Day Trip to Washington DC on 1-2-12

Monday, January 2, 2012 was a federal holiday for New Year's Day. Gary was taking Marlee to college at BYU-Idaho in Rexburg, Idaho. So, Terry and Charlene took Kara, Darcie, and Arik into Washington DC on the last day of Christmas vacation. One of Charlene's favorite places is the U.S. Botanical Garden and there is no better time to go than when the Christmas displays are up. 



We parked near U.S. Capitol and walked across the front of the Capitol on our way to the U.S. Botanical Garden. It was very cold and windy. This is only the start of an entire day of Arik being naughty about having his picture taken.

Arik's tongue with a few examples of the Botanic Garden's poinsetta display. 

That is a model of the U.S. Supreme Court made entirely out of plant materials in the background. 

This year the model train display was set with a collection of fairy houses and animal homes made from all natural materials. 

Another fairy home. 

That is Darcie in front of Thomas the Tank engine with the possum's home in the background. 

Yes that is the Possum's home upside down and the sign as well. 

Arik, Kara and Darcie. 

The display in the orchid room was magnificent. Darcie, Arik, Charlene and Kara. 

Kara and Darcie up on the 2nd level of the rainforest.  Arik did not like the heights of the walkways. 

 
Yes, that is Georgetown Cupcakes in the background. Darcie and Terry wanted to stop off there for a sweet treat before we left downtown. They watch the television show DC Cupcakes together sometimes.  We walked down M Street and ate lunch at Chipotle in honor of Marlee's departure to college. (Marlee spent the last 6 months working at the Chantilly Chipotle to save mony for BYU-I.) The cupcakes were delicious, but worth the price and a wait in line? Well Terry bought them and waited in the line so the rest of us just enjoyed them.  Yummy! The chocolate ganache frosting was particularly delicious. I'd recommend the red velvet cupcake too.