D.C. With Jen and Jacob

I have been given the choice opportunity to once again go to Washington D.C. with my daughter and grandson.  Two years ago it was with Jon and now it is Jacob's turn.  Today is the day we depart.  My fight is not until almost 10 a.m. but the bus from Abilene is arriving early and we are on our way to check in with them.  Along the way, Mister discovers that he timed the trip for the bus as if it was going to our house.  Thus, we are now late.  Great start for a trip.

I arrive at the airport and have to wait outside security until someone inside can get my boarding pass to me.  After about 1/2 an hour, I am able to meet up with Jen and Jacob and begin the wait for our fight in BRIGHT NEON t-shirts to boot.  Yep, with my red hair, this is quite lovely.



Jen spots these rockers and tells the boys to go and have a sit down.  As I follow to take the picture, I discover that there are really comfy chairs near the rockers and make the move to spend our time in a little more luxury.  Well as much luxury as you can find in airport terminals anyway.

This blog post likely won't contain all the history like I did two years ago so I am providing links for that trip as well.  The DAY ONE LINK 2015 has some great information in it.  Okay, back to this trip.  We are delayed a bit so once we arrive in D.C., it is too late to follow our itinerary and we have basically lost our time at the Smithsonian.  Drat.  Landing in Baltimore, luggage is picked up, the bus is boarded and we are on our way into the city.  First stop will be at the White House.

As we arrive, security goes full on and we are kept clear across the street to view.  Just as we are leaving, the security relaxes again and we are able to cross the street for slightly better pictures.  Ugh.  Let's take the "proof we are here" pictures and get them out of the way.  Yes, it's cold here.

TA-DA --- second time being outside multiple fences on a piece of property that I help pay for.  Sure would like to go inside sometime.

As our bus weaves it's way around town towards Union Station, I spot the entrance to Chinatown.  I didn't even know there was one in D.C. -- another thing I need to check out on a personal trip as it is never on the school plans.  As we are driving near here this little car just doesn't seem to have any idea that a humongous bus exists right by it.  After darting in front of us and getting in the way more than once, we spot the license plate and just crack up.  "We Sorry."

We are having dinner at Uno Pizzeria and Grill in Union Station.  This is a new stop for me and I really wish we had time to explore.  From what I can see as we walk through, it looks very cool.  It handles Amtrak as well as the local commuter rail.

After dinner, we make a stop at the Iwo Jima Memorial.  Two years ago we were there in daylight and it looks very cool after dark.  Even though it is OMG cold out, I run for a quick picture and am fortunate to have the wind and flag cooperate.  Back into the bus and we are off to the Kennedy Center for a quick visit.  I LOVE the lights out front in the fountain and dash across the lot to get closer to them.  Yep, I'm the only one who does so.

Checking out both halls of flags (one domestic, one international) it's interesting to see which ones are missing.  Apparently only the flags of those whom we are currently friendly with are flown.  As a result -- no N. Korea, for example.

Then entrance also has a "sculpture" that catches my eye.  It is made with layer after layer of etched glass and is very mesmerizing to me.  I'd stand here all day trying to figure it out if I had time.

Now for the terrace and a chance to get some pictures of the skyline at night.  I no sooner get up there and Jen sends a text that they are loading the buses.  What?  Dang, now for me to literally run around the terrace, snap one or two pictures and race all the way back to ground level.  It turns out that the kids couldn't figure out how to get out on the terrace and told the adults it was closed.  Since there wasn't anything else to really do, they decided to leave.  Thus, I am the ONLY one who was blessed to have at least a few minutes out there.  Loved the view though.

We are calling it a night at this point and driving back to the hotel.  Along the way, the Washington Memorial is spotted and we happen to have a stoplight at just the right time for me to grab a unique picture.  This may turn out to be one of the best I get all trip.  Love it.

Due to a storm that is set to hit this area this week, we have changed the itinerary up a bit.  It's certainly keeping everyone on their toes and that's it's own unique brand of fun.  This morning our first stop is at the Jefferson Memorial and as I checked it out thoroughly two years ago, I am trying a different approach.  (Oh, before I forget -- here is the DAY TWO LINK 2015)  I have opted to stay near the bus and grab a few other types of pictures.  For some reason, the cherry trees in D.C. are already in bloom and there is one right near our parking spot.  I can't resist and wander over to check it out.  Isn't this lovely?  Additionally, the forsythia is in bloom to boot.  Oh, I miss this.  It's something we really don't have down south.

From my vantage point, I am able to once again spot the Washington Memorial across the water and a nearby tree helps out with framing.  If I turn my head the other direction, I also have a nice view of the Jefferson Memorial with the water out front.  Yes!  Beautiful.

