D.C. Days

After moving into our new house, what's the first thing on our agenda in Virginia?
Well, visiting Washington DC, of course! 

First stop of the day, the Iwo Jima/USMC War Memorial.

 A quick drive from Arlington, VA on the Lincoln Memorial Bridge, on to seeing Mr. Lincoln himself!

 

Family selfie attempt.

The scenic pathways through the National Mall.

 The Reflecting Pool.

Yes, that's our child trying to pet a DC duck.

The haunting Korean War Memorial.

 DC War Memorial

 This one always seems to be missed by the crowds.

The World War II Memorial

The Washington Monument

The back of the White House. They don't let you get very close anymore!

And the front of the White House. Now they have another gate to keep you away from the gate.

 The Potomac River.

Longs legs at the Jefferson Memorial.

 Talking to the geese in the Tidal Basin.

 Z took this pic while A stayed with the car to avoid another parking ticket (wah wah).

 Recouped overnight at a nearby Navy Lodge on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, and continued our DC excursion the following day at the Smithsonian museums, starting with the National Air and Space Museum.

Z was excited to see Amelia Earhart's plane, thanks to the "Night At the Museum" movies.

Boy, it takes so long to walk to the Capitol Building, I think we'll just point at it from here.

 Fountains inside the National Gallery of Art Sculptures.

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, Z's favorite. 

 

Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe, apparently a family tradition since L ate here 19 years ago.

Probably shouldn't be so excited to see the place of President Lincoln's assassination, but there's Ford's Theater.

One of the many historic buildings in DC, this one across the street from the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 

Look out, Bert and Ernie!

And an accidental pic of the original Star Spangled Banner (the curator told us not to take pics AFTER the picture was already taken, ahem; they're concerned about flash-photography, although no flash was used here :).  

Always love the Smithsonian Castle (an info center for visitors), and the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building is purdy too.

 

 It may not look like much, but this was actually miles of walking. Our tired feet were happy to be back in the car and heading to Clarksburg, Maryland to visit family!

Z and her Greek cousin J whom we haven't seen in 2 years!

 Fun sculptures at a local outlet mall.

 Hard at work.

Thought the random white goat on this playground was funny.

Hanging out with his Theo.

Thanks to Thea N, little J, and Theo A (not pictured) for hosting us!

Taking I-95 past Quantico, VA, stopping at the amazing Marine Corps Museum is a must!

Little World War I troop.

The displays are impressive, like this Korean War room.

Back on the beautiful open roads heading home to Virginia Beach! Grateful for our time in our Nation's Capital!