests from Connecticut. The five boys are buddies minus a few Pokemon trading fights. Bram has really taken to Maggie the dog and loves that she likes to fetch -- something our own dog is deficient at.

We were the last out this morning and wandered our way down to Cleveland Park metro. First stop Museum of Natural History. We were looking for the crystal skull exhibit which turns out to be one crystal skull, a forgery, on display outside the cafeteria. Bram was still enamored and we had time to take in the bugs, rocks and skeletons as well. As usual, the highlight for Bram was a stop at the gift shop which yielded him a crystal making kit.

Next stop was the Spy Museum, again the gift shop. The museum is geared to 12 and up so we opted to wait until he's older despite the fact that PG-13 movies are a staple of his entertainment. I highly recommend the book and movie section of the gift shop. Bram added a monkey stuffed animal to his collection. Across the street, the renovated National Museum of American Art and National Portrait Gallery are now joined by a stunning courtyard. After a quick visit to the Hall of Presidents to view the presidential portraits, we set up shop in the courtyard and played several rounds of Harry Potter Uno. Right down the middle of the courtyard is a fountain of sorts, sheets of water that flow across the slate. Kids and adults are welcome to wade in it and Bram and I splashed with delight.

Off to meet up with Craig and the girls. Christie, Cara and Cate. Bram and Cate hit it off immediately when Cate showed him her collection of cars. She then spent the rest of our visit trying to convince Bram of the merits of the guinea pig vs. the hamster as a pet. I'm not personally a fan of either but the guinea pig does seem more substantial and less rat-like. Bram's been lobbying for a new pet for his 7th birthday in November. We'll see.

Jody (from NY, living in CT, moving to DC) and I are still trying to find our six degrees of separation -- we'll figure it out even though we didn't get to it even with the help of a pitcher of margaritas at Cactus Cantina.

Latest totals
Toilets clogged - 2 (Bram, not sure what's up with that)
Boys visited - 3+2 guests of Anne's
Girls visited - 1.5 (Cara, Cate stayed upstairs for most of our visit since she didn't feel well)
Gift shops visited - 3 (out of 3 museums)