Gymnastics and cousins

We are in Indiana this weekend for a rhythmic gymnastics meet, and since it is not (so) far from St Louis, Mark's parents, sister and the 3 cousins came out! Haley (6) and Abby (4) watching with Gryphon. Not pictured in Emma, who is 2 and not so enthralled with rhythmic meets!Rowan had a good meet, here she is with her hoop. Actually, with *Nicole's* hoop, since I left her equipment back in Virginia. Whoops. Good thing they are about the same size!

Here's the whole team post-meet, from left to rt, Becky, Olga, Coach Konstantza, Brianna, Valentina, Giselle, Rowan and Nicole in front.

With her ribbons- she got 4th all around.

A very bad picture of Rowan getting 2nd place in hoop.

The girls in bed, watching High School Musical post-pool.They had so much fun!

Thanksgiving, DC style

We went to the Old Ebbitt Grill for our Thanksgiving meal, as has become our DC tradition. Once again, the girls and Mark had "Thanksgiving food" and I had...crab cakes! It was great, again.

After our pie and coffee, we swung by the White House, just because. The Old Ebbitt is right across from the White House.
Then it was off to the recently re-opened American History Museum. Gryphon was super excited to see Abraham Lincoln's hat, since its been closed for 2 long years for a remodel.

The remodel was underwhelming, though. All we could see that had changed was the central staircase (its glass, making wearing a skirt sans tights a little, uh, risky!) and the area where they keep the Star Spangled Banner. That was cool, though, they have done a much better job of preserving this historic flag in its new spot.

And Abe Lincoln's hat was *not out*!! Not until January, which had Gryphon quite sad. We did see all the usual things- the ruby slippers, Kermit, Seinfeld's puffy shirt. All in the 60s-era decor of the American History Museum, which had changed not a bit after 2 years and millions of dollars. Kinda stumped by that one!

Then we drove around DC in the beautiful late afternoon light, and later went to see Bolt. (Bolt is very sad- I cried, Rowan cried, Gryphon cried. Too much crying, though it has a happy ending.)