Washington DC

Tyler wanted to attend a National Lawyers Convention in Washington DC because Judge Scalia was speaking. So he made preparations to go hoping one of his law buddies could go with him. We have B1G1 free Delta tix to use each year. But the others still couldn't go so he invited me to come along. This is the day after I auditioned for Joyful Noise, mind you. So I told Tyler I couldn't let him know until I spoke with the director. Well, he obliged and allowed me to miss rehearsals and encouraged me to go on a trip with my hubby, so I went along!

We flew Tyler's mom out from Denver to watch Samuel and Jocelyn and brought Cecily along. Not the first time we've had a nursing baby crash our romantic getaways!

My aunt and uncle live 45 minutes out of DC in Maryland and they kindly let us stay in their beautiful home. I haven't been there since I was 12. It brought back a lot of memories with my cousin Sarah. Watching the Summer Olympics. Drawing gymnasts, or rather, watching in awe as Sarah drew sketches of them. Going on walks in the mini forest behind their home and just enjoying the humidity (groan) and the sights of the East coast. But I digress.

So we traveled to DC for 5 days and had a lovely time. And it was perfect timing as the leaves were still on the trees! While Tyler sat in a conference for 3 days I was able to visit with my cousin Tim and his little family, Rebecca and Ginny, my cousin David and of course Scott and Kari. Plus, as a bonus, and more motivation to go, Katherine, my freshman roommate, and one of my longest time friends, lives out there too. So I had a lovely time!

The weather was very fair to us. Jacket weather, and just a few chilly nights.

We wandered along the mall a couple of the evenings:





Yes, I nursed Cecily inside the Smithsonian visitors center. Ya, we had just walked 45 minutes bcse I parked along the river in the boonies to get free parking. We were both freezing cold as the sun was setting and Cecily had been very patient and this was the only place open after 5pm where I could privately and warmly feed her.

This wall was huge! Look at all that writing compared to the little gal. Don't ask me what's written up there....I think it may be the Declaration? Or was it the Constitution?

Gotta love that face!


Gotta love that marble man!


Can you find the Washington Memorial?

His dream job would be to work here, the Supreme Court. Doesn't he look so professional?

The capital. There were a bunch of Tibetan monks right out front. Pretty fun!

Kat and my double chin.

No, I am not pregnant, despite the belly bulge :) Gorgeous sunset.



We had to go to the American History Museum because I HAD to see the ruby slippers. When my mom went on her only east coast trip while I was still in high school she sent me a postcard with these slippers. So I had to see them in person. We got into the museum 10 minutes before close. They warned us that they were closing so I asked where they were right away. She directed us where to go and went up and they were front and center. We quickly took a few shots and then rushed downstairs to try and see Julia Child's kitchen (it's new) but just as were to turn the corner I captured a glimpse of it, the guards started kicking us out. And they are very aggressive about closing on time. I suppose they are 9-5 gov't workers and want to get out of there. Anyway, I was kind of ticked because it was actually on 4:57! Anyway, we were able to see the slippers! Ahhh. I love that film.




Sunday was our only full day to sight see. First, we went to Arlington National Cemetery for the sole purpose to see the grave our dear friend, J.B. He was one of Tyler's best friends since high school. He was stationed in Germany serving in the Air Force. We went and visited his home and he took us around Germany and Luxembourg while we lived in Paris. He was a great friend and wonderful person. A truly talented and kind person, full of the light of Christ. Well, one day he died in a car accident on his way to the base. Right before Christmas right before Jocelyn was born. He was 25. It was a huge blow to us, especially for Tyler. We still miss him. We were grateful we were able to visit his grave. It's a sacred place. I believe any cemetery is sacred. There is a special and reverent feeling in them. We were also able to witness a changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier, which was also a very special experience.



Look at all these graves! Rows and rows of soldiers and civilians who have died at the cost of wars. It was a humbling sight.



I told Tyler we had to be sure to go Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. Tyler was glad we did! In fact, he wants to move there. He was in such awe over the property. It is a perfect lot. Right on the river, you can see for miles. Huge "yard", farm, everything. It's like a little village. Really cool place and really, the "mansion" seems so humble for today's standards. Gee, that Washington fellow, he was something else! Plus, when I came here 18 years ago, it was not so crowded. It has grown! The publicity for it. They've built a new museum and there is a lot more to do now with your visit. Totally worth the short drive!

Look at this front yard. Sweet!

A golden Eagle keeping his eyes on the squirrels for his next meal.

One of Washington's gardens. Tyler wants to mimic this style when he opens his own restaurant someday.

From the backside.

The view of the Potomac. Down the hill and through the gate is where the National Treasurer was filmed. Really, though, only a few actual US Presidents have "partied" on these grounds, which surprised me. It's a perfect gathering spot.


We let Cecily roll down the hill a bit. Okay, just about a foot but she could easily have kept going if we let her.

One of his farms.


Ya, this gingerbread house, assembled by the White House chef, totally puts ours to shame.

Cecily, though extremely overtired, after 5 days of fewer and shorter naps, handled herself very well. Bravo child! Only a little bit of benedryl and some newly purchased pacifiers (since we lost both, and a pair of socks somewhere on the mall that week) got her through the plane ride home.