I'm getting chilly, but one more look around gives me a few more lasting impressions of what D.C. would look like during the cherry blossom festival.  The sad part is that between the early bloom and the impending storm, there may not be any blossoms when the festival comes around in a few weeks.

Our next stop is at the new Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial.  Yay -- something new.  It is very imposing and the entrance depicts going through the Mountain of Despair and finding a Stone of Hope.  I like this one.  A lot.  It's different and has a lot of impact.  It's fairly new as well, opening in 2011.  I wish I had seen it from across the water as I bet I would have seen the entire affect better.  Next time.

We are now off to Mount Vernon for the rest of the morning.  Our departure was delayed a bit to let things warm up a little but we are now on the way and I do love this attraction.  I'd like an entire day there, though, and we are only given 2 1/2 hours.  Not near enough time but we will do the best we can with what we have.

I spot something I missed last trip and it's right as we enter the grounds.  "The Texas Gate" was first erected in 1899 by the Masons and the citizens of Texas.  The one we walk through now is a restoration.  Yes, my heart does belong to Texas.

We go straight to the visitor center, watch a short film and then tour the mansion.  Time is short now, so we check out as many of the outbuildings as it will allow.  Of course, I have to check out the spinning room.  Ahhhh, fibers.

A quick stop at the blacksmith is always fun and today he is making hinges.  Crazy cool.  Here on the property, they try to keep things the way they were made back then.

The last time I was here, I spent time in the slave's quarters but this time, I stop in the educational area between them.  I find some interesting information in here and discover that George Washington had a total of 318 slaves working his properties in the last year of his life.  More than 200 worked in the four outlying farms tending over 3200 acres of crops.  Eleven men worked at the distillery and the gristmill leaving the remaining 87 living and working at the Mansion House.  Not all were owned by him, as Martha had inherited some from her first husband's estate.  Even though he was an active slave holder for 56 years, he struggled with it and spoke often of the need to end the practice.  His 1799 will took the bold step of freeing his slaves, the only founding father to do so.

Our stay seems super short but I do find a few minutes to stop in the gift shop and purchase a couple of shirts.  As in Dallas, I'd rather my purchase help to support something that relies on donations or memberships to sustain itself.  Thus, Mount Vernon Ladies are the recipient today.  As we make our way back into the city, we pass through Alexandria and the dogwoods are absolutely stunning throughout the area.

The decision to cut our stay at Mount Vernon short was based on trying to get some time at the Smithsonian Museums.  We are now allotted 1 1/2 hours and limited to 2 museums.  Jen and Jacob take off for the Science Museum (not one of our choices but it is very important for Jacob to see his father's award) and I head for the American History Museum in the hopes of seeing a quilt or two.  As I cross the National Mall, the Capitol looks amazing.  The last time we were here, it was shrouded in scaffolding.  Not today.

As I continue on, I spot a parade going on a few blocks away.  Ah, it is the St. Patrick's Day parade and that explains why our bus couldn't get us close to the museums.

Outside the American History Museum is the longest line I've ever seen.  I use up almost my entire time just trying to get in and when I do, I discover that "The Star Spangled Banner" exhibit has taken the place of the quilts I was hoping to see.  Today is definitely not my day.

As we leave the Capitol, I spot a building that is absolutely beautiful but for the life of me, I am unable to determine what it is and our guide didn't fill this in.  Can you help me?  The flag alone should help out, but I can't locate any info on it either.

Next stop is Ford's Theater and since I've been before, I skip the museum and head straight to the theater hoping for a presentation.  I'm not too disappointed as there is a ranger answering questions and giving some great information.

I discover that this building has been many things since the assassination.  In 1866 it was turned into a federal office building and in 1893 the building collapsed and killed 22 people.  I'm not sure how comfortable I am in sitting here.

After Ford's Theater and the Peterson Building, we arrive at the Albert Einstein Memorial.  It is one of the few that a person can climb on and touch.  Everyone rubs his nose for knowledge and it shines far more than any other part of the statue.  I have to wait quite awhile to catch him without students crawling all over but I do manage it.  Hello Albert.

And here he is with my grandson gaining some "knowledge".

Next up are the Vietnam, Lincoln, and Korean War Memorials.  As I've seen them all before, I wander over to check out one of the memorials that our driver told us about.  It is the Vietnam Nurses Memorial depicting the care and love that took place during that time.  One nurse is cradling a wounded soldier while another searches the sky for an incoming helicopter.  I am so touched as I stand here and think about the sacrifice these women made.  Many of them lost their lives trying to save others.

