Spring Break in D.C., Day 2

Our second day in D.C. was jammed packed with fun! Our first adventure was purchasing our Metro cards, finding our train, and making sure we got off at the right stop...during the morning rush hour.

We had tickets that morning for Ford's Theatre. We were able to go to the museum and hear a talk in the actual theater about the events of that day. While I have been there before, there was still a lot about that day that I learned. It was a really good tour and one I would recommend.

Luke wanted his picture taken with the gun that killed Lincoln, but felt it appropriate to make a sad face.

Our next stop was the National Archives, but we stopped for a photo op in front of  FBI building.

 The Archives of the United States
While in the National Archives, we were able to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights, but photography was prohibited.

Funny thing...while looking at the documents, we ran into one of Caleb's classmates who happens to live about 2 miles from us. What a small world! We had no idea they were going to be in D.C. that week too.

Beth's brother and his two boys, Jackson and Hudson, were also in D.C. that week so we met up with them and they had lunch with us at Penn Quarter Sports Tavern. It was centrally located and the food was great.
The big excitement during lunch happened when the presidential motorcade drove by!

Caleb decided that on this trip he would order and eat adult meals. ;)

After lunch we walked to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. We only spent about 2 hours there, but could have spent an entire day!
Funny thing is...we ran into Caleb's classmate AGAIN at the museum. What are the chances?

the Berlin Wall

At the gift shop, Luke chose a Three-Cornered Hat, and immediately went into character. 

Surprisingly we only hit up the street vendors once for ice cream!

Luke was the classic tourist!

After we left the Smithsonian, we met back up with Beth's brother and his boys on the National Mall to see some of the monuments and memorials.

World War II

 We took a group shot in front of Kentucky to show Beth's dad, since he is a WWII veteran.

 Making our way to Lincoln
(We did SO much walking on Day 2. We had thought we would Uber or take the Metro every now and then but we did it on foot!)

Notice anything about this picture?
 I took it on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. I promise that the Washington Monument is there at the end of the reflecting pool...but apparently it didn't show up in my picture!

Next up...

The White House!

After seeing the White House, we made our way to dinner. We had reservations at The Old Ebbitt Grill and loved it! Funny thing...we ran into Caleb's classmate A THIRD TIME at dinner. What?!! How crazy is that?!!!

Day 2 was incredible, but we were wiped out and ready to get back to the house. Since it was later that evening, the Metro wasn't crazy!

**Luke hasn't used a stroller in years, but rode in it 95% of the time in D.C. I was SO thankful we took it, as there is no way that he could have managed to walk that much. (Also, I would have also been a nervous wreck to let him try and walk along those busy streets or getting on or off the trains.) It was also nice to have a place to hold our jackets, water bottles, and gift shop treasures.

Spring Break in D.C.- Day 1

Both Caleb and Luke spent lots of time learning about our nation's history at school this year and were very excited to visit DC. I spent LOTS of time researching where we should go based on their list, and planning out our itinerary for each day. We were able to visit most of the places on our list, but we definitely want to plan another trip soon, as we just couldn't get to all of it.

Our first stop: Arlington National Cemetery

Caleb learned that the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded at all times, ("Even during a tornado," he'll say) so seeing it was high on his list. 

We got there just in time for the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

The JFK memorial was probably the one they were least familiar with, but we did our best to explain the significance. 

The Eternal Flame

After we left Arlington, we drove into DC...at rush hour. Yikes...all I can say is poor PeePaw for being behind the wheel. Instead of a hotel, we stayed in an Airbnb in the Columbia Heights neighborhood and it was FANTASTIC! Our favorite part was the rooftop deck:

Staying in Columbia Heights made our trip. The restaurants were great, but it really just gave us a taste of what it is like to live in a big city (walking to restaurants, riding the Metro at rush hour, walking to Trader Joes to get groceries, etc.) and I am so thankful we got to experience it. 

Spring Break

We had an incredible spring break this year! 

While Creed had to stay home and work (boo!), the boys and I were gone 8 days- traveling over 1600 miles and visiting both North Carolina and Washington D.C.  I was worried with all of the driving but the boys were seriously perfect in the car. They played games, watched movies and Caleb played the license plate game, finding 42 different states!

We kicked off spring break with three days at PeePaw and Grandma Beth's house. Caleb loves the piano and spent lots of time practicing.

The weather was perfection so the boys were outside most of the weekend. Luke basically spent an entire day digging up rocks and cleaning them for "his collection."

There were countless games of fetch played with Hallie and lots of bike riding too. The boys were constantly outside and moving...and getting very dirty!

We always have to hit up Krispy Kreme since it started there! 

Uncle Drew

No shoes, no shirt...no problem. ;)

Monday morning we loaded up the car and PeePaw got behind the wheel as we headed north to D.C!  Smiles all around!