School Thoughts

Last night was back to school night at St. Michael's. A night I usually dread. And last night, I was especially dreading it because I was going solo as Dave was working in San Francisco (his company's offices are based in San Fran). I am easily overwhelmed by the number of people and the amount of effort that seemingly goes into the dress code for this rather uneventful night.

The night begins with an introduction from Father Porter and Mr. C (the principal), then the parents break up and spend about 20 minutes in the classrooms of each child.

The teachers introduce themselves, talk about the upcoming year and hand out a few papers with schedules, etc. In the packet of information that I received from Eden's teacher there was a great quote.

"I promise you every day your children will learn something. Some days they'll bring it home in their hands. Some days they'll bring it home in their heads. And some days they'll bring it home in their hears." Valerie Welk

Thank you Mrs. Elston - you made the whole night worthwhile for me.

Have a great long weekend.

Washington D.C. - Part One

Day One of our Washington D.C. trip started with a long run for Dave and I along the Mount Vernon Trail from Alexandria. If you have not had the opportunity to run in the D.C. area, it really is something great. Not only are there miles of trails, but it is a great way to see all of the monuments, without the lines.



After breakfast/lunch, we headed to the Natural History Museum and the Newseum. Two great choices. The Natural History Museum has a butterfly exhibit with more than 400 live butterflies. Eden and Clara love the concept of butterflies, but in reality, they are terrified of them. It was all I could do to keep them from swatting at them and killing them, or seriously injuring them. They are very fragile (the butterflies, not Eden and Clara.)



We also saw the Hope Diamond. It is set in a Harry Winston diamond necklace. It really wasn't as large as I thought it would be - but I would take it. Wait, I already own it. According to the plaque under the diamond, this diamond is the property of the people of the United States of America. Maybe that is why our country is in the midst of such bad luck. We should give it to another country and maybe our economy will turn around.

The gem and mineral exhibit is truly beautiful. The museum was so busy, Saturday, a holiday weekend and it is free. So we only stayed for a while then headed over to the Newseum. It was considerably less crowded, probably has something to do with the $21.95 per person price tag. But, well worth it.



(This is the view from the upstairs balcony of the Newseum - now that would be a great place for a party.)

They have a 9/11 exhibit that is very moving. Davis, though I am sure does not remember the day, was really intrigued. I however, liked the Tim Russert exhibit. I have always been a fan.

Especially loved this coffee cup on his desk. Dave and I try really hard to spend any extra money we have on trips with our kids. We do not buy them alot of "things", but sometimes I worry that we are not doing enough - this really hit home.



In case you can't read the photo - "You can shower a child with presents or money, but what do they really mean, compared to the most valuable gift of all - your time? Vacations and special events are nice, but so often the best moments are the spontaneous ones. Being there. Every moment you spend with your child could be the one that really matters."

We rode the Metro back to Alexandria in time for burgers on the grill and a great evening eating ice cream and watching fireworks in Old Town Alexandria - not bad for day one!