Our Nation's Capitol

Ten years ago, Richard and I (right after we got married) took a trip to Washington D.C. and loved it. You just can't beat getting to see the history...not to mention...everything is FREE to see. Harper has been infatuated with the White House for the past several years and she has always asked to go see it. We figured she was finally old enough to understand the meaning behind some of the history and it was finally time to go. My parents had never been their either and we knew it would be a great, fun family adventure.
We saw as many sights as we could fit in each day, despite the super humid, HOT weather. I think we walked almost as many miles as it took us to get to DC. :) However, it was very nice to visit the cool, air-conditioned museums in the heat of the afternoon.

Public transportation was a new adventure for Harper and Owen and they loved it...except when it was crowded during "rush" hour. I have to share the best story of the whole trip. One evening, Harper, Rich, Owen and I were riding the subway from Georgetown back to College Park. The metro car was packed like sardines and we were all standing. Of course, everyone is usually quiet and subdued on these things, but not Owen. He looked at me and said in normal voice, "Mommy, did you pinch my hinney?" I said no and he proceeded to ask Richard and Harper the same question. To which they replied, "No." In the loudest voice I have heard come out of that kid, he belted out, "SOMEBODY PINCHED MY HINNEY!" and it didn't stop for the next 3 (seemed like 45) minutes, he kept repeating this same phrase. At least we got some people to smile on the metro!

Caution! Lots of pictures follow with captions above.

{Waiting for their First metro ride!}

{Arlington National Cemetery}

{Watching the changing of the guards}

{Walking (hiking) across the Potomac River}

{The reflecting pool had been drained...not so reflective anymore!}

{Grandma reciting the Gettsyburg Address for Harper}

{She finally gets to see the White House!}

{He doesn't! He slept through it!}

{Museum of American History...She's a Grand Ol Flag!}

{Seeing the First Lady's Inagural Ball Gown...she really was excited even thought it doesn't look like it!}

{Eating at the Famous Ben's Chilli Bowl was yummy in our tummies}

{Harper and Boppy looking up at the Washington Monument}

{The closest I've ever been to a million dollars!}

{Playing on the grass after our picnic on the mall}

{Playing the fountain at the Art Museum...I guess it was ok to do that!}

{Had to stop here and get a t-shirt for Rich!}

{A stop at Georgetown Cupcakes. Just as yummy as they look on TV!}

{Of course we had to visit the Zoo}

{The pandas...something we do not have at our zoo}

{Watching the lion cubs}

{A tour of Ford's Theater}

{IMAX 3D at the Natural History Museum}

{Harper loved the Hope Diamond!}

{Owen loved the Dinosaurs!}