Part 2 of Mom and Kiley's Visit... WARNING- picture overload!

*WASHINGTON D.C*
Our first day back in D.C started really well, we were able to get a tour of the Capitol. It was so neat to see it in person and hear the background behind all of detail, and what went in to building it. Thanks to Buzz's girlfriend Camille, we had a great time!!!

Also, as we were standing by the gift shop, I looked up just in time to see JOHN MCCAIN walk right passed me. I tried to get my camera out so that I could get a picture, but by the time I turned it on he had turned the corner... It was so cool to see him in person.


Kiley and I standing in front of Ms. Freedom. This is the mold for the statue on top of the Capitol.


The center of Washington D.C inside of the Capitol Building


Our countries motto: "E Pluribus Unum"- "Out of Many,One."

Ms. Freedom standing on Kiley's hand.

There were three sets of news casters in front of the Supreme Court Building. I am not sure what was going on, but I figured I would take a picture anyway...

CBS

CNN

After our tour of the Capitol, we decided to make our way down to the Smithsonian's. Our first stop, which I had not seen before, was the Native American Museum. Growing up, mom always made native American history a priority considering it is part of our family history. Learning about our past is so incredible, but what's even more incredible is that our past was part of the Indian Nation! Dustin and I both came from the Cherokee tribe.

This picture has all of the tribal names. I knew there were a lot, but I had no idea there were this many!!!

There was an area dedicated to just the Cherokee tribe. I learned a lot about the Cherokee's just from a few plaques.

I had no idea that they believed earth was created by a water beetle...interesting...


I know, I am such a natural!!! ha ha

After the Native American Museum, we walked a little ways down to the Air and Space Museum. I am so glad I went back, there is so much to see!

Mom and Kiley in front of the Smithsonian castle.

Kiley and I in front of the Museum of Natural History.

Now, for those of you who make fun of me for being horrified of snorkeling...Take a look at this whale's jaw! You could lay three grown men in there! Now tell me that's not scary...

Here is what the whale would like...AHHHHHHH!!!! I am going to have nightmares for the rest of my life just knowing that I stepped foot in the ocean!!!



Our next museum was the Museum of American History.

This is Abe Lincoln's suit.

...And his famous top hat...


Mom and Kiley with Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers!


Michelle Obama walking her dog Bo. I was so excited that we got to see her! They had Pennsylvania Ave closed because the President was coming home, and then the guard said something to Michelle, and she ran in the house! Very, very exciting...


The Washington Monument


WWII Memorial


This felt refreshing on our blistering feet...Awwww....


The next day, we woke up and went to the Arlington National Cemetery! Here is the memorial set up for the women who fought in the air force.


I would not have done well if I had to wear this uniform...ha ha.





Tomb of the Unknowns who fought in the battle of Bull Run. There are 2100 unidentified soldiers from this battle.


Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I was so glad my mom and Kiley got to see this. It is still my favorite part of D.C. I find their discipline so fascinating, and learning about what a high honor it is to be able to guard this tomb is unbelievable.


There were a bunch of guards from all over the world in town for an International Field Study (Experiment???). It was so neat to see them donate a wreath, and have them all in different uniforms.


After Arlington Cemetery we were supposed to catch the bus to go on the Twilight Tour. Well...I explained our luck with buses in the last post and...yep! We missed it! Ha We thought, or should I say "I" thought, it started at 8:00p.m when in fact it actually started at 7:00p.m. We had rushed home from the cemetery, got our vouchers, and headed to the metro station to take the metro going towards the stop for the Twilight tour. Just in case they would still let us on since we paid $30 a piece. After realizing that we would be an hour late we decided to turn around, and head back to my apartment. Well...I wasn't paying attention and we rode the red line all of the way to the end...not good! I felt like such a ditz this whole trip! I couldn't have been more scatter-brained... So after spending 2 1/2 hours doing...nothing...we headed back to my apartment to get some rest...



The next morning, we drove out to the Mount Vernon Estate where George Washington lived, and is also buried. It was absolutely gorgeous. George Washington loved his home so much! The home is still furnished with its original belongings, and everything is where it was when the Washington family lived there. You are able to walk through the entire home, and see the bed where George Washington had died. It was hard to imagine that we were standing where he once lived! Amazing... The home overlooks the river, and the estate is on around 8,000 acres. His home is such a peaceful place, I can see how come he loved it there so much!


When we took our tour of the Capitol, our guide informed us about how there was a vault made, in the center of one of the rooms, to be the resting place for George Washington when he died. Pres. Washington didn't want to be buried there, but instead he wanted to be buried at his estate. The vault at the Capitol remains empty, and here is where Pres. Washington and his wife Martha are buried.


Everyone needs a little Dt. Coke now and then...


Finally, our trip to the Holocaust Museum. What an overwhelming, yet neat experience. I could hardly keep back tears after seeing what these poor people went through. Being treated as though they are dirt...such a sad time in history.


The museum is full of information telling us chronologically how the holocaust came to be, and what happened throughout the years that it existed. I knew that it was a devistating time, but I had no idea how inhumane the nazis treated the jews. It is unreal.



I had a great week getting to spend time with family. It was nice to be able to hang out, and take them to see all of the incredible historic places here in our nations capitol. Thank you both for taking the time to come and see us! I love you both so much, and I am already missing you!