As we approach the Lincoln Memorial, I spot the Washington Memorial on the other side of the park.  I do not know why I am drawn to this particular edifice, but I am.  It is just THERE.  The reflection in the water is pretty nice too.  I wait down near the water for the kids to do a group picture on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and am lucky enough to find a bagpiper performing.  Oh yeah.

Our last memorial for the evening is the National WWII Memorial.  I really do love the way this one is done and tonight we are in luck.  Woohoo -- it's about time today.  The fountains are on!  Even the driver is surprised since it is supposed to storm big time this week AND they are never on this early in the year.  I'll take it and be thrilled.

Oh -- the Lincoln Memorial in the distance.

Well that's it for sightseeing tonight.  Ou next stop is a dinner cruise on the Potomac.  I'm looking forward to it and it even has a DJ and dance floor.  The kids are gonna have fun tonight.

Just as dinner is being served, I notice the moon rising over the city as we leave.  Run, run.  All the way to the upper deck for a picture.

Just as we are finishing our meal, the kids all start running out to go up on deck.  We are about to go under the bridge and everyone wants an up close experience.  Me too, I guess.

Well it's time to get the party started and it doesn't take long for the dance floor to fill in.

Jen and several of the other teachers and chaperones have fun right along with them.  I've been away from this for way too long.  I'll just sit and watch.

I do get a couple of videos to load.  Here are Jen and Jacob.

It is pretty late by the time we get back to the hotel, but it was a truly fun night and I'm betting the kids will remember it the most.  Last year it was the play, this year I'm sure the cruise will rank as number one.  Time for some shut eye.

It's Day Three and our schedule has really changed today.  We are heading to Arlington National Cemetery first thing as tomorrow's weather will not be conducive to it.  At this point we are all a bit concerned about even flying home tomorrow.  Fingers are crossed everywhere and here is your DAY THREE LINK 2015 from before.

Now - for today.  There is a certain beauty to Arlington.  Additionally, every time that I am here, I can hear the words of Trace Adkins song of the same name.  It is a very reverent place and I am always impressed by how the 8th graders sense that and are quiet.  It is chilly, but not too bad as long a we stay in the sun.

Robert E. Lee's home stands on the hill overlooking it all and the flags are at half mast as there are funerals going on in the cemetery today.  It is from that very home that John F. Kennedy proclaimed that he wanted to have this view for all eternity.  Thus, he is buried right below the home and his grave has an eternal flame nearby.

The cherry blossoms in contrast with the white headstones brings a calm, peaceful feeling to me as we walk through the site towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to watch the changing of the guards.

As we make several stops along the way (most repeated and shared in detail in the previous years post), I am simply enjoying the beauty around me.  I have always loved cemeteries and this one certainly is one of the most beautiful.  We have a national cemetery in Dallas too, but not of the size this one has to offer.

Near one of our stops, I spot this bush.  I have no idea what it is but dang, it sure does have a beautiful bloom.

After the Changing of the Guards and Wreath Laying ceremonies, I take a very quick peek into the Arlington Memorial Amphitheater.  It was dedicated in 1920 and hosts three major annual memorial services - Easter, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day -- which honor all American service members.   There is an abundance of information about it in THIS LINK, not the least of which is a list of the items sealed in a box which was placed in the cornerstone during at ceremony in October of 1915.

I wish I had more time here, but I get a text from Jen saying that the group is on the way to the bus and I need to hurry and catch up.

Our next stop is the Holocaust Museum and we are given a short amount of time here.  I walk it rather quickly and still have to skip two entire floors to be able to meet in the prearranged spot.  This day just keeps getting stranger.  We are now off to a mall that has a large food court to get everyone fed.  Well okay, I'm being flexible today.  I even splurge and end my meal with a yummy dessert.

With full bellies, we are off to the Capitol for our tour.

But first, the taking of the official group picture.  We stop at the same location as last time and the weather is rapidly changing to the point where the kids are not at all interested in taking off sweatshirts or hoodies and I have to admit that the adults are not finding it very welcoming either.

I enjoy the Capital a lot and at least this time I know the drill and am prepared.  No handing out food to rapidly eat before we go in.  However, one of the boys next to me in line leans over and whispers, "I didn't really think this through."  What?  Turns out he has a baseball in his pocket that he bought as a gift for his brother.  Ugh.  I read the list of prohibited items very carefully and don't see where it violates anything.  I think it will go through the metal detector without issues so I tell him to leave it in his pocket and NOT TOUCH it until we are out again.  Phew.  Everything goes okay and his tears are abated.  Yes, picture taken and we are now on the march towards the visitor entrance.As I said before, the last time we were here the rotunda was shrouded in scaffolding and we couldn't really enjoy it's beauty.  This time, everything looks wonderful and we are able to really enjoy the detailing.

