Inauguration Weekend...

What an amazing weekend! Friday after daddy got home from work, we packed up the car and started our drive East.  We made it as far as Morgantown, WV that night.  After a restful night at the Marriott on the campus of the University of West Virginia, and a yummy breakfast, we drove the rest of the way to our friends in Northern Virginia. The girls were absolutely thrilled to see their old friends!

The girls and Ame'lie...

Sunday morning we went to Mass on base at Ft. Belvoir with our friends before heading downtown.  We picked up our tickets to the Inauguration from Senator Brown's office, then did some sight seeing on the National Mall.  We were able to see a practice run-through of the bands and speakers for the ceremony on Monday.  We also went to the U.S. Botanic Gardens...always one of the girls' favorites. 

Got our tickets!

Look at these DC chicks...

Love them...

Listening to the bands...

 

 

So excited!

 

Botanic Gardens beauties...

 

 

 

Sunday night we went to the Army Navy Country Club for dinner...and BINGO!!!  We actually had tons of fun...gorgeous scenery, great friends, good food, and even a couple of bingo wins! 

The girls...

Bingo!

Dark and early Monday morning (we are talking 4:30AM), we were up and dressed and ready to drive to the Metro station.  It wasn't as crowded at the Metro as we had thought.  Having the tickets to the access gates that we had let us get a lot closer, but we were still standing room only.  Oh well, we could hear everything!  It was amazing to be able to take our girls to our Nation's Capital on such a historical day, and be part of an American tradition!!!  The girls were real troopers, and our hosts were the BEST!  And best of all, it was a lot warmer than it was four years ago.

On the Metro...

Bundled up and ready to be part of history...

Our slightly obstructed view...

Logan was not impressed ;)

Waiting for President Barack Obama...

The 44th President of the United States (somewhere under that red arch)...

 

So thankful to be present for the Oath of Office...

The girls thought they would walk in the parade ;)

 

 

This girl was asleep by the time we got on the Beltway to go home...

Veterans Day Weekend in Washington...

Can you think of a better place to be for Veterans Day weekend than Washington?  Well, I couldn't--so that's where we went ; ).  The girls had the day off Friday, so we left Thursday after parent/teacher conferences (they're all doing super!)  We got as far as Hagerstown, MD before we decided to stop for the night.  Friday morning we drove the rest of the way to the hotel in Old Town Alexandria.  The girls could not wait to see their old pal, Mike.  He met us for lunch, and then we all headed over to the National Mall.  The girls were in heaven.  I'm not sure that they realized that Mike had lived there for the past three years, and it wasn't his first time.  Unfortunately the exhibit that they most wanted to "show"him (the First Ladies exhibit) was closed.  They had fun anyway, and Mike was most patient--as usual.  We shut down the American History Museum (we did, but only because it closed at 5:30), and then Metro-ed back to OTA for dinner.  Hard Times Cafe's chili rivals Ben's...and--again--there was NO red meat for me ; ).  Thanks for spending one of your last days in Washington with us, Mike!

Waiting on the platform for the Metro...

 

On the Mall...

Capitol views...

 

Carsyn...

 

The Washington Monument...

"Uncle" Mike!

 

So pretty at night...

 

Dinner time...

Mike and Logan...

On Saturday we finally made it to the new Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.  It was amazing.  So big.  How wonderful to get to share that experience with the girls.  We had a great time walking around downtown, and the weather was perfect!  That afternoon we drove down to our friends' house.  We hadn't seen them since they moved from Ohio back to Northern Virginia this summer.  Ame'lie and Claire had no idea that we were coming.  They were so surprised when we showed up at their front door.  It was so neat.  All the kids had a blast hanging out, and they certainly didn't want to leave.  Thanks for having us over!  But, the fun didn't stop there.  As soon as we left, we went to our other friends' house for dinner.  They are always so nice to cook dinner for us.  The girls had tons of fun--even though Sydney did not put on the infamous cat suit this time ; ).  Thanks, you guys...see you next time!  

Maren and daddy walking on the Mall...

 

MLK Memorial...

 

Dr. King...

 

Side view...

Carsyn and I...

Taking a break...

We probably shouldn't have let them climb the cherry trees...

But, look how sweet they are...

Tidal Basin...

The White House...

Carsyn and Claire...

 

Ame'lie and Logan...

Such good kids...

Back together again...

As crazy as ever...

On Sunday we ate breakfast before walking to St. Mary's for Mass.  Old Town is so pretty...I just love it there.  We had such an awesome weekend!

Before church...