Arlington Cemetery---enough said!

I almost don't want to even put text with this....but on the other hand.


I am NOT a history buff at all. So, don't think that I am just oozing with "care" for all things history.

But, honestly, I was just amazed. Speechless (and we all know that is tough)......

The power of this place goes beyond words.

Georgetown Cupcakes!!!!!

The *minute* that we were certain we were going to Washington.....I knew that a stop at Georgetown Cupcakes would be on the agenda!

And, believe me....it is not the easiest little place to get to (when you are mostly traveling on foot!)....but, nonetheless....we made it!

First off, Georgetown is such a quaint little city, and I love it! I quickly fell in love with the hustle and bustle of this college-age town, and loved walking the crooked, tiny, narrow streets! What a fun little place!

Ok, back to the cupcakes at hand!

We finally were getting closer to the street....and, we turned the corner...to find this! The line! Ahh the line! Now...most people HATE a line! Nope. Not me. Not for this! I was happy to be IN the line. A part OF the line! Yay! We were here!

Now, to grab a menu and decide what we wanted. Yum! Cupcake of the day! Yum!!


Look at these little beauties in the window! It's almost like they were waving at me!!!



And, then, to decide. I thought I had my mind made up, and then I saw these!


Oh, it was just too hard!
We took a dozen with us! Yes, a dozen! Quick math = 3 each!

We all wanted a Red Velvet! Oh, and that cream cheese icing! It was like no other!


So, out we go, cupcakes in hand, yum!


Thank you Georgetown Cupcakes......until we meet again...xoxo!

Washington DC---the trip--post THREE of several :)

The Tour of the Capitol

First off, I love this shot of my little guy! I really think I have taught him well! He's an avid tourist AND photographer! Ahh!!!

Well, we wandered into the Capitol, just wanting to "look around" and we were somewhat hopeful. They greeted us with a smile! When I asked about a tour, they said sure!! We have some open spots going in NOW!

So, off we went! Tickets in hand!

As we were approaching the entrance of the tour, I was just not encouraged by the excitement of this lady! Um, does she know that she is asleep in OUR NATION'S CAPITOL!!!!!!! I mean, come on, I am not a "museum lover" myself, but puh-leeeze!


So in we went on our guided tour. I love these little "headphone tours" where we all look like dorks and the Tour Guide looks like he's just walking and talking to himself.


So, we walked, in and through, and around...and then.....AHH! We were in the DOME! Actually just standing right underneath it! Oh, what an awesome feeling!

I am not sure why I loved it so much, but I did. Just knowing that I was standing under such an iconic symbol of our nation. Very cool.

Yes, here are my guys....and this is pretty much what everyone was doing. Just looking up. In awe.

As we walked by this. I could not help myself. They tour guide kept saying, don't stop in the hall. Just keep moving.

Hello. Are you serious. I have to stop to take this picture.

And, now, just a day or so later........I am glad I did! See ya, Nancy!

There was lots more to see, and stare at. But, as we exited, I loved this replica statue of Freedom.

Freedom is the statue on TOP of the Capitol. To be quite honest, I've never really paid it any attention, but seeing it up close...very cool.
And, then, more looking, staring, reading. Yes, more of the museum nerd (but, I love him, just the same) He kept saying, "hey, it's my first time here" "hey, we might never come back here".....I finally assured him...um, yes we will!


Then, over on the other side, this very cool, cute, dainty little statue of Helen Keller. I've always been fascinated by her, and her story. Very cool.


So, then we headed out of the Capitol, and towards the Library of Congress. We were so excited to be in the midst of all of this stuff you "hear" about, but really, never think you will experience!

Such a cool, amazing, thing.

Oh, yeah, and remember her......well, look at her, up and at'em.....Just as chipper as she can be. I think I even heard her whistling :)

Washington DC---the trip--post TWO of several :)

So, the first stop was at the National Museum of the American Indian. What a very cool place. We actually went there first because we were STARVING.

Um, not so sure this was the place to go (although it came highly recommended). It had all kinds of weird-indian-named food! So, I settled for the Chicken Mole burrito. (would be that be mole...like you know. MOLE...or is that supposed to be mol-e....you know like hosea?) Anyways, it was ok. Just ok. I would not recommend it. None of us were in love with our selections, but, like I said, we were starving, so anything was good at this point!

Then, we went thru the museum watching all of the movies, and looking at all of the artifacts.

I could NOT resist this sign! I think I need to paint it in our home!

Um, without a doubt....I AM SUMMER PEOPLE!


Ok, then back outside, to enjoy more of the National Mall.

I realized more on this trip....really...WAY more...that my husband is a History Nerd. And, when I say Nerd.....that does NOT do it justice.

He had to look E.V.E.R.Y. statue. Every little tiny piece of writing on it. Everything. So....we did! So, you too can check out this one of Garfield!

And one more for your viewing pleasure!


They were in the process of setting up for a rally, so the stage was in my way, but...hey,that's part of it, ya know!


But, it was a beautiful day, overall, and we were just loving being here!

And, then, we wondered around, kind of acting like we knew what we were doing......and just walked right in, and asked if we could get a tour of the Capitol......and they said "yes, right this way"........

Washington DC---the trip--post ONE of several :)

(pardon in advance! lots of photos here!)

We took off, bright and early......and the day started with a bang! Let me tell ya!

Our flight was at 6:15 am. We live about 40 minutes from the airport....and so we had planned to leave the house at approx. 4:30 am. My mom was coming to take us...on her way to work!

I woke up FRANTICALLY, to her text.....that I received at 4:34 AM!!!!!!! Are you kidding!!! We've overslept! NO WAY!!!

Needless to say, I was thankful when she arrived (about 5 minutes later) as she helped me throw everything together in a scattered whirlwind! AH!!!!!!

So, we mad-dashed to the airport, and Thank you Jesus! I am not sure how....but we made it with about 10 minutes to spare before boarding! WHEW!

After arriving in Baltimore, we took the Amtrak over to DC! What a fun experience! We have always talked about taking a family train trip somewhere, anywhere, just to have the experience of the train, so we were super excited for this!

I love the look of this. Walking, talking, taking it all in, good troopers...with the suitcase! This "from behind" look is the view I have a lot, and I like it. I like to just watch them all together. Dorky, I know. I'm ok with it.
Yes, here we are! Union Station. The hub! Exciting!


Dork. I know. I love the Subway. Well, they call it Metro. Regardless. It's so...city-like :)

I just love this one....look at all those stops on here!


We just thought it was too cool, when we got off the Metro at our stop.....and the State Line was right there! LOVE!
And, then, this! HELLO! Can you say Tallest Escalator EVER!!! It went on forever!
We dropped our bags at our Hotel, and then we were off to explore the city. No time to stop and check out the cool hotel beds (cause you know my kids love that!)...we had LOTS to see!!! So, off we went!


We got off at the Smithsonian stop, and out we popped up into the National Mall! Lovely! I just LOVED how the sun was coming thru this Smithsonian Building. So beautiful.

Happy Happy Boys! Here at the Nations Capitol. Very cool. Just very cool to say you've been here!

More to come.................