A breath of fresh air.

Sunday afternoon we headed downtown to the local botanical gardens. Walking out of the blustery cold into that beautiful, warm building was UH-MAZE-ING. Just amazing. I felt like I was home.

I'm not kidding.

Pre-kids Henry and I used to go to the DC botanical gardens during a cold weekend and nap. Or read a book. Or read and nap, consecutively, not at the same time of course.

Post-kids we'd drag them down and they'd complain, 'why do we have to go to a garden?' Then we'd get there and they'd love it.

It was no different today. Natalie walked into the lobby and said, "Why do we have to look at flowers?" Ainsley pointed at the gift shop and said, "Can we buy something in there?"

As soon as entered the double doors into the actual display both girls gasped, shed their coats and breathed deeply. A touch of heaven.

Our new town's gardens are just as spectacular as the nation's capital's. Even Ryan enjoyed smelling the flowers (he'd scrunch his nose and say 'ew' every time then laugh).

Natalie held his hand and made sure he was happy. She's getting so nurturing.

There were glass sculptures throughout the rooms. Little wispy figures...

... and floral recreations.

Oh and real flowers.

Beautiful ones.

(And future ideas for rain chains instead of gutters. Hello!)

They have a fabulous train room with little Bonsais and tiny hedges.

A room with a vegetable garden and a food market.

Natalie wanted to take Henry and my picture. Many people have asked how we kiss. This is how. (Natalie: "Ew, they're kissing!")

It was a great way to end the weekend. Beautiful. Inspiring. Refreshing.

And being there with the kids wasn't so bad either!