Bowie’s 8th birthday and DC

Holy cow it's been way too long since I've updated this blog. My new year's reasolution is to be better about technology.

Let's flash back to July when Bowie turned 8. We started with a classic backyard pool party with some of his best buds. Josh was the coolest dad and created a scavenger hunt that took the boys all over the neighborhood searching for the party pinata.

 

We have a tradition of skipping birthday gifts in lieu of a trip of Bowie's choice. This year he chose Washington DC because 1) He did a report on the Washington Monument in school and wanted to see it in person and 2) Torin lives there and she's the best.

The first thing we did went we got to the hotel was run to the National Botannical Gardens to see the Corpse Flower in bloom. There are fewer than 800 of them left in the wild and only around 120 in private collections. They only bloom once every 6-8 years for 24-36 hours so catching it in person is extra special.

Of course the gardens were spectacular but we had to hurry back to see... Torin!

The first thing she did was take us to Artechouse DC, which is an interactive art exhibit that's difficult to explain and super fun to experience.

 

She also booked us a private monuments by night tour. It was really special to learn all about the monuments and get time to see them up close and in person and especially to do it when they're all lit up. It was magical.

Bowie was MOST excited to see the Washington Monument and had been waiting a long time to take this photo where it looks like he's holding it. 

We also went to the Smithsonian American History Museum.

We saw Lincoln's bloody hat.

The Word Museum was very cool and interactive, especially for Bowie who is just fully coming to know the joy of reading.

Okay but the Spy Museum was BY FAR our favorite thing. It's a can't miss.

Torin suprised Josh and I by making us a dinner reservation at the Iron Gate and taking Bowie to the movies (and back to the Washington Monument) so we could have a date night. Bowie was spoiled with ALL the movie treats and a good bonding night with Torin.

It truly is magical to see our nation's capital in person. I'm so thankful I could bring Bowie to make these connections while he's young. I'm especially thankful to Torin because she made all sorts of plans that made this trip special and memorable. I love you Torin!