Mulberry Street

This summer the Stories in Art program took the kids to France to learn about impressionism.  They studied pieces by Monet, Degas, van Gogh, and Renoir.  Genevieve enjoyed herself even more this time around, though Emory enjoyed it less.  That means my experience is mixed.  This is one of those opportunities which makes me love living near the District. Claude Monet - Garden at Giverny and Footbridge   My favorite Monet is this piece in the poppy field  and Eric's favorite Monet is this piece on the water at sunrise .  We are very lucky to have seen both pieces, up close and personal, on a trip to Paris several years ago.  Maybe we'll be able to take our kids to Paris someday and show them the originals and the countryside that inspired Monet's work.     Edgar Degas  - Four Dancers and The Dance Lesson   Pierre Auguste Renoir - Pont Neuf and Oarsman at Chatou ...

PHOTO A DAY CHALLENGE - TAKE II You may have noticed that I changed up 27, 28, and 29 - sorry to those of you who are trying out this month's challenge.  I failed on those assignments, so I made new ones up instead...which I can do, because this is my blog after all. 26. DARKNESS One way to light up a dark tunnel is to create an artistic moving light show.  I think it's pretty great and do do the kids.  We walk back and forth through the tunnel multiple times before moving on to the next exhibit.  @The National Gallery of Art - walkway between the east and west buildings. 27. STREET CORNER I am standing on the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th.  I am looking at the National Archives kitty corner from where I stand.  To the left is the Sculpture Garden, behind me is the National Gallery of Art, and to the right of me is the Federal Trade Commission building.  All from one street corner. 28. WHERE YOU ...

I had the chance to visit two museums with Jaclyn when she was in town.  The kids got along well and enjoyed themselves, as much as they could for being as tired as they all were.  It was also interesting to watch the age-directed pecking order.  Without any prompting, kids tend to "fall in line" and this played out throughout our day together.  Abe took special interest in Emory and the two boys were so cute together.  Genevieve, of course, hung on big-girl Peyton's every word and when she couldn't keep up, she turned her attention to Sophia.  Sophia also tended to Emory.  Someone has to be the littlest.  Jaclyn and I enjoyed chatting and watching our kids interact.  I miss her wonderful family. Natural History Museum American History Museum   06/12

The kids and I wanted to spend a few extra minutes with Eric one morning, so we all drove into the District together.  Hmm, sitting in traffic can actually be productive when you're surrounded by your family!  After dropping off Eric, we headed over to see something on the Mall we'd never seen before.  I let our parking spot decide our location and I found a spot right in front of the S. Dillon Ripley Center.  We spent time in the Math Alive Exhibit, time in the rooftop garden, and also time in the Freer and Sackler Galleries.  We had lunch in the car and arrived back home by 12:30pm.  It was perfect!  S. Dillon Ripley Center When we walked into the Math Alive Exhibit I felt like we'd walked into an arcade.  Genevieve was afraid of all the middle school kids (because, not only one bus unloaded before our eyes, but two did) and Emory was overwhelmed by the noise.  In reality, the exhibit was much too old for my kids, b...