Night out in the name of Christmas Spirit

The last big outing before birthday week begins! We were really looking forward to this one. An evening out in DC. As soon as Boyd was done with wrestling he jumped in the shower and got dressed up. He chose his own fancy outfit of course. Then we had to wait a few hours but eventually the time came to head up and a short nap helped pass the time. Our plan was to stop at the US Botanical Gardens for their Christmas display. Every year is slightly different and it's been since we lived in Falls Church that we've gone. Boyd enjoyed traveling all over the gardens and remembering favorites from before. It was nice that he was able to share in the joy with Peighton. The two were equally enthusiastic with all the plants, reading the signs, finding fallen leaves, wishing wells. and so forth. The display was celebrating our National parks and was good but not as good as the fairy home year in my opinion.  Oh, of course a trip to the gardens isn't complete without playing by the reflecting pool near the Capitol and viewing the National Christmas tree. Our next stop was dinner at Ted's Bulletin (an old favorite breakfast spot serving food and breakfast all day- yummy. Really miss this place and Boyd asked again this morning to go there. Next we drove to find the National Theater. Once parked we headed to the wrong theater but luckily the National Theater was just around the corner. The building they were tearing down was just covering it up. At the theater we viewed The Grinch Musical. It was a fun night for all.

Who likes Christmas? Who's like Christmas!

Such big kids, except when it came to sitting still in the theater seats (at least for Boyd aka Wiggle Worm)

Photo op for mom and Boyd

Our leaves got confiscated by the Botanical Garden staff lady. She saw Peighton's and we thought it was only fair if we coughed ours up too. Not sure what the harm was in taking dead leaves that had fallen on the ground but she said she didn't want that to encourage others to pick ones off the tree. The kids tried to negotiate but no go. So a final picture with the leaves before we handed them over. 

In front of the Statue of Liberty made all out of plant products.

Little cove with Paul Bunyan and Babe and a few others.

Capitol and tree at night.

We all liked these fragrant flowers at the gardens.

Handsome date by the bear.

Post Grinch Selfie. Holiday spirit was alive and well with this group.

Capitol Hill kid models.

Christmas spirit crew.