Washington D.C.

So after the Gala we turned into Official Washington D.C. Tourists! 

First stop, the Capitol!

 Next - Pennsylvania Ave.

 Here we are at the World War II Memorial.  There were some people with a really cool camera and they were doing a trick where it looked like they were holding the Washington Monument.  We tried, but my mom didn't get how to hold her hand and unfortunately my little blue Nikon is incapable of such camera tricks.  Oh well, we sure got a good laugh out of it.

 These are a group of World War II Veterans that are brought in from all over the country to see the memorial.  It really gave you chills to be in the presence of heroes.

 This is the new MLK Jr. Memorial.

 It is really cool because it is MLK coming out of a stone.

 With this inscribed.  Very inspiring.

 Love this quote

 Next stop was the FDR Memorial and I have to say, this was by far one of my favorites.  The following was a quote by Elenor regarding what she felt FDR's handicap had given him. . . . . . Really made me think of Juliana.

 This was one of my favorite pieces in the FDR Memorial - Along with our awesome tour guide!

 This was the Korean War Memorial.  It was really awesome.  From a far you see a glossy wall reflecting the soldiers in front of it.

 But when you stand in front you see the laser etched faces of actual soldiers that fought in that war.

 The other cool thing is that the face pictured below is Alan Alda, who is the only face on the wall of someone who did not actually fight in the war.  But they included Alan, because he had done so much to make this memorial happen. 

 Lincoln Memorial - This one I remember seeing when I came in middle school.  But it was way cooler as an adult.  I guess you just can't appreciate this stuff in middle school.

 This is the view from the Lincoln Memorial looking over the reflecting pool - unfortunately is was drained and completely under construction.  But what was especially cool about this picture is that I was standing in the exact location that MLK stood when he gave his "I have a dream" speech.

 Now that gave me chills for sure!

 And this was another of my favorites.  This was at the Vietnam Memorial it was the statue of soldier and nurse.  This has got to be one of the most emotional statues.  The expression on their faces will actually bring tears to your eyes.  You have Mercy tending the soldiers wounds, Hope is looking in the sky for help. . .

 and Faith is behind them praying. 

 Wow!  So after a long day of sight seeing we sat down for a drink.  We went to a Mexican restaurant in National Harbor as we waited for Roger to pick us up.  Have to say it was DELICIOUS! 

 Then, after a great day we came home to an amazing gourmet meal made by the one and only Jenny Beth. Thanks so much Jenn - We had a great time!

 And before we left, we went for brunch with Cassie & Brian.