The last few weeks we have been trying to normalize our new life and that means exploring some familiar places around Washington, DC. This is even more fun because it is the first time Koala Bear has lived here and really the first time since Lucky Dragon remembers being here.
We spent several days trying to get the house set up--unpacking all the boxes, deciding which things go which places...you forget how long that takes sometimes. You also forget how expensive moving can be...buying soaps, food, and other items that you need...all the small things add up!
In between these crazy moments, the kids started school. Lady Hiva and I have been so thankful that both of them seem to have transitioned into new schools easily. That was due to great teachers who are focused on learning--both kids come home to tell us about what they have learned. Koala Bear can give details about what Adaptation, Migration, and Hibernation. It is so cute to hear her take on science and animals. Lucky Dragon is missing French (we were unable to get him into a French school) but is loving the focus on science and coding. We have been so thankful for kids at school that welcomed our two easily and quickly. Both of them come home to tell us about their "new friends." It makes me so thankful for other children that are kind and willing to open up their hearts. It has resulted in several family conversations about being grateful for these people and how we, in turn, can be friends with others. It has tied in really well to our family Come Follow Me study about striving to love others and live with "one heart."
We have tried to have some fun too! We have LOVED that within walking distance there are some amazing ethnic foods to try. Vietnamese, Thai, Greek, Indian, Italian, Afghani, you name it! We took one day and went to Washington, DC. We rode around on scooters. It was fun , but COLD! We came unprepared. We used socks we happened to have in Pele for gloves. But it was still so cold. We stopped at a CVS on our way and luckily they had beanies and gloves to buy! That made it a bit more enjoyable. We want to do that again, just maybe when it is warmer! HAHA
Good friends have made this transition easier. We are so thankful for their help!
We finally were able to set up Christmas Presents (and the Christmas tree...yes, we have the Christmas tree set up. :)). Koala Bear loves her new doll house. IT IS HUGE! and Lucky Dragon loves his 3D printer. To tell the truth, I think the 3D printer has become a favorite for the whole family. We are all exploring ideas of what we will print next!
I had my swear in session virtually. Of course it was not glamorous as we were in the midst of unpacking. So here I am swearing in with all of junk of moving in the back
In Washington, DC there is not only great restaurants, there is also places to find all kinds of food! We can get ingredients for our favorite foods from around the world. Lucky Dragon was so excited to find Mei (breadfruit) at the Korean grocery store! Not the same has taking them from Grandma's tree, but still fun to see available.
We took the two Muggles to see the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, VA. It was great to explore the history of air and space travel. They both had so many questions and soaked in all of the information. It was fun that they had set up volunteers to answer questions virtually. Lucky Dragon asked a few questions about the space shuttle and was brave enough to ask while everyone else watched.
We have been watching the Will Smith documentaries about Earth (This is Earth and One Strange Rock) on Disney+ as a family. If you have not watched them yet, do! They are full of amazing aspects and science learning. As we watched after going to the museum, both kids were excited to put together what they learned at the museum and what they were seeing on the documentary. I was telling Lady Hiva that I love we are raising "little science nerds" because for family time we sit down and watch a documentary about earth and we all love it! :)
We also took some time to go to the Dino and Dragon Stroll. We had fun exploring the animatronics that were set up.
So we have been having a good time. Moving and change is always hard, but it has been good as well! Here is to the beginning of our new adventures!
