National Christmas Tree

Today we went to DC to see the National Christmas Tree and to try to get a family picture for the Christmas card.  I'm not sure yet if we succeeded or not.  I have a couple that might work, but Dippy isn't smiling.  And the ones he IS smiling, he's looking down and Widget is in the stroller.  So I guess I'll have to stare at them for a little bit longer to see if we're sending cards this year or not. 

Here's the tree.  When we first got there, this is all the closer we could get.  We went a couple of years ago, but apparently then we saw the capitol tree.  And we walked right up to it.  I guess there must be 'hours of operation' or something, because we stood around for a while and then they opened the gates and we did get to go in and see it up close. 

 They had trains set up all around it.

 Goofy really liked watching the trains.

 They had trees from every state.  The ornaments on the trees were made by students in a school in each state.  (the sign will tell you where if you enlarge it.)

 Santa was there!!!  He stopped and talked to Widget but I missed the shot!!!

 We were right across the street from the White House.

 And right by the Washington Monument.

 This picture started out as a picture with Rod and a couple of kids, but everyone kept wandering away from him before I got the picture taken!

 Rod wanted to pinch the top of the monument.

 Then Dingy wanted to lick it!!

 Then more chaos ensued.  (as is the story of our lives here!!)

 When Dingy was 'licking' the monument, Dippy noticed that the smoke looked like it was coming from Dingy's mouth.  So we had to get a good picture of it.

 Rod made me take this picture.  I think THIS should be the Christmas card pic!!!