Johnson Family: Washington D.C.

We were lucky back to have another fun chance to visit Washington D.C. for Allie's baptism. Of course we packed in the sights again. This time since Ben has special United status we were able to go in the United Club and get snacks and treats before getting on the plane. They had milk, juice, bagels, crackers and fruit. It worked out perfectly since we had an early flight and the girls didn't get much breakfast before we left.

Dad doing the duck face.

On our first day there we visited the D.C. zoo. A favorite was the baby panda.

Then everyone needed a break and snack! We had just got there. . .

One of my favorites is the elephants. The exhibit was really great and you could see the elephants close up.

Hands down the most memorable part of the zoo was this little water play area. By this time it was getting pretty hot and the water would fill up like a tidal pool and then spill over and spray out of little holes in the ground. It was a great way to cool off.

Landry was adorable as he ran from hole to hole waiting for the water to come spraying out. One time he got nailed in the face.

After several more animals we stopped for a picnic lunch.

And of course a carousel ride is always a favorite way to end the day.

Cute Tucker with Landry and Jill in the background. Poor Jill traipsed all over D.C. with us while being pregnant. She's such a trooper.

Day 2: Mt. Vernon
Our second day in D.C. we decided to visit Mt. Vernon, home of George Washington. This place was amazing and we learned so much about how great a man and leader George Washington was. We walked all around the main house and outer buildings.

The main house in the background.

While waiting in line outside we saw this huge beetle. Dan made a joke that it was 200 years old.

Kira was a trooper and liked keeping up with the big kids.

A view from the porch overlooking the Potomac river.

There were work buildings and housing for all the slaves and workers on the plantation. George Washington had experimental gardens, and employed several hundred people at one point.

The main house.

Tombs of George and Martha Washington.

Fun cousin time.

Day 4: Baptism Day

Saturday was Allie's baptism. We invited some friends of ours, The Smith's, that had just that week moved to the D.C. area. They were so sweet and made a point to stop by. It was so fun to see them there. I hope we get to see them each time we come! Ben's showing off his BYU socks and tie because they are Utah fans.

Cousins hanging around waiting for the grown ups to finish!

The whole family there at the baptism.

For dinner that night we went to Café Rio.

A fun discovery was that D.C. has lightning bugs. Here is was about dusk and the kids were running around trying to catch them in their hands and jars.

Mackenzie caught one on her hand and was showing me.

Cousin Time

My favorite parts of staying with family is all the fun down time when the cousins get to play together.

Grandma telling all the grandkids stories at bedtime. This has become a fun tradition she does with them. Many times they are Chinese tales or whatever else she can think of!