Washington DC

Gilby and I spent this past weekend in Washington DC for the National Down Syndrome Congress' Annual Convention. Although we were both there for work, and spent most of the weekend in conference activities, we did sneak away for a bit of sight seeing.

After arriving Thursday afternoon we took a short subway ride to the Smithsonian and walked around most of the major monuments and memorials on the National Mall. Despite sweating so much (!) in the hot, humid weather, it was really fun to actually take a leisurely stroll with my husband and be able to take in the sights without constantly managing kids. We made our way past the White House and to Old Ebbit Grill, which had been recommended to us by a few people. After a long, but yummy dinner that didn't end until about 10:30, we realized it was pouring rain outside. Earlier I had been so proud of myself having actually taken the time to look at the weather and pack an umbrella for the trip, but I guess it wasn't so smart to leave it in the hotel room! We ran the few blocks back to the metro station and took a very wet trip back to the hotel.

Friday we actually slept in a bit (it's all relative when you have a kiddo that is almost always up by 5:15 AM!), had breakfast a few blocks from our hotel, and walked around the neighborhoods some before I spent the afternoon and evening in a meeting. Gilby took advantage of his free time and took a run around town to see more of the sights.

The rest of the weekend was pretty much spent at the conference, which was equally as fun, educational, and inspirational. We went last year as well, and it was just as great this year to hear all of the talks from the self advocates (adults with Down syndrome), and connect with other parents and professionals.

A HUGE thank you to my parents for staying with the kids over the weekend. It was an amazing break for Gilby and I to have a few days away and come back refreshed to care for our busy toddlers. The kids had lots of fun with Grandma and Grandpa, who took them to gym class, farmer's market, the park, and the swimming pool. When we got home Sunday night both kids started running around crazy doing somersaults and a "happy dance" as Sydney called it after Gilby suggested the name for their wildness. It's great to be missed...