Yule Log: Jan 2

M awake coughing 3:15-4:15 so me up with her. But then she slept until 7:30. Gave her iPad and went back to bed until 8. Downstairs for breakfast of Dad's pecan blueberry pancakes with maple syrup. M eventually ate almost a whole one. S declared them delicious. Depart about 10am for DC sightseeing via metro. First stop: McPherson Square and White House. Then we walked to the Smithsonian Museum of American History (S's choice) with a brief stop for a photo in front of Washington Monument. Museum visit from 11:30-3 with break for lunch at museum café. Highlights. For T & S: Star-Spangled Banner (flag flown at Fort McHenry during war of 1812 that inspired national anthem). For G: huge green locomotive, electricity exhibit focusing on Edison's lightbulb (ex French PM Raffarin bears striking ressemblance to older Edison). For M: riding escalators and pillar climbing and using touch screen in Little Golden book exhibit. Left by Mall exit. Walked mile to Capitol. Photo stop. Walked around Capitol to left then down to Union Station. Lots of squirrels. Chilly walk. Colder as day went on. Started sprinkling a few blocks from station. Shopping in station for one last gift. No luck. But did find chocolate bar and pastries. Returning home on metro, discovered rain had turned to huge flakes of snow. G turbo pushed M back to car in stroller. Back home, bath time for M while G grilled king salmon. Delicious dinner of king salmon, mixed veggies with pistachios, and green beans. For dessert, G shared Christmas chocolate. Rousing game of Candy Land. M's first board game experience. We played for her while she played with the color cards. S won first game. G won second. Each game followed by a little taste of chocolate. M bounced on exercise ball with S while G played piano. M joined in at piano. Bed time for M. Looked out window to discover all covered in 1.5 inches of pretty snow. S ventured out for a minute. Took a few pics. New episode of Big Bang Theory season 7 for G, P, T, S. Early bedtime for me before 10. All tired out from day's walking, I guess.