WashingTC by GPS

We’re on our summer vacation and that’s what Matthew kept saying over and over…”We’re going to WashingTC by GPS!” It was so cute. They were so good on the 8 hour drive to our nation’s capital. It was my first time there and I have to admit, I was awestruck. So much history and so many famous *things* all in one place. Seeing all of the things I learned about as a kid. It was wonderful.

We went to the Natural and American History museums…I loved the First Ladies exhibit and seeing Julia Child’s kitchen…the kids loved the dinosaurs…and the pop culture exhibit.

Arlington National Cemetery really got to me. I had a huge lump in my throat the whole time we were there. All of those brave men and women. The amount of tombstones overwhelmed me; their bravery humbled me. And not just those who served but the tombstones of their wives and children too; so much sacrifice.

I love Obama so the White House was really exciting for me. I wanted to jump the fence and run up and have dinner with him, Michelle and the girls, made with vegetables from their garden.

Olivia was most excited to meet Abraham Lincoln so that was her favorite. The Washington Monument was cool too; there was much more space between the two than I imagined. It seems like when you see it on TV or in movies the 2 are right next to each other, but they’re not.

The World War II memorial pulled at my heartstrings too. My grandpa on my Dad’s side earned a Purple Heart in WWII. But I never asked him about it. We didn’t have that kind of relationship, I guess. And now it’s too late. Olivia got yelled at for splashing. That made us giggle.

We also visited Rock Creek Park for a bit and the National Zoo. Those pandas were cool but we were completely fascinated by the orangutans and how they have all of that space to climb.

All in all it was a wonderful little trip. I can’t wait to go back. Now we’re off to the ocean in Florida…stay tuned!!