We took an early flight to DC! The boys did great - they're old enough to enjoy watching two movies and then we were there. Eleanor did better than I imagined on her first flight. I gave her suckers and mini m&ms. She was happy! She waved and talked to everyone around us.
Once we arrived in DC, the kids and I hopped on a shuttle and it took us to our hotel room for the night. I got lots of crazy looks as Eli pushed the stroller while I had our luggage and the boys' boaster seats. Oh, as we went through security in Denver, a lady said to me, "You are a very efficient mother." :) I took it as a huge compliment.
We arrived at our hotel and everyone took naps. The kids and I then grabbed some food and as we were walking back to our hotel room, we ran into AARON coming from the parking garage! It wasn't even planned and was the best surprise. Eleanor was a bit hesitant of Aaron at first, but then after he shared his ice cream with her, she said, "Dad! Hi Dad!"
We loved hugging and kissing Aaron over and over again. We enjoyed ice cream and swimming on Friday night and Saturday we headed to DC. It was freezing and we didn't have coats, but we made it and were happy to be together.
Weeks before our trip, we checked out books from the library about DC and the boys loved pointing out sights along our walk.
We missed the cherry blossoms but found this one tree that had bloomed!
Saturday afternoon we headed to Grandma and Grandpa Volk's house. They were out of town but returned home late Monday evening. Eleanor talked and pointed to baby Elise. I shared this picture with Mary Beth because it warmed my heart so much.
We visited our old ward and loved seeing the great people we loved and served with when we lived there for 2 and 1/2 years.
Sunday evening we had dinner with the Gunnells and Callahans. So grateful for their friendship through the years.
Monday: we went to Mt. Vernon. I love that place! The weather was warm and we enjoyed walking around and learning about George Washington.
We packed a lunch and then went to the Marine Corps Museum. It's free and close to where we met Aaron for dinner.
We had Duck Donuts for the first time - our FHE dessert was a donut Sunday. It was delicious!! :)
Tuesday: We had lunch with Grandma Volk at her work and then visited the Callahan's home.
Tuesday evening Grandpa Volk played the Wii with the boys. He was so patience to teach them how to play.
Wednesday we met up with the Gunnells at Scramble - an indoor play place. It was a fun spring break activity!
Thursday: Duane and LeeAnn had the day off and we enjoyed time together, had Chick-fil-a for lunch, and then drove down to see Aaron. We toured the academy and then ate dinner in the cafeteria. It was the highlight of the trip! It was great for the kids to see where Aaron is while our family is apart.
Friday morning we went to the park and then Aaron came to his parents' house for the weekend to be with us before we flew back to Colorado.
The boys were so brave as we said goodbye. The goodbye was the part of the trip I was dreading the most. I found these cool toys at Wal-mart and Aaron gave them to the boys as he said goodbye. They were so excited! Austin shouted "BYE DAD" as we boarded the plane. Aaron texted me that he had tears in his eyes and the boys seemed fine. :)
Time together was just what our family needed. It was an emotional roller coaster for the kids -- extremely excited to be with dad, but sad that he couldn't come home with us. There were some meltdowns and tears, but lots of happy memories too. We're closer to Aaron finishing and we're looking forward to being together again.
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