DC and Arlington Adventure!

We have lived in Ann Arbor for almost FIVE years. The time has flown by and many good friends have moved on from us. The Rasmussens left for Virginia back in October and while we were sad to see them go, we immediately started formulating plans of a possible visit! The planning paid off because the trip could not have gone better. The kids did great on the way there and we made it by 4pm (I was going to take anything before bedtime as a success)! The Rasmussens were living in a condo right over the bridge from DC. You could see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington monument, and the US Capital all from their floor to ceiling windows. (I wright this all in the past tense because they have since moved to AFRICA)

Brooke gave birth to Natalie a few days before they moved so Lucy and her had a great time getting acquainted.


They lived within walking distance of the Iwo Jima Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Visiting the cemetery was definitely the highlight of the trip for me. My Grandma and Grandpa Ackerson are both buried there. I never met my Grandpa so it was nice to visit his grave. Thankfully, Brooke and Scott took our kids so it was just Seth, Lucy and myself to take it all in. It was raining the majority of the time but it was warm eastern rain and we remembered an umbrella.



We watched the changing of the guard and they were even perfect in a down pour!


We spent a full day at the capital mall taking in everything. The Lincoln Memorial was very impressive.


The kids did as well as expected. Everything you want to see is "by" each other, but the "by" doesn't mean it's close!! Thankfully I brought my baby carrier and stroller because at one time Charlie was in the stroller, Lucy in the carrier, and Matthew on Seth's shoulders.

The Smithsonians, the real ruby red slippers and Kermit!



The best part of the trip for Charlie and Matthew were the Rasmussen boys. They introduced them into the new world of Playmobile. And it wasn't just the toys that captivated them, but the catalog as well. Here they all are at the World War II Memorial.


On Sunday we drove over to see the DC Temple! Beautiful! I had never realized how big it was. The kids loved the visitors center where the senior couple missionaries entertained them.

After going to church in Arlington, we drove to Madison St to see the home my Dad grew up in. It's in a very picturesque neighborhood. It was great to finally see the home I had heard so much about.

The morning we left we decided to stop by the "US Engraving & Printing Bureau".....so much MONEY! You can take a tour and watch them do their printing magic, which they are doing a lot of these days. We also got a sneak peek at the new 100 dollar bill. Charlie loved this of course, the kid loves money. After our tour we jumped on the road towards home. After MANY stops we rolled into town... Thanks so much Brooke and Scott for the amazing hospitality!