D.C.

The kid's school had the 5th grade trip up to DC earlier this month. Kyle and Emily did not go on that trip because we could not commit to it back when we had to because we didn't know if we'd still be here. Furthermore, after hearing their itinerary for the trip, it's best they didn't go! (They had to be at school by 5am on a Wednesday to bus up to DC, had what was left in the day to do the tours they had set, went to a hotel outside of DC to sleep and be up by 5am the next day, bus back into the city, tour all day, back to hotel late to sleep, up at 5am to tour for half a day and then bus back home, all in less than 3 days. Surely they covered A LOT of ground in that little time but that is some serious hustling!) 

So we went up as a family and had a leisurely great time and got to see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom. We spent time with Jeff's Aunt Barbara, his cousin Rachel and her family. We ate great food - Saku Ramen, had cupcakes, and visited more of DC's sites that we haven't yet seen.

First up was Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Appropriately, it was cold and raining out. Arlington is quite a site to behold. Amazing to see the cost freedom. And the Tomb of the Unknown is beautiful. Growing up, I was terrified of cemeteries. This is different. 

We then went to Saku Ramen to warm up with some delicious ramen that we discovered last time we were in town. It did not disappoint. On our walk to the train from there, we saw a cupcake shop and just had to stop. Because we wanted to. Because we could. 

On to the train (and the only picture I took there) (Jeff: do you have any to add?)

We headed toward the Mint which we had gotten tickets for a tour earlier in the AM. We were actually trying to get tickets to the Holocaust museum, but they were out within 20 minutes of opening and we arrived 25 minutes after opening. So the mint was next door and we were able to get tickets to see how money is printed. Pretty fascinating. Reasonably, no pictures allowed. 

We chilled outside and saw more of the Cherry Blossoms as it was now sunny and very warm out. Deciding where to go next, we went into the Holocaust museum which was next door to see the parts we were able to see without a ticket. While asking a question at the info desk, someone turned in tickets they were unable to use and we were able to see the rest of the museum. I don't really have many words. It stands as an incredible memorial to a horrific time in history. Very moving, very heartbreaking. And a part of history that should never be forgotten or repeated.

We closed the evening with dinner with family at a new restaurant nearby. 

The following day, we had one thing on our docket after our ambitious day before (though it wasn't intended to be so busy, just turned out that way based on where we were and tickets or lack thereof): the Spy Museum. The kids LOVED the Spy Museum. Kyle, Emily & Jeff did the special Spy Experience where they were part of solving a mystery (I think). Aaron and I grabbed some breakfast and went through the spy exhibits during that time. It's a great museum for kids of all ages because they have a scavenger hunt that keeps them engaged in the exhibits, decoding ciphers, looking for clues, etc. When Jeff, Kyle & Em were done with their experience, we went through the museum with them again. Next up was a nice slow lunch at a great Mediterranean restaurant a block away. We headed back to Barbara's house afterwards and played and relaxed. After a delicious Greek dinner with the family, we headed home to North Carolina so we could have Sunday to regroup before the kids went back to school and Jeff to Utah.