If you Haven't Got a Penny

We have been trying to take in all that DC has to offer before we move in less then a year. We tried to attend a PowWow Native American dance show at the National Museum for the Native American, but found we weren't the only ones interested in attending. Unable to get into the full auditorium we decided to look around the museum itself. When that proved a little too much for Tiago and Mia, we headed to the cafeteria to try some Native American food. The only "affordable" menu item was a $3 Flat bread. You know that bottom layer of the Navajo Taco. This one however was coated with honey and powdered sugar laced with cinnamon. Sticky and somewhat full, we ventured to the amazing exterior of the museum. The water you see in the background of the previous picture comes from a waterfall cascading off the side of the building and created a series of mini waterfalls and streams. Mia and Tiago found it a bit strange that there were so many pieces of money on the bottom of the pools. I had to explain the idea of why people throw money into water, but found that letting them try themselves worked a little better. The next lesson was teaching them the principle of leaving the money after you throw it.

Berries the Size of your Face

Once again we headed to our local PYO farm in order to try the blackberries. This was a first for all of us. I was surprised to find rows of Goliath tall plants full of enormous berries. Like always, Tiago and Mia moved quickly and efficiently shoving in berries almost mechanically. I tried to keep up in order to out weigh their eatings, but to no avail. Mia had to explain to Tiago a few times that she was not his napkin and to wipe his juicy hands on the grass (an exact parody of the mother one row over). Tiago finally was too full to press on and opted for his truck instead.

California or Bust!

As if a road trip wasn't enough fun, we decided to squeeze in a trip to California to visit our family for a few days. (see the next post for more details of the first part of our vacation) Our adventures getting to the airport would have been perfect for one of those tv reality shows. Not to bore you with too many details, but it involved illegal parking, Fernando running through the grasslands of the airport, and catching our bags before they went to the unknown world of luggage to stow Fernando's Leatherman (super pocket knife) avoiding any possible confusion at the security check point. The trip on the plane should be forgotten.
The first few days were spent with Mama Clara, Papa Juan, and Aunt Tirsa. To beat the heat of the desert, we stopped for a swim at Edwards Air Force Base. Mia surprised all of us by intentionally venturing underwater multiple times. This is a far cry from last year's Introduction to Water Class that Mia took in order to be more comfortable being in the water.



The next day we decided to head to the hills to see the Sequoia National Park. The trees were amazing. We hiked on the Trail of 100 Giants. It was incredible to see these enormous Sequoias twisting around each other. Tiago and Mia loved the echoes produced in the park. The were quiet the little trail blazers. With all the walking about and make believe playing, we didn't feel as bad about locking the kids back in their car seats to head over to my sister's house in Camarillo.

We loved having the chance to see her new home. They have done amazing things with the place and would inspire anyone to do a little DIY improvements. Though are main goal was to see Chris, Emily, and Ethan, we also got a chance to see what life in Paradise would be like. I say Paradise because we could be outside at any given time during the day and feel more than comfortable. When we went to the beach, I could actually sit on the beach. Going in the water was just for fun not for cooling off! Mia and Tiago were loving the chance to play outside without getting heat flushed cheeks as they are accustomed to in Maryland. We also got the chance to see a fantastic magic show at their library. I don't know what was more amazing the magic or the fact that the magician never used a dirty joke once. While the kids took a nap, Fernando and I found new games we want to purchase as is the case each time we are around the Woidka family.
Although we had to leave, we at least had some fun ahead of us back with the Tovar family. What kid doesn't love two birthday parties two days in a row? Even without the party time, the Tovar's have a veritable petting zoo at their house. The kids literally had their hands full of dogs, cats, and baby chickens. When we finally were driving to the airport, Mia sadly bid California City goodbye and said "I wish we could live in California. It is so fun."


For more California pictures, check out
http://picasaweb.google.com/rachelletovar/CaliforniaAdventure