We stayed in a hotel in Arlington. We took the Subway from Arlington into the city. Eliza was excited to have her very own Subway card that she got to scan as she walked through.
The kids thought riding the Subway was awesome - especially Hazel who thought the freedom of walking around while traveling without a car seat was great.
We headed first for the Smithsonian museum of American History. The kids thought it was neat to see the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, and all of the other Revolutionary war things. I really didn't think a 5 and 4 year old would have so many questions about war and artillery and ships and cannons.
We headed downstairs to grab some lunch with grandma and grandpa. We were so fortunate that they were willing to treat us to lunch.
It didn't take Hazel very long to attach herself to grandpa.
She got to spend a lot of time with him because museums just weren't her thing. Grandpa (and grandma) were willing to sit with her while she played, slept, or snacked while the rest of us explored the museums. She also could have taken to him because he had a pocket full of M&M's to share with her. Out of the few words she says "apa" has made the list.
Before leaving the museum, we had to get a picture of Dorothy's Ruby Slippers. These are going to be put into storage for a couple of years while they build a new exhibit.
We couldn't resist posing with these beloved characters from Sesame Street. Although they may have outgrown Sesame Street, there is no denying that Ernie was at the top of Eliza's list of favorites just a few years ago.
From there, we headed outside to walk over to the Washington Monument. Eliza had her heart absolutely set on walking up all 900+ stairs to the top. She was completely bummed when we found out that we couldn't go inside because the monument is closed indefinitely for repairs. we convinced her to settle for a picture with the monument in the background instead.
While Hazel took a nap in the stroller under grandpa's watchful care, we headed over to the Smithsonian museum of Natural History. Zabien loved seeing all the animals while Eliza liked the ocean and sea exhibits.
Both of them were confused by the exhibits that showed the process of evolution. "We didn't come from Monkeys, we came from Heavenly Father" was Eliza's response.
We had to grab a quick glance at the Hope Diamond, and gaze into the crystal ball before heading back outside to stroll the Washington Mall. We must just see Zabien in our future.
Once outside, we saw the sunshine as a good opportunity to grab a family photo.
We walked over to the subway station to head back to grandpa and grandma's hotel where we used their full kitchen to cook dinner.
We had about a quarter of a mile walk back to their hotel from the subway stop. Zabien thought it would be fun if we all joined hands and pretended we were a train as we walked down the sidewalk. Unfortunately, 7 linked people don't really fit on the sidewalks in DC, so our train had to split up quickly.
Dinner was great. The kids watched Home Alone on TV while they waited for dinner to cook, and also while eating. We also snacked on the girl scout cookies Eliza brought and sold to grandma and grandpa. When it got to be past time of the last shuttle, Bruce and grandpa took a taxi back to Arlington so Bruce could get the van and shuttle us back to our Arlington hotel.
The next morning, we met up with grandpa and grandma at the tomb of the unknown soldier where the Farm Bureau did a special wreath ceremony. We arrived what we thought was plenty early for the ceremony. What we didn't anticipate was the time it took to get through security screening, and the 20 minute walk through the cemetery to the tomb of the unknown soldier. We got there just as the wreath placement was getting over. We still got a pretty nice picture though,
Zabien really enjoyed watching the guard march back and forth.
It is such a neat place that has a special feeling. It's very humbling to see the millions of graves of soldiers who dedicated their lives to help us have and maintain the freedoms we now enjoy.
The kid thought this wax soldier with his trumpet was pretty neat and wanted a picture taken with him.
Grandpa had to spend the next couple of hours rallying congress with the Farm Bureau at the White House, so we split up. Grandma and grandpa were with the first group allowed in the White House since Trump's inauguration which was pretty neat. While the grandparents were rallying congress, we headed over to the Lincoln Memorial. We paused for a quick photo across the river from the Jefferson Memorial.
The previous few times we went to DC (for the sites and not the temple), we only drove by the memorial. This time around, we took some time to walk up the steps and enjoy the sunshine.
A selfie(s) for the occasion.
Such a great view of the Washington Mall behind us.
After our time with Lincoln, we headed over to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.
Both Zabien and Eliza thought the model planes, rockets, and helicopters were pretty awesome.
After 2 days of museums though, I think they were ready for a change.
We met back up with Hazel (who was napping with the grandparents) and decided to head to dinner. We drove back towards Arlington thinking we would find a better restaurant to sit down at. We did find a nice steak house, but it wasn't a quick drive to Arlington - it took us the better part of 45 minutes to drive a short 5 miles.
After dinner, we headed back to Pennsylvania. Eliza loves school so much, she was only willing to miss one day of school. We were so happy to have spent some time with Bruce's parents and that the children got to see their grandparents. It's always fun to see family. And Hazel has a new buddy - she loves "Apa."
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