Friday, July 27, 2018

Events
Zoo
The Zoo in DC has limited parking so I suggest finding an alternate way to get there.  We took Ubers there to save time.  https://nationalzoo.si.edu/
Cultural Tourism DC: https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/newsletter-for-april-6-to-april-12-2018 - this is a great site to see what's going on around town, and there are usually all sorts of free things to check out.

Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center - Air and Space Museum: https://airandspace.si.edu/udvar-hazy-center - while it's a short drive out of town, it's an absolutely incredible museum that includes a Space Shuttle, Concorde, and all sorts of other amazing things. Well worth the drive, and when the kids are tired of walking around or if it's rainy it's a nice one to visit. No charge, just pay $15 for parking and you're all set.  Parking is free after 4:30, but it is only open till 5:30 so you won't have much time there. *One of our family favorites

Kennedy Center Millenium Stage: http://www.kennedy-center.org/video/upcoming - free performances every day at 6pm.

Museum calendars: Don't forget to check out the calendar of events for the Smithsonians: https://www.si.edu/events/calendar - and also the

going on.

Eastern Market - great place to visit on Saturday: http://easternmarket-dc.org/

Washington DC Temple - it's closed for renovations for TWO YEARS (!) but they have a great visitor's center and beautiful grounds. It's probably a 30 minute drive off rush and an hour at rush hour though.

The Basilica: It's the largest Roman Catholic church in U.S. and super pretty: http://www.nationalshrine.com/site/c.osJRKVPBJnH/b.4719297/k.BF65/Home.htm

Washington Nationals: Check to see if baseball is on while you're here, and if you wanted to go to a game the new stadium is great: https://www.mlb.com/nationals/tickets/single-game-tickets?mlbkw=ds-g-p30667088059%7d&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_Je9w9mo2gIVCQeGCh3MBAUmEAAYASAAEgJ55_D_BwE

And if people need a little DC break, a fun little half-day trip would be to drive out to Annapolis, Maryland. With good traffic it's about an hour, and it's a very pretty historic area and you could tour the Naval Academy



Other
Other things you may want before you come:

PARKING and TRANSPORTATION 
 Other things you may want before you come:
1. SpotHero app - this will show you parking garages around the city and how much they are (and you can just pay on your phone).

2. Uber app - depending on whether you decide to drive everywhere, or if you're just out walking and everyone can't take another step and you need a ride back home to rest. You'll probably want to have it on a couple of phones since you'll need two cars for your family, but it's likely to be cheaper and quicker than Metro (which is about $2.50 each) for short trips not during rush hour.

3. Parkmobile app - I think all DC street parking uses this app so you can pay instead of using a parking meter (you can pay with cash or credit card when you park as well, but this app is easier).

4. Capital Bikeshare - https://www.capitalbikeshare.com/ - DC has lots of "bike share" services where you can check out bikes by the hour and ride around. It's a great way to cover some of the long distances on the National Mall without breaking a sweat.

Sugar Cookie Bars

FAST and EASY. 
These cookie bars can be made and out of the oven in 30 minutes (this doesn't include frosting them) 
Whenever I need a home run recipe I call my friend Wendy.  She always has the best recipes.  For some reason, I burn cookies all the time now.  I get busy doing things and don't hear the timer.  (mine is quiet) 

Sugar cookies are delicious but a time commitment.  This is a quick way to satisfy the sugar cookie craving.  You'll also be a hit at every party you take these to.


Sugar Cookie Bars
1 cup butter, softened
2 cups of  sugar
4 eggs, beaten
2 tsp, vanilla
5 cups of flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp lemon or orange zest

Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.  Add eggs and mix well.  Add vanilla.  In a separate bowl combine flour, salt, baking soda and stir with a whisk to combine.  Add to wet mixture just until combined.  Spread on the bottom of a greased baking sheet (8 x 13 jelly roll pan)  OR we have grown to like the thickness of the cookie bars with a 10.5 x 14.75 cake pan.

Bake 375 degrees for 10-15 minutes.  Until toothpick comes out of the center clean or it's a golden brown color.  They won't look done so the toothpick test has worked the best for us. 

Cool Completely and frost.



FROSTING
1/2 butter softened
4 oz. cream cheese softened
1 tsp vanilla or almond extract  ( I LOVE 1 tsp almond and 1/2 tsp vanilla)
1/4 tsp salt
4 cups of powdered sugar
5 Tbsp milk
3-4 drops of food coloring

Combine butter and cream cheese until smooth and creamy.  Add vanilla and salt.  Add powdered sugar in 1-2 cup increments until combined, then add milk a little at a time and mix until smooth and spreading consistency.  You may need a little more milk.  Spread over cooled cookie bars.  Sprinkles are always a good idea.