"Follow Me! Let's GO!"

That, my dears, was A. shouting orders at her mama and papa as we departed our warm, cozy car at the National Mall, headed for the Botanical Gardens (indoors, of course).  A. was thrilled to be set loose on the chilly, windy path along Independence Avenue (pardon the pun), while we did our best to stay close, warm, and two steps ahead of our runner.  

We couldn't miss an opportunity to photograph A. in front of the Capitol Building, where she seemed to be more interested in the dirt than anything else (er, can you blame her?).

The return to the car was just as energetic, despite the cutting winds and our hungry, empty bellies.  A., again, was thrilled to be outdoors, yelling to us, "RUN WITH ME!"  Yeah, right.

Even M., who can withstand some pretty cold temps and graciously took yesterday off from work to spend with his ladies, was running out of steam.  He exclaimed that it was so cold that he couldn't even feel the cold.  As quickly, quickly as we could, we piled into the car, belted ourselves in, and headed the easy 6 miles home after a satisfying, fun trip into the city.  We surely don't do this enough.  Must. Get. Back.