Bookworms rejoice at the Library of Congress

We had a lovely visit with Grandma Bebe over the long holiday weekend and we got to visit the Library of Congress for the first time! 

Ellie became a photographer and captured some great scenes from the beautiful atrium with the iPhone. Meanwhile, Evie liked scanning the books in Jefferson's Library and peaking into the beautiful reading room. 

We also liked studying the old maps of the country, including one of New Jersey around the Revolutionary War.  It was a lovely visit followed by a delicious dinner and of course, Bebe's french toast. 

Let's get surreal...

In the winter it is great to escape indoors to enjoy many of the city's wonderful museums. We checked out the surrealism exhibit at the Hirshhorn Museum and were delighted to find this Magritte sculpture, one of Evie's favorite artists. 

There was a giant magnetized wall and the family really got into creating our own surreal objects.  This was Evie's piece called "The Big". 

Mommy particularly liked Ellie's mustachioed clock. 

Dad's famous "Artichoke Arms". 

2015 comes to an end with more time spent with family & friends...

We ended the year with a bang with inviting relatives over for brunch on Sunday who had traveled from Yorktown, Richmond and Manassas to catch up and enjoy some good food and wine. 

The next day we made our traditional visit to the US Botanical Gardens, where the DC landmarks were in full display (this year, a playground and vegetable garden adorned the White House). 

The theme of this year's exhibit was "Pollination Station" as we saw oversized flowers, butterflies, and bees all created out of plant materials.  The kids were thrilled to especially see the trains like James and Thomas whizzing through the settings and above. 

Jack was excited to see the train high above! 

The girls pose next a jolly ol' elf. 

Speaking of trains, it's always fun to be the conductor on the plant train! 

The girls pose in front of the Capitol, under construction of course, bundled up.  Winter has finally arrived! 

Then, a couple of days later, the girls, Sonali and Sachin enjoyed making homemade pizza for our New Year's celebration with the Sareen family. While Ellie passed out during Chipmunks II, Evie actually managed to stay up to midnight but then promptly fell asleep on Mommy's leg at 12:01.  What a great way to end the year!  

Christmas Eve Part II

As every Foelsche knows, the Foelsche Christmas lasts for at least 3 days and this year we were excited to extend it another day to celebrate a "second" Christmas Eve with Uncle Karl, Aunt Amy, Dia and Jack, along with Popi and Bebe. One of our favorite traditions is walking with candles to the Christmas tree while we sing "Stille Nacht" in German (or just hum along). 

The girls and Jack look angelic with their candles. 

Bebe and Popi enjoy the decorations and delicious meal. 

The whole family in our Christmas finest!

Ellie gave Ba and Opa a Grinch Santa plate for cookies.

Jack and Dia were big fans of their presents - a unicorn and cleaning set. Jack took out the broom and got to work right away!