Air Force One Snapshots

Seeing how the kids will be starting school in 5 days, I realized that if we were ever going to have a chance to see Air Force One take off, it needed to be soon.  Plus I know the kids seeing their Dad in action and witnessing what he does when he is not with us is pretty dang cool.  They loved it and I'm sure it helps them see the bigger picture.  It's tough being a military kid and having to always hug Dad goodbye, but thanks to this little peek, it may not sting as much. 

Disclaimer- Seeing how I was taking this video while controlling my gremlins, so we didn't get the stink eye from the agents, the video is shaky and you will hear my voice.  

It's not perfect, but I know Eric will appreciate it. 

Playing tourist for a day!

We toured the East Wing of the White House and the Capitol.  

Not too many pictures, but we did take a few. ;) 

The photos below weren't taken on the same day, but I wanted to include the photos from the day that we toured the West Wing.  Of course seeing how security is a concern, we were only able to take a couple.  

The Big Apple

When we first moved here, Eric promised the kids that we would make it up to New York City for a mini vacation.  Two years later and I was still dragging my feet on this trip.  While I have never been to New York City, it doesn't scream family friendly plus the thought of navigating with two special kiddos started to give me an anxiety attack.  Lexie can't walk long distances and easily tires.  We brought the umbrella stroller for Lexie and Eric and I carried Eli in his Ergo.  It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be.  We had such a great time and I have a new appreciation for the city.  Besides the outrageous price of living, the city is great for families.  Everything you need is within walking distance and there are so many fun places for the  kids to explore.  I hope to go back soon!

Toys R Us in Times Square

We were all able to go on the huge Ferris Wheel that takes up three floors!

 4th of July

9/11 Memorial 

The kids are standing next to a long plaque hanging near the 

memorial honoring the firefighters who died during 9/11. 

I didn't realize how little Ethan and Gracie knew of 9/11, so we had a long talk about this 

event and the importance of this memorial.

The 9/11 Memorial 

  

Eating out with a good size bunch can get hard, but knowing that the amount of kid friendly restaurants is quite low makes it even harder.  Thankfully every restaurant that we ate at went above and beyond.  Plus I'm sure it helped a lot that I researched family friendly restaurants at this great site, MiniMunchers, since we all know that an annoyed waitress and patrons can ruin your mood and appetite. 

Restaurants and Lexie don't mix well.  There's too many people, it's loud and she doesn't sit still. 

Eric had the genius idea to bring his noise canceling headphones for her tablet and I can't believe how much it modified her behavior.  We are bringing those suckers everywhere!

Statue of Liberty 

 Not a bad place to spend our 4th of July at, if I do say so myself!

I printed up these adorable crowns for the kids to wear on our trip to the Statue of Liberty. 

Gracie's crown was the only one that lasted more than 2 minutes.

View from the pedestal.  

If anyone is curious, the pedestal is 195 steps up! 

 Times Square

Central Park 

I was surprised to learn that you can rent a model boat in Central Park. 

I was even more surprised that it only cost $11.00!  Ethan loved it!

Aladdin Broadway Show

While my first choice was Lion King, I got to hand it to Ethan and Gracie on their great choice. 

 Aladdin was fantastic and the costumes were GORGEOUS!  

We had a blast and I just wish we had more time to see more shows.  

Empire State Building