DC’s cherry blossoms have exploded with a profusion of color, delight, and pollen. We usually avoid the crowds those beautiful trees attract during this time of year. However, being able to see my friend Phyllis, who blogs at Napkin Hoarder, was worth fighting the traffic and crowds.
We even remembered to take a selfie together! See the Capitol Building in the background? Proof we bloggers and our family actually got together in real life. Our husbands were there too but we forgot to take photos.
Exhibit of different boats at National Museum of American Indian
We’d originally planned to meet at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. Phyllis and her family got there right when it opened but by the time our family drove by around 11:30AM, the lines were wrapped around the block. Since we’re local, we waited for her family next door at the National Museum of the American Indian. Which was totally cool and not crowded at all. It’s a hidden gem, with a huge interactive kids exhibit on the 3rd floor. Both are part of the Smithsonian museums are free to enter.
Saturday was a bright, sunny spring day. We didn’t even mind the slight chill. Not ready to part, we walked a block over to the U.S. Botanic Gardens (also free). While the outdoor plants were just starting to bloom, the indoor conservatory was taken over by orchids. I had no idea there were so many different types of orchids.
Seeing those gorgeous flowers made me wish that I wasn’t a plant killer. Not on purpose, but I just forget to take care of them. Thank goodness my kids and cats tell me when they need food.
Our hit it off from the moment we stepped into the gardens. Phyllis’ daughter Ninjette is a natural born leader and full of imagination. After our kids chased each other around for a while, they decided to put on a play for all the parents.
Their plays involved a lot of running around. Obviously.
I’m glad our kids got along so well. Seeing Phyllis again and meeting her family was the highlight of our weekend. When I first started blogging, I never imagined that I’d become real life friends with people I primary chatted with on Facebook or Twitter. It still blows my mind, but I’m sure it will be the norm for our kids.
Here’s to friends, near and far.
We plan on returning to the gardens when the weather is warmer and the plants are in full bloom. What’s your favorite museum in DC?
I love seeing online connections celebrated in real life–especially you two!!