Is it spring yet?  The calendar says it is, but weather says not quite yet.  Well it’s spring break for the children in Woodbridge, Virginia and many of the surrounding school districts in Northern Virginia, so I’ve been on the hunt for kid-friendly activities and places to go within the Washington DC area to take my children to keep them entertained and engaged (without electronics).  Before school was dismissed for the break, I’ve been searching spring break activities my kids would enjoy, but it would still be fun for the adults.  Here are five ideas spring break ideas for family Northern Virginia that doesn't require reservations or a lot of pre-planning; perfect for spring break or a no school day.  Don't forget to bring your camera to take pictures of the fun.
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​Living in Northern Virginia, puts us in the middle of a lot of history and endless things to do.  
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​1.  Washington D.C.
The nation’s capital is a great place for kids and provides countless sightseeing and attractions.  There are so many things to do and see in Washington D.C. that it would take a few weeks (maybe even months) to see it all.  However, I’ve narrowed it down to some highpoints that we want to see, and the kids always enjoy visiting.  There are so many interactives museums and great places to eat.  If you're planning a trip to Washington D.C., some of the top museums to visit is The National Air & Space Museum, The Newseum, National Museum of Natural History, and the National Postal Museum.   We also want to take the kids to the latest Smithsonian Museum that recently opened – The National Museum of African American History and Culture.  Since opening, the museum has had a serious interest in the amount of people wanting to visit.  Therefore at this time, many people aren’t able to obtain access to the museum.  However, did you know if you're a military family, you can show your military ID (or dependent ID) and receive access in the museum with a small group.  Here is a quick list of some off the beaten path places to visit in the Washington D.C. area:
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• Chinatown

  My boys enjoy the bubble tea and fried rice.  
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• Georgetown

Georgetown Cupcakes is a must stop.  Dean and Deluca is a nice place to break for unique foods to try later.  

• City Center DC

10 acres of walkways with glass street level business.  (Recommended for teens and kids that love high price shopping like Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and more.)

I had the honor of photographing one the Air Force's newest Lieutenant Colonel at The National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.   Major Wroten's promotion ceremony was attended by several of his co-workers, family, and friends.  

Everyone gathered at the Special Events entrance of the museum.  This was an awesome opportunity for Major Wroten's family to meet his coworkers and for his family to learn more about his military career from them.

Today in the Nation's Capital, the sky was a beautiful blue with a crisp in the air.  Awaiting the arrival of Air Force Captain Ryan and his family to arrive at The National Archives for his promotion ceremony to Major, it was a great opportunity to photograph the wonderful scene.

Upon arrival, Captain Ryan and his family took the time to catch up and share a few laughs.   

I'm loving this beautiful 10x10 black leather military event album that was designed from Colonel Stephens promotion ceremony.  This is an extremely luxurious album that will stand the test of time.  

Spring time is on the horizon and that means many parents are looking and hoping to have their child(ren) photographed with the animals that are synonymous with spring…baby chicks and bunnies.  Or the number one question asked in many Northern Virginia Mom groups is “will you have real live bunnies at your spring mini sessions?”  When the answer is “no” many are upset and then there’s a big exasperation.  I just saw one a few hours ago and the post was quickly deleted. 
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After conducting several portrait sessions over a few decades with live bunnies and rabbits, a photographer in Georgia experienced a barrage of complaints and even death threats because of the way the children handled baby chicks and bunnies during their sessions.    This is what brings me to this blog post.  I would like to detail the top 8 reasons why I don’t offer portrait sessions with bunnies, chicks, and other fury “spring” animals.
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I'm thrilled to write and share this post because it was interested thinking about some of the cool things i've experienced.  For example, I was married by the age of 18...who doesn't that; I did.  Strange, I know. But I knew my husband was the one for me as soon as I saw him.  

I know i'm an interesting lady and many people love me because of it.  I can never fit into one category of “woman”. I love to watch sports, cook/bake, travel, take long drives, and so much more.  As a matter of fact I grew up watching basketball games on television with my dad.  I even had a opportunity to meet Shaq's Dad in Miami.  I still enjoy watching baseball, football, and basketball.  I'll definitely be going to a Washington Nationals Baseball game this season.
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Hello Internet!!  Here is my little introduction to me with:

Flexibility is key in the military.  When you've devised a fail save plan...it can turn out it's not so fail save.  Captain Sawyer contacted me to determine my availability to photograph her Air Force promotion ceremony at the Mount Vernon Estate.  We discussed how beautiful the venue would be and how she would be able to have some beautiful memories...as Mount Vernon Estate is a premier venue in Northern Virginia.  

However, if you live in the Northern Virginia, Washington DC, or Maryland area, you're well area that we've experienced a significant windstorm this weekend.  Unfortunately, the winds forced the closing of the estate, but they were still able to accommodate the reception at the Inn.  Once again because of the significantly strong winds, the electricity went out at the Inn.   This forced Captain Sawyer to locate an alternative location for her promotion ceremony and reception.  Thankfully, she was able to secure another location...Eggspectation.  Captain Sawyer's guests arrived during Happy Hour and it was a wonderful opportunity to discuss the strong winds and how everything had to be changed because of the intensity of those winds. 

Congratulations to one of the Air Force's newest Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) - Lt Col Chandler.  He was joined by several friends, family, and co-workers to witness his promotion in one of the most beautiful places the National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.  Major Chandler and his guests gather outside the museum awaiting the doors to open.  It was a great opportunity for them to catch up on great times and share a few laughs.