We have an odd little guide (I say this cos she was indeed little -- about 4'10" I think she said -- and she has a quirky sense of humor.  At least it keeps things moving.

Ah, there ya are Sam.  Once again Stephen Austin is off in another wing and we are unable to view him.

After our tour, we hike the "hill" to the bus.  I do love the stately buildings that are all around the Capitol.  I would dearly love a walking tour telling me all about them.  I'm making a list for a future visit.

Now to head back to Alexandria and dinner at Gadsby's Tavern.  I think the food here is awesome but am not sure it is the type that younger people enjoy.  The history here is also remarkable so at least I, for one, am glad this is our dinner stop.  We arrive a wee bit early so our driver takes us on a little tour of Alexandria.  This is another city I would love some more time in.

We are the only guests and have taken over the tavern tonight.  It's a full house and all three rooms are in use.

I am pretty full by the time the desserts comes around, but, dang, they sure look yummy.  Jen and I manage to finish them off nicely and as we have finished a wee bit early and it's snowing outside the busses have arrived to take us to the starting location of the ghost tour.  I am tickled pink over this as I really am feeling all the walking in hips this evening and know the cold would not help it.  Since the bus is around, I take advantage and opt to stay on it during the tour.  We park around the corner and I sit and have a delightful visit with Percy until we have to go and pick everyone up again.  Yes, much better than freezing tonight.

On our way back to the city, Percy takes us to the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.  It sits high on a hill in Alexandria and has a view of the entire area.  It is supported by ALL Masonic lodges in the United States as an annual fee to be paid.  I ask Percy for a quick stop to step out into the snow and try to get a decent picture.

That's the end of another full day of touring but we decide to take Jacob up to the Skydome for a dessert before bed.  While there, we spot a few other parents along with Percy and have a nice little visit after we sent Jacob down for lockdown.  Yes, they tape these kids into their rooms.  We should get to bed too, it's another fun day in the neighborhood tomorrow.

Good morning and welcome to snowy D.C.  With the storm at hand and us flying home today, lots of plans have changed.  A few things are opening later than usual so we are kind of stuck.  Breakfast is in the Skydome (so we really didn't need to go up there last night with Jacob) and then it is announced that we are going to hang out around the hotel for a couple of hours before we can get into our next scheduled activity.  Why on earth did they make us check out of our rooms or get up so early.  Ugh.  The kids are take off to a room while Jen and I find a nice corner of the lobby to relax in and just hang out.   (Oh my -- before I chatter too much -- here is the DAY FOUR LINK 2015)

On the way to the Newseum, we do a drive by of the National Cathedral, another want to visit on my list.  I would dearly love to tour this incredible place.

I know these pictures aren't the best, the they are the best I could get through a bus window while moving and with water pouring down the windows.

Now to the Newseum.  The last time we were here, I didn't think we had enough time and this time I want to see a few different things, but after our first stop, I am kind of disillusioned.  Current news is blasting at us from every direction and since the media and our President don't get along -- you can guess that it is all rather derogatory.  Not exactly making me want to stay.  Oh -- but wait, I do see a funny right after arriving.  In the restroom crazy actual headlines are in the tiles.  You just can't help but laugh.

Jen, Jacob and I decide to go up and do the virtual reality exhibit.  I've taken the kids to these before AND given all the grands these headsets for Christmas, but have never tried one myself.  I do have to admit that they are pretty fun.

We spend the remaining time, wandering a couple of floors and gaining new bits of wisdom.

After the Newseum, and a box lunch eaten in the busses, our next stop is the Spy Museum and the kids love this one much more.  I have taken on the persona of Jane Meyer and hope to be able to convince people of my cover identity.  The white hairs won't give me away, will they?

I have to laugh like crazy when I spot this exhibit showing that spying is actually directed by God.

Once our time at this last stop is over, we are off to the airport.  That means that, after checking in, we have to take the train to a different terminal.  Many of these kids have never ridden a subway of any kind and are pretty funny.

We do get them all into one car and are soon on our way to the gate, where we have a bit of a wait before our flight.  Everyone goes off to get dinner and then we are on our way home.

All three of us manage to get seats together and settle in.  There is a gorgeous sunset going on so I have Jacob take pictures for me and then, before we know it, Hello Dallas.  It's been a great trip but I am ready for a couple of days at home.  I'll see ya again Washington, just not sure when.