Visiting DC was so exciting and fun. I won't deny that it was hard doing it with children. We haven't noticed a difference in our travels including the kids in our itinerary. Usually it's only naps that are affected. But DC is not a great place to see with kids. There are neat things to see for them, but they usually need something fun to throw in there. We made the best of things, but it was difficult trying to see all we wanted to with the kids.I think it mostly came down to trying to rush them. We only had five days, and tried to fit in too much. But again, just thankful we had the opportunity.
The American History Museum was not at all what I expected. I thought it was great. This was probably the kids favorite museum as well, which I was surprised about. There were just so many random things around each corner about our American History. Raiyah took this picture of me in front of the Stradivarius. She is our go to girl for pictures.
Museum of Natural History was a fun place as well. The kids loved seeing all of the animals, and butterflies. We sat in the butterfly room for probably 45minutes. Raiyah didn't want to leave until one landed on her. She ended up having five give her kisses or land on her. She felt very special. I was sad we didn't capture it, but she loved the moment.
We stayed for five days with Doug and Sandy Banks. They live right outside DC so they told us we could stay with them. I was a little apprehensive staying in someone's home we didn't know but they truly feel like family now. They are my Sister-in-law Allison's Great Aunt and Uncle. Very random connection but so glad we made it. The kids now call them Grandpa and Grandma when we visit, which we have been told we can anytime. They are wonderful people and a perfect example of how I would like to be in serving others. I especially love that they are both retired but more busy than anyone I know. They are constantly serving in so many ways.
This new monument was very powerful. You can't deny the presence of King, as I am assuming you couldn't when he was alive.
So glad we did the monuments at night. I think you are missing out if you see them in the day. The lighting, especially at the Korean Monument gave you a reverance for those that have sacrificed so much.
The Lincoln Memorial was so moving. Even the kids were quiet in the "temple." I love that he dominates this end of the mall. It's so nice to take a moment at each area and think of the significance one person can make in the world.
If I had to guess I would say this was Ryan's favorite. He took a long time walking the Vietnam wall reading the names. If there is one thing I love about soldiers, it's their comradery with each other. There is a respect they share for each other knowing they have answered the call for their country.
I wish you could come to the Roosevelt Memorial in Junior High when you are talking and learning about it. You cannot help think of all the suffering and poverty during this time. But also the new possibilities that arose from the strong surviving.
It seems unreal to see the White House. You know so much has happened here since Adams first walked in it. I gained a deep respect and gratitude for our government leaders both now and in the past.
United States Capital
Again, so neat that this great mall started from one man giving just a little of himself. Beautiful Smithsonian Building
I think even after all I saw, that Washington towers over the rest. I love that his monument towers over all the monuments. That's how I feel Washington stands over all who have come after him. True American Hero.
Changing our tire in the Bank's driveway. No worries, I was just practicing (Ryan offered to do it but I wanted to) so if I got a flat on my own I could do it by myself. Think I need to do a few more push ups to get thos lug nuts off. :) We drove the van over to Sears with our spare tire. $300.00 later we had a new tire. I will NEVER go to Sears again. They aren't struggling for customers therefore they don't care about their customers. Just my little side thought.
We also had a fun "tow" of our vehicle. I dropped Ryan off at one museum while the kids and I parked the van and went to another. When Ryan met up with us later we walked back to the van which I parked right behind the Smithsonian Museum. The van was not there. Ryan was certain I just didn't remember where I parked. Long story short; there was not a sign anywhere telling us we couldn't park there (I took lot's of pictures to prove this), but they said I couldn't park there during rush hour so they towed our van about four blocks away, parked it, and charged us $200.00 for where we parked, $200.00 for the tow. After I sent pictures we haven't heard a word so hopefully that's the end of it. Our friends had the exact same thing happen last year and never had to pay. It was not the most fun end to our trip but all part of the adventure. :)
White House
The kids LOVED riding the metro into the city. They always livened up the whole metro. As soon as we stepped on the people would all smile and change their whole demeanor just watching the two kids living in the moment. I LOVE my kids. They really do make each moment a little more special.
Library of Congress. Going here just made you want to study more so you could try to learn a fraction of our founding fathers. I really enjoyed going here.
Air and Space Museum was really fun to see. Probably the favorite was the rockets.
Visiting DC was so exciting and fun. I won't deny that it was hard doing it with children. We haven't noticed a difference in our travels including the kids in our itinerary. Usually it's only naps that are affected. But DC is not a great place to see with kids. There are neat things to see for them, but they usually need something fun to throw in there. We made the best of things, but it was difficult trying to see all we wanted to with the kids.I think it mostly came down to trying to rush them. We only had five days, and tried to fit in too much. But again, just thankful we had the opportunity. 
