Washington D.C. 2007

On Friday, May 11th, the three of us boarded a plane for D.C. Russell did great on the flight with exception of a 20 minute crying spell due to a missed naptime. We arrived in D.C. about 10pm and gladly crashed at our hotel.

Day 1- Saturday

Russell and Mom at the Russell Senate Building (one of three buildings). He was fighting to get out of my arms but someday he'll be glad for this photo!

Climbing the steps of the Supreme Court. It was Saturday and there was nothing going on, but Russell loved the marble steps! More the better!

Later that day, we walked down to the new WWII memorial. Father and son together make Mom very happy! Russell really likes fountains.

The Lincoln Memorial. What a delight to be able to see these historical sights! More steps for Russell to climb...

Relaxing at the hotel before bedtime- Russell's picked up some of Emma's tricks! (See Peters' Paradise).

Day 2-Sunday

We spent the day at the Smithsonian 'Air and Space' Museum. We were disappointed to find out that the 'American History' museum was closed until 2008 for renovations, but they put about 100 artifacts in the Air/Space museum for display. This was the actual outfit of Gen. George Washington (shirt is a replacement as are the boots).

As close to the White House as we'll ever get! We missed the Queen by 5 days, and Tony Blair by two days! Oh well...

Playing in the foreground of the Washington Monument.

Day 3- Arlington (Cemetary), Virginia

Tomb of: baby boy Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, Jacquoline Kennedy, baby girl Kennedy.

Grave of Robert Kennedy- what a difference from his brother's.

Russell guiding the masses into the entrance of 'Arlington House'- the home of George Washington during his years in office. Later the home of General Lee before he led the southern troops during the civil war.

We watched the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Too many lives lost in war...

Day 4- Tuesday

We took the Metro and a local bus line down to Mt. Vernon- the estate and plantation of George Washington, south of D.C. 16 miles. Well worth the trip. The grounds were kept beautifully.

Waiting on the porch of the mansion for our tour. The Potomac River in the background.

Our futile attempt at a family picture. Don't expect one for Christmas;-) Russell doesn't like to be held- he'd rather be walking around.

The burial site of George Washington, his wife, and 13 (?) other family members.

Washington's final resting place.

The end of Day 4- taking an evening walk and climbing the steps of the Civil War memorial. Russell was sure to have a bath every night!

Day 5- Wednesday

The 'Hope Diamond'! Big, bold, and beautiful! (The Natural History Museum- Smithsonian)

On Wednesday afternoon, we made our way to the airport and boarded our plane. Due to an electrical storm, we sat on the tarmac for 1.5 hours and by the time we were set to depart, all our snacks for Russell were exhausted! Thankfully, the attendants kept Russell's sippy cup filled with milk. Due to our late departure, we missed our next flight in Houston and had to wait two hours for the next flight. We finally arrived back in SF at 11pm (2am EST). Woo.

We had a wonderful time and we both loved Washington D.C. recommend the city to anyone and everyone. The city transit is so easy and fun. It is the most inexpensive city to visit since all attractions are free. Now- if only hotels and airfare were free!

We've only posted a few of our 160+ photo but if you'd like to know more, just say so and we'll share our knowledge;-)

Russell did better than we could have hoped and we are so proud of our little traveller.