Ford's Theater and Other News

In other news, we decided to put in for the Orlando positions. I just had to try! I don't know if it is the best decision or if anything will come from it, but I can't pass up the chance to be so close to my family. We should know next week.

We finally had decent weekend weather and an open government! I recently read a book by Elizabeth Keckley, Mary Todd Lincoln's seamstress and friend. Thomas had been saying he wanted to visit Ford's Theater for awhile and after reading her book, I was excited to see if there was any mention of Ms. Keckley (there was!). We left the house around 9 on Saturday and went to Ford's theater. We enjoyed our visit. Even though we have all been before, I find that it doesn't matter how many times we do something like that--I always learn something new. They have a small museum in the Theater's basement, which is where we went first. After the museum, we headed into the theater to hear the infamous story. The lecturer was the most enthusiastic one we've had and everyone appreciated his story-telling skills.

We then went across the street to the aftermath experience. The Petersen House (where President Lincoln was taken and then died) was closed. Our favorite part of the aftermath experience is the giant stack of books. It is 34 feet tall and represents the approximately 16,000 books that have been written about Lincoln.

The sun was bright and I couldn't get a good picture.

Nobody wanted to go home, so we decided to walk to the Mall area and visit the Museum of American History. Our first stop was lunch in the cafeteria. It was about 1:30 and while we had brought a good snack right before going into Ford's Theater around 10:30, everyone was more than ready to eat. We like to eat in the Smithsonian cafeterias. They are pricey, but since museum admission is free, we don't mind; it lets us feel like we are contributing.

Everyone choose a couple of things they wanted to see. We let Luke play in the little play area and in return he promised to be patient while we saw some other stuff. He started to get a little whiny, and I reminded him about our "deal" and it bought us a little bit more time. We have finally abandoned the stroller (although, we may still break it out for excessive trips). At almost 5, it is long overdue. I am pretty sure that we had kicked the older three out of strollers around their 3rd birthdays, but it is so much easier for us to keep him confined as we drag him places he doesn't really want to be. Overall, everyone was great! We left the museum around 4 and picked up some pizza on our way home. It was a beautiful day and I was so happy to get out of the house!

Crazy eye'd Luke and crazy eye'd Cookie Monster

In other other news, today was the first day of LEAP at the kid's school. I can't remember exactly what it stands for: Learning Enrichment ? Program? (I could be wrong.) But, it runs for 5 weeks on Thursdays. Parents volunteer to run a program on something they are interested in (or think kids might be interested in). Kara has participated every year. Last year she did bracelet making, the year before was Trash to Treasure. I can't remember the others. There are usually dance and cooking options. I've never volunteered before since I either had Luke or work. But, this year with our new flexible work schedule (love, love, LOVE), I am able to leave early on Thursdays and make up the time on another day. My chosen class: The Magical World of Harry Potter! I am doing it with another parent. We worked on the play sets together a few years ago and have stayed friends. We had a ton of activities planned for the first day, but it is only an hour and with 20 kids, we didn't accomplish nearly what we expected. However, all three of my kids said they had fun, so I am calling it a success. One week down and 4 to go! With Jack and Anna going to middle school next year, I am trying to squeeze in all the fun I can.

And, two random pictures. Anna's class had a crazy hair day. We put in 9 pony tails and 9 bows.

And, that's all for now :)