Washington DC

Lucas and I went on a school trip to our Nation's Capital last week. We left on a red eye Saturday night and returned home Wednesday night. It was a whirlwind trip, but very good and kids had a great time. 

Getting ready to board

Checking out the Ocean exhibit at the Natural History Museum.

The Hope Diamond

Korean War Veterans Memorial

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial

The spot where Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his speech. These steps were pretty amazing to me. How many people have stood there and the important history that has been made there on those steps. I think this was the most significant thing of the trip for me.

This guy is pretty grand

So is this guy.

Another important person on these famous steps

This was after two very long flights with very minimal sleep, a long day spent exploring museums, dinner at a busy train station, walking around the Vietnam and Korean Memorials being on their best behavior, then ending up here at the Lincoln Memorial. These kids did great! Better then me, I would say. I was a wreak by this time. 

Lucas and his teacher Mrs. Geiss at the Marine War Veterans Memorial (Iwa Jima). I was amazed at how big this memorial is - I had no idea it was so huge.

All the theaters the Marines have fought.

The Eternal Flame of JFK and Jackie with The Arlington house in the background.

Changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

We also got to see a wreath laying ceremony by a visiting high school from CA. It was pretty moving to see taps being played here. Have to say I got a little emotional.

The cherry blossoms were so beautiful

I think this picture is my favorite of all

George Washington's teeth!

The greenhouse at Mount Vernon in the upper garden

George and Martha's tomb site

Down at the wharf of Mount Vernon. I took this picture to send to my parents letting them know we were all good - unfortunately, that morning there had been a shooting at the Capital.

Better view of the Wharf

The Mansion

Where we had dinner that evening - I had red beans and rice - it was so good. 

Exploring downtown Alexandria after dinner. 

Our tour director Jenn giving Lucas the low down of where we were at. 

We then went on an evening Ghost Tour of the oldest street in Alexandria  - Cameron Street. This is Gadsby's Tavern where George and Martha would eat dinner every night that they were in town. 

And this is their town house - it had no kitchen. 

Our last stop on the tour was Christ Church Cemetery. It was totally cool. I wish I was able to get better pictures of it. 

The next morning - first stop was Thomas Jefferson Memorial - which is right on the Tidal Basin where all the beautiful cherry trees line the walkway. If you look to the far right of the picture, that white speck is the MLK Memorial. 

Side view of TJ

We couldn't go in because the guy was mopping the floor. Pretty disappointing, but it was still beautiful.

The trees were in full bloom.

White House!

The South Entrance 

The group

The kids and the teaches on the steps of the Capital.

This was a pretty amazing tour - however the capital in under restoration, so 90% of the inner an outer dome were covered in scaffolding. 

Could've spent the whole day here and still not seen it all. 

Our Capital Tour Guide. 

Hanging in the lobby - figured it was the closest I would get since were weren't going to the Archives. 

Each state has two statues at the Capital - this one was our meeting spot. Pretty perfect, huh?

Library of Congress - this building is the most beautiful I've ever seen.

Our last Smithsonian 

The famous ruby slippers

View of Washington Monument from the WWII Memorial at sunset - that's mine and Lucas' shadow. 

Couldn't be more beautiful

Where it all began - for us.

Looking toward the Pacific 

Washington

MLK

This is the only non-military or non-political figure Memorial there is in Washington DC - very poignant. 

The trees at MLK

Looking across at Thomas Jefferson Memorial where we started our day.

Last day a stop to shop, but first a picture op at the Peterson House, where Lincoln died. I would have love to go in here. 

Ford's Theater

Our last stop was the National Zoo. We watched this panda for quite some time, he played around, ate bamboo, then climbed a tree. He was about 30 feet up playing around on tiny little branches when he fell! He was stunned for a while, then grabbed the broken branch with his teeth and walked away. Hope he was ok!

We watched these gorillas for a while also. I was really impressed - they were walking all over the place, picking at bugs. I've never seen animals so active. 

And this guy was crossing from platform to platform. I was the coolest thing I've every seen an orangutan do, not that I've see them do much!

It was a pretty amazing four days. Jam packed and full of information, but I think, made a very lasting impression on the kids (and the parents). Our tour director was awesome and we couldn't have asked for more. Our kids did great as well, for being as young as they are, they did better that a lot of older groups that I saw. All and all worth all the trouble and money we put into this trip. Hopefully, in a few years we can return as a family.