Washington D.C.

After spending the morning and early afternoon at the temple for Ashley and Justin's marriage...we all decided to hop on a subway near the hotel and head downtown Washington DC to go and take a whirlwind of a tour of the National Mall....and a whirlwind of a tour it was. We didnt even get downtown DC until after 4pm.

Addison and Aunt Heather waiting for the "choo choo" to come.

We went from the subway station to the White House first....they had the section right in front of the White House blocked off for whatever reason....probably b/c Obama's reviews arent to hot right now...but that is a whole other subject. Anyways, we were still able to get a pretty good view of the White House....

The famous Pennsylvania Ave

The White House with the lovely crane in the background.

Of course Addison would find herself a Water Fountain...the girl lives to be in the water.

Next stop was the Washington Monument...which is pretty cool to see in person. Its huge.

After the Washington Monument, we wanted to hit one of the Smithsonian Museums. I really wish we had more time in DC...but like I said..it was literally a whirlwind of a trip...We got to the Smithsonian just before closing time...which we all know, it is IMPOSSIBLE to see everything in this place within 1 day, let alone in less than an hour (which was all we had)!

As you can see below, we went to the National Museum of American History Smithsonian. One of these days I will make it back to visit ALL the Smithsonians in DC.

The only part of the Museum we got to see was the First Ladies' Inauguration gowns...only b/c A) all of us girls were interested in seeing this part and B) it was right there on the main floor of the museum. This part of the Museum had all the First Ladies' gowns from the Past to Present Day. All the gowns, shoes, and jewelry that the First Ladies wore for their Inauguration Ball. It was fun to see, especially First Ladies like Jacqueline Kennedy's, Hilary Clinton's (not that I like her), and Michelle Obama's (definitely dont like her husband). But it was fun to see...I just wish we had more time to see other things....one day I will make time.

National Monument again with the Lincoln Memorial in the Background....unfortunately we didnt have time to go and see it...as mentioned before, we didnt get to downtown DC until after 4pm. It ended up being a very late night.

Just taking a break from all the walking we did...Addie and Macey had fun playing with the trees...they probably helped the grounds around DC out....I was pretty dissapointed in how the landscaping and the grounds were kept around DC. Sure, there were some pretty parts....but many other things needed a LOT of help. A lot of the grass wasnt mowed, many of the pathways were made of this ugly dirt and rocks, we kept getting rocks stuck in our sandals, why arent they paved?? And that is just naming a few of the flaws. I was a little embarrassed for our Country and the way they kept some of the grounds around the National Mall. I mean people come from around the WORLD to see our Nation's Capitol and we cant even mow the friggin' grass!!?? What I want to know is where are all the tax dollars going, when they cant even keep up with the grounds around DC?? Nevermind, dont answer that, I already have somewhat of an idea.

Addison and I in front of the Capitol building...see the grass?? UGLY...see the pathway to the right?? Dirt and Rocks...it sucks to walk in with Sandals on. The Capitol itself was cool though. Its HUGE!

Addison insisted on standing up on the Subway back to the Hotel. She seems so grown up (tear).

She wanted to hang on the bars on the Subway...so Uncle Christian helped her out.

DC was pretty cool to visit. One of these days I really want to make it back there so I can have more time to see more and not feel rushed. Hopefully one day soon.