Washington DC

 A last minute trip planned to Washington DC.  About 3 weeks ago in the height of finishing up the wedding plans, Sheldon said, "I can use frequent flyer miles and get us tickets to Washington DC."  I love DC and knew some good friends were going the same week we would be going so of course I said lets do it.  We began planning -- so here is how it went.  First we love red eye flights.  Our kids can sleep anywhere and everywhere.  So after our first leg leaving Vegas at 1AM to arrive in Minneapolis at 7AM after about a 3 hour flight, we ate (having a quick meltdown -- just too little sleep -- and possibly seeing a mouse) we found some real comfy chairs at our gate and settled in for an hour nap before our next flight would take off.  Yes the blessing of being able to sleep, helped us prepare for the full days we'd have in DC.

The Metro, Metro, Metro -- We LOVE the Metro.  Loryn had a hard time holding still why I tried to catch a shot going up the escalator.  She couldn't wait to find out what we'd be seeing first.  The metro serves us well.  We stayed out in Fairfax and rode the metro into DC every day and occasionally used it to help us get around the  city.  It is amazing.  Sydnee and Conner had competitions to see who could stand the longest without moving (no holding onto anything).  This helped pass the time and kept us entertained.  If they weren't doing that, Conner was keeping us in touch at which Metro Center we had just passed and how many more we had left before our exit).  Did I say we love the Metro (We have no road rage on the metro and meet nice people)

We have such a great love and respect for the Smithsonian Institute and what they provide us with.  It is truly amazing.  One of our favorite signs that makes us giggle is "Please Touch".  We quickly took advantage of all these signs and had fun exploring and touching all objects that allowed us to "Touch"

This was truly amazing,  make sure and read the above caption that explains how truly intricate and intelligent the talent of crocheting is.  I showed it to Shauna and she said she would get started on making one right away.  This display was done with not only yarn, but also tape ribbon, garbage bags, forks, grocery bags, CD's, forks, hair bands, band aids and so many other recycled materials.  We enjoyed looking at this amazing reef -- something we didn't experience under the water in Hawaii this year

 The Washington Monument was a great place to start.  George Washington is my favorite president, but not only was he a great president, but he was an amazing man.  I love this monument and the quotes found within.  One of my favorite I have a picture of below, not from Washington, but about Washington..."First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of his countrymen...."  This man not only was this but he was humble and loved God.  He knew how to pray and he and many other great men used God in creating and making this wonderful Country we live in.  This monument sweetly honors Washington as we ascend to the top to view the amazing city that was laid out by him.  From each viewing box we could see another component that makes the government of the USA work.  It is a fitting tribute to a man who was truly larger than life, but would always be an example to future leaders that there is more than one great leader in this country  (shown as he so eloquently resigned as commander in chief of the Revolutionary War, but then played a crucial role in presiding over the Continental Congress and helping the delegates find reasonable comprises so that the Constitution of the United States could be formed, and then stepped down as president after eight years of service, letting other men shine.  He was the only president unanimously elected both times by the electoral college

I'm not sure what to label this except brotherly and sisterly "LOVE?!?"  I'll let you fill in the rest

Bureau of Printing and Engraving... This is just a FUN, WOW,  Look how money is being printed tour-- We saw the new $100 bill being printed... they don't know when it'll be out.
 Our Friends who went the day before told us they were handing out "free samples" tomorrow.  We were glad that we were going on the right day.  As we finished our tour and were walking out our guide ran after the kids and gave them a bag of money-- (WOW we had gone the right day-- albeit shredded money, but money nonetheless)



 

 We Loved this Height Measurer, Not only did us help feel taller than we were, it made us feel like we were worth millions.

Our White House Tour

Ford's Theatre was a place where we were able to learn and reflect about the life of an amazing President

This was many of our "First" Favorites, but ultimately it was Sydnee's All Time Favorite

Smithsonian Fun --- Air and Space Museum

Mt Vernon, Visitor Center,  George, Martha and their two Grandchildren that they raised

George Washington's Home

We took a "National Treasure Tour" -- so much fun and learned unforgettable things about our "True National Treasure -- George Washington".  This is on his back lawn looking over the Potomac into Maryland.  -- Beautiful

Loryn found a black sheep she wanted to take home

Along with a passel of pigs, her favorite was a black one with white legs -- she said just like her mostly black with a little white

Dulles -- Air and Space museum in front of the Enterprise Shuttle (only a test shuttle, never went to space)

Conner's Ultimate Favorite the "Flight Stimulator's"  Sheldon said they were upside down most of the time, but it was worth the ride.

Another Favorite.  We were able to do Baptisms for the Dead in the Washington DC temple.

Sydnee, Macie and I toured the grounds and the visitor center

As we toured the monuments the quote that rang over and over in my head was

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

Arlington Cemetery -- Changing of the Guards Theatre

This made us reflect on the sacrifice so many have made to make not only our country great, but also many other nations great. 

As we watched the changing of the guards all of the kids watched with great intent, but Conner probably the most intently

After it was over Sheldon asked Conner how he liked it.  "I loved it, It was so Precise"

Showing the love again?!?

Another great monument, that helped us reflect on the man who saved our nation

Sheldon's Favorite Memorial Korean War

My Quote for the Day

Our kids found new friends.  Our favorite movie line was "SQUIRREL!"

Marylynn's Favorite Memorial WWII

As we were headed back to the metro Sheldon saw three presidential helicopters (they always come in threes)  We had just taken a picture of the back of the White House -- so we walked back and watched the spectacular process of the Presidential Helicopter landing -- This was another one of Conner's Favorites

Two peeled off and one started its descent toward the White House Back Lawn (its hovering toward the left side)

Almost Landing

Landed and people getting out

This is the Smithsonian Castle with absolutely Amazing Gardens.  Mr. James Smithsonian started this spectacular institute of museums, yet he never stepped foot in the United States.  He donated a little over $500,000 in the 1800's to start the museums for the study and research and knew America would be the best place for his money to be used.  The museums flourish today because of generous donors.

Who is that Jay Walking?