National Arboretum

We've been trying to hit a few of our favorite spots one more time before we move. We have enjoyed many trips to the National Arboretum in every season. We love playing hide and seek in the amazing conifer collection so we made sure to do that on this last trip. We also stopped at the Capitol Columns this time and the kids had a great time playing in the water and getting wet. (The columns used to be part of the Capitol in D.C.) This fall weather has been amazing.

Having fun with a cricket.

the arboretum.

We spent a few hours Saturday afternoon exploring the National Arboretum and enjoying the signs of spring. The Asian Collection is one of my favorites at spring time. There is also a huge grove of magnolia trees in shades of white, yellow, and pink and the camellia garden was in full bloom. The kids found a massive tree with good climbing branches so we spent most of our time there. We're still waiting for the cherry trees to fully bloom later this week. It's hard to believe that they peaked around March 20 last year.

Oliver chasing a bee.

 

I love the comparisons from year to year. Our visit to the Arboretum last spring can be seen HERE.

mother's day and the national arboretum

Mother's Day started off with sleeping in, flowers, and chocolate-stuffed french toast, hashbrowns, and eggs, courtesy of Ben. Then he suggested the National Arboretum for a morning walk. We walked around Fern Valley which was green and lush and beautiful and full of flowering plants. We spotted a snake and a lot of frogs. We also walked through the flowering dogwood collection and caught the trees at their peak bloom. Amelia and Elsa kept presenting me with flower/plant bouquets they assembled with materials found on the ground.

Throughout the rest of the day I received numerous homemade cards and pictures from Amelia and Elsa. They did a great job singing the Mother's Day songs in church. Ben took care of all the meals and the dishes. The day ended with a test fire in our new fire pit. And s'mores!

Ben tried, unsuccessfully, to catch a frog for the kids.

One of the many bouquets I received.