Virginia Beach

Let's hit the beach! We got a last minute hotel deal right on Virginia Beach for a few days. This was our first view of the Atlantic Ocean! We were on the top floor (18th) of the hotel with great views.

Claire loved watching the waves.

Sarah loved playing in the sand. Get sandy, rinse off and repeat.

Dad loved catching sand crabs.

Water was a great temperature and we loved playing in the waves.

We saw dolphins playing just off shore, saw pelicans flying overhead and even jellyfish.

Dad - staking out the sand crabs.

Aren't we adorable!

There is a long boardwalk at the beach and we took a walk down there to visit all the gift shops. After visiting we were very happy that our hotel was at the North End of the beach were we had lots of space on the beach and far away from the carnies and tourist traps.

The claw has chosen.

Future lifeguards perhaps?

We love the beach. We don't love the jellyfish that invaded and cut short our last chance at swimming.

The sunrise on our last morning.

We had a great road trip. We were all super happy to get out of the house for a few days, stay in hotels and relax. We would love to spend some more time in DC and visit more museums on a future road trip.

The Canadians Tackle Washington DC

Road Trip! We decided the day before we left to pack up and take a road trip. This time we headed for Washington DC to see the sights.

Mom got a great deal on a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia. It was fancy and I think Mom was just hoping we didn't break anything. There were great restaurants and shopping right outside our hotel and you could walk down to the water.

Down at the water watching the boats and feeding the ducks (and some strange massive fish).

Restaurants were good. Dad had some yummy seafood pasta and Claire tackled the shrimp. Although she still likes Mom's shrimp better.

After our first subway ride - which was so cool. We went on a long, long walk. We saw all the major DC landmarks: the White House, Washington Monument, War Memorials, Capitol Bldg. and parks.

Yeah - I could live in the White House someday.

After a long walk, some stairs. Claire was ready to give up on walking, but she knew her cousin really wanted a picture of the Lincoln statue so we kept on walking.

Made it!! Claire even posed with some random Asian tourist for a picture, LOL.

After seeing the monuments it was time for the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Of course the giant elephant in the rotunda was my favorite part.

Oceans!

They had some super amazing fossils. The Ice Age exhibit and Mammals were cool as were the dinosaurs.

Animals we have never even heard of!

Who knew!

We touched fossils and dinosaur bones! Touching things - our favorite pastime!
We also made it through the bugs, mammals, jewels and butterflies.

By the time we had lunch we were exhausted. After DC we decided to head to the beach. Sure hope I don't see this guy in the water.

We had a great time in DC! As long as there are baby ducks to feed everyone is happy.

Dinosaurs, Chemistry & Mighty Machines - OH MY!

Last week Claire had a Chemistry day camp at the science museum. She learned all about liquids, solids, gasses. They made ice cream and slime. Good times. Meanwhile, mom and I hung out and played for hours.

Giant lego blocks. Great for making towers.

After getting soaked at the water table, despite wearing a raincoat I spent much of my time playing doctor. Those babies required a lot of care.

Before Claire headed into her camp we did visit the mighty machine special exhibit. You could sit in the trucks and they actually had them turned on so you could scoop dirt. It was super cool.

They also opened a new special exhibit - dinosaurs! Claire has been counting the days to visit this one and we both loved it. You can look at dinosaur models, dig for fossils and go through a dinosaur maze.

Help - a T-Rex is eating Sarah!

We love our dinosaurs. At home dinosaurs and Barbies are often combined for an interesting play adventure.

A great day at COSI. My favorite part was when Mom let me pick a bag of shiny rocks to take home. Can't wait until Claire goes back for her robotics and mystery camps later this summer.

Zoo Kids

I'm a big kid now! This June I am enrolled in Zoo Kids. It is a half-day program on Tuesday mornings. It is the first time I am enrolled in something all by myself with no big sister around.

I was a little nervous, but once I found an elephant puzzle I was good to go. Each week we learn something new about animals and their senses. Week 1 was eyes and week 2 was noses.

One of our classroom pets - a tarantula.

We always go on a walkabout to visit an animal and a zookeeper brings an animal to our classroom for a visit. First was a hissing cockroach and second was an possum.

Our classroom bunny - princess sparkles.
Can't wait to see what I learn next week!