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Published: October 17th 2015
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For six weeks after returning to the US, I lived with my sister and her family. It was primarily to spend time with my niece and nephew, since up until now, I only got to see them for a few days a year at most. My sister lives outside the DC metro area, so there were plenty of things to keep us occupied. I stayed home everyday with my nephew, who is 5, and who was taken from daycare. His younger sister continued going to daycare, except for about once a week. G (my nephew) and I did all kinds of fun things during the summer, like going to the zoo, museums, movies and on the last day, a water park - where he got to go down his first big water slides, a little slowly I may add and where he squealed with delight in the wave pool.
While I was there I joined an online fitness group, which had me cooking healthy meals all day everyday. So it was good for everyone. I had breakfast and lunch in relative peace and ease, while making a nice dinner that was on the table by the time the whole family
The National Museum of the American Indian
Probably the most beautiful museum architecturally and the food in the cafeteria is fantastic! got home. I learned some amazing recipes, and my sis who leans towards vegetarian dishes also gave me some good recipes to try.
Then it was time for G's first day of school. Each morning my sister and I walked him to the bus stop; he was so enthusiastic to ride the bus. I can't believe how big he is getting! After a week or so, he started to ride the bus home in the afternoon and I would meet him and we would spend a few more hours together. Mostly though, I had the days to myself for about three weeks. I went to the city often, walking to the bus stop then taking the metro into town. I got to see the things I had seen when I was younger but didn't quite appreciate. Some of the places I visited were: The National Air and Space Museum, The National Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of the American Indian (best cafeteria EVER), walking along the Mall, The Lincoln Memorial, walking by the White House, etc. I did miss two things that I really wanted to see though: The National Archives (which had a huge line -
National Zoo - Elephant Trail
It's still a bit small but it is incredible! recommend booking times online) and The Holocaust Museum, which I have never seen.
The last day I was there, he had a ceremony where he had been give "Principal's Pride" for being such a good boy in his class. They give the kids a certificate and then put them on the morning announcements where they say why they have been given the award. So cute! Then I had to fly back to my parents home. My niece rode with my sister to drop me off at the airport; she and I had been up and down the whole time and this time she started to yell when I said goodbye "No! I don't want you to go!!!" It broke my heart and cracked me up at the same time - she refused to kiss or hug me. My sis says when they drove by the airport one day last week, she yelled in her customary yelling voice that would try to get my to come down from my bedroom "Aunt Aleeeeexxxiiiisssss!"
There is a possibility that I could end up there working for a long time - keep your fingers crossed!
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Home and Away
Bob Carlsen
I loved living in DC for 10 years because of all the attractions...
but didn't like the hot, humid weather, the traffic, or so many Type A personalities. Just make sure you live near the ones you love.