Sweet Friend

Hickman Visit

The Hickmans came up to visit us this weekend!
We packed in the fun, and the kids were troopers while we hit up some DC spots.

The weather was overcast and so much cooler, which made it even more manageable; so thankful!

The boys loved seeing their friends, and they picked up right where they left off.

Emmaline watched from a distance sometimes, and other times she jumped right in.

We even got to go on a double date Friday night after the kids went to bed -- thank you, Lindsey!

On Thursday, we took the Metro to the Mall then walked to the Lincoln.

That's quite a hike, and the kids were really good sports.

We waltzed back and had pizza at We the Pizza.

We got home after 8 and the kids went to bed around 9, they were so tired we didn't hear a peep!

And if you're wondering how we all fit in our house,

E and H slept in their bunks with Judah and Nate on their floor.

Asher and Caleb were in Emmaline's bed and trundle, with Maddox in the pack n' play in her closet.

Emmaline was on our bedroom floor and Amber and Blake on the queen air bed in the LR.

We had a huge sleepover!

Of course we stopped to climb the tree by the Washington Monument.

We dipped our hands into the WWII fountain.

On Friday, we went to Yards Park and swam.

Emmaline was trying to yell something at the boys...but no one was listening.

Imagine that?!

So she swam over.

And kept trying.

On Friday afternoon, after lunch at Potbelly's, the little ones napped while Amber and I took the big boys to see the Constitution at the Archives.  It was a quick and easy trip, so we had ice cream by the Sculpture Gardens fountain.

Friday night, we grilled burgers and hot dogs, gave everyone baths/showers and tucked them in.

Lindsey came over and babysat while we went out for dessert at Matchbox.

On Saturday, we had homemade pop tarts at Ted's Bulletin and hopped on the Metro again 

to visit our neighbors at the White House.

Elijah's becoming quite the Metro pro, riding and standing up.

(Hudson tries to, but I'm always afraid his skinny little body is going to fly down that aisle!)

We had a picnic lunch at Lafayette Park across from the 

White House before heading home to send them off!

The squirrels here are crazy; they come right up and want to snatch food out of your hands!

So we had to keep this one particular guy away.

The kids took turns petting a Park Patrol horse.

And climbed one more tree!

Thank you so much for driving up to see us! 

We made so many fun memories!

Pool Play Date

A Visit from Taylor

Taylor came to visit Saturday and left this morning.

It was especially fun to have girl time - it was just us and Emmaline!

(The boys were on the retreat with Nick until Tuesday.)

We did the usual girly things...

browsed at Anthropology, played dress up, ate bad foods and baked bad foods and bought bad foods.

It. was. awesome.

Toasted Marshmallow Shakes from Good Stuff

Oatmeal Bake

How Sweet It Is Pasta....there are no words.

iPhoto Funny Faces

Anthropology

Dress Up

Milkshakes at Ted's

I wish I had a video of Emmaline's running commentary on each person that strolled by.

Hilarious memories.

Snuggling

(Tay loves to doodle on her arm.  

Those aren't tattoos, so no need to cut out articles from the paper 

on the harmful effects of ink to send to her.)

We love you and treasure your friendship - thank you for helping me and encouraging me.

Come again soon.  

In two or three days?