Memorial Day Weekend Trip to Washington DC

Our trip to Washington DC 2017 was a huge success!  Rodger had been out there for a few days prior for a conference, and first met up with Mom, Dad and Abby at our hotel, the Capital Hilton which was just two blocks away from the White House.   Sophie and I arrived in the middle of the night eager for a full day of sightseeing.  Because it was Memorial Day weekend, each day the girls were dressed in red, white and blue attire and of course were complimented on their adorable Patriotic outfits.  Day one:  Rodger woke before the sun to take photos of famous buildings at sunrise while the rest of us slept in from the late flight, then we rented a car and drove to George Washington's home Mount Vernon. 

 

Sophie and Abby in front of Mount Vernon

For dinner on the first evening, we went to the famous "Old Ebbitts" and had the best meal of the weekend. (except for Sophie)  I highly recommend going here for a trip to DC.  The girls were also enjoying their photo scavenger hunt and took many pictures of items on their list.  I was particularly impressed with how much they had learned and were attentive to on our trip.  They loved the tours and kept interested in learning the entire time.  It really helped that they have interest in Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson due to the popularity of "Hamilton".  We had to make stops in most gift shops looking for certain gifts pertaining to these items.  But overall, these girls were so great on the trip.  Day one ended with a night bus tour of the highlights of Washington DC including with monuments and memorials.  This was a great way to see the main parts of the city without walking around but also see it all lit up at night.

Day two:  Capital tour... I was most worried that this would not be fun for kids but wow... they did great!  The tour guides made the information accessible to all and made it interesting and fun.  There was kid information booklets and things to do and everyone had a great time in the Capital.
We also went to the National Archives and the Botanical Gardens which made for a full day.  Dinner was at "The Hamilton", just because.  We ran into our friend Edith from Florida on the tour.

Statue of Hamilton

Glad that Mom and Dad were able to join in the trip with us

 Day Three:  We went to church at the National Cathedral and spent quite some time touring this place.  We then went to more of the Smithsonian museums, such as the Natural History and others.  At night, we saw the White House all lit up when the President was making his way back home. While we didn't see him, we did see the helicopter land on the roof.
On the last day, we ate breakfast at a place called "Founding Farmers", which is a must go to for DC.  Then our last stop was the Air and Space Museum.

This one was for Gracie who wants to be an astronaut

Sophie saw the helicopter land on top to show President Trump come home!

Abby at the White House

Sophie knows that Eliza Hamilton raised the funds to have the Washington Monument built.

The girls really learned the true meaning of Memorial Day not only at Arlington but also seeing the Memorial Day concert live in Washington DC.  They learned about veterans and POWs and have a deeper understanding of the military sacrifices.  It was a really great experience for them.

Party in the USA

Sophie was an expert on the Metro

Sophie loves drawing... here's a photo of Mom while we ate at "The Hamilton"

Abby and Dad eating dinner at "The Hamilton"

It seems like most of our travels are always running from place to place....and this trip was no different.  But, it was a great, NEW experience for everyone which made it very special.  We hope that they will remember what they had learned and apply it when they learn about it in school too!