I was able to save all my photos, but have been frustrated that I cannot seem to get the order to save. So you'll have to do that part yourself.
If you go to the following page:
http://jennw7773.comcastvault.net/t/5NR2T2FXyoCxmlRKjaQR7v/
Then click on NAME (next to SORT BY)... then the photos are in the right order. Also, under the photos, to the left, I like the "MOSAIC VIEW"
As you find the photos you like, I think you select the individual photo. This activates the downward pointing arrow icon underneath the photo to the left, which lets you DOWNLOAD - and keep them on your own computer.
Thanks Everyone!
~Jennifer
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Oh. My. Gosh!!!
K, sorry we're late about yesterday. Let us fill you in quickly before we leave. It started off a beautiful day. Nice and warm, little breeze.... okay, it was HOT with a little breeze. Sooo, we went paddleboating! (yay) Peter, Jess and I were in one boat, Jenn, Rach, Kelly and Kels were in another. The Peterboat was awesome! We got to talk (but I did most of the work. Thank goodness for cross-country) and Peter rocked the boat a couple times. We got to see the Jefferson Monument from the water and a very sceanic view of the Cherry Blossom Fesival. That's all from Bree, Jess'll pick up from here with the Smithsonian Natural History Museum. Right, Jess?
HEEEYYY! It's Jessica! Didja miss me? I thought so. So the Smithsonian. It. Was. Awesome! I got loads of souviners to bring home! I got a shiny necklace, a shiny ring, a shiny orb(aw yeah), a shiny dice, a hat, a snowglobe, a Japanese sun umbrella(yay!) and shreded money. Bree and I first went to see all the shiny stuff. *sighs* Remember the Botanical Garden? I acted like that, but only a little more evil because I wanted to shove them in Bree's purse. So after that we went to the bugs. I hate bugs. But Bree made me go through it. *shivers* HATE THEM!!! Anyways, then we went to a bones exhibit, that was cool. Next, all the lovely fishies. They were so cute. I even got a picture with Dorey and Marlin and Nemo! I felt famous. Then we went to the dinosaur part! That was so cool! I felt as if I was back in time!!! Too bad they were only bones. Next the mammals part. Have you ever seen Battle at the Smithsonian? Well, I haven't but I get the concept. Everything comes to life at night. So never, NEVER go to the mammals section at the Smithsonian. There are lions and tigers and giraffes and a whole bunch of animals. There was even a squirrel. After that we had to go. This was tied up there with the Botanical Gardens. The cherry blossoms were fun too. Well, we gotta go. Loading up into the van! We'll see you all really soon!!!
~Jessica the Shiny-Obsessed
HEEEYYY! It's Jessica! Didja miss me? I thought so. So the Smithsonian. It. Was. Awesome! I got loads of souviners to bring home! I got a shiny necklace, a shiny ring, a shiny orb(aw yeah), a shiny dice, a hat, a snowglobe, a Japanese sun umbrella(yay!) and shreded money. Bree and I first went to see all the shiny stuff. *sighs* Remember the Botanical Garden? I acted like that, but only a little more evil because I wanted to shove them in Bree's purse. So after that we went to the bugs. I hate bugs. But Bree made me go through it. *shivers* HATE THEM!!! Anyways, then we went to a bones exhibit, that was cool. Next, all the lovely fishies. They were so cute. I even got a picture with Dorey and Marlin and Nemo! I felt famous. Then we went to the dinosaur part! That was so cool! I felt as if I was back in time!!! Too bad they were only bones. Next the mammals part. Have you ever seen Battle at the Smithsonian? Well, I haven't but I get the concept. Everything comes to life at night. So never, NEVER go to the mammals section at the Smithsonian. There are lions and tigers and giraffes and a whole bunch of animals. There was even a squirrel. After that we had to go. This was tied up there with the Botanical Gardens. The cherry blossoms were fun too. Well, we gotta go. Loading up into the van! We'll see you all really soon!!!
~Jessica the Shiny-Obsessed
Friday, April 2, 2010
From the back porch...
Did I mention the porch back here yet? Its Friday morning, and everyone is still asleep - and I'm sitting out here listening to the birds and looking at this beautiful pink tree ...
I think Kelly got all yesterday's itinerary points down already, but she maybe didn't TRULY convey to you how much WALKING we did. Did we do more than previous days? Or do the days start to accumulate on my poor feet? Yesterday's weather was the nicest so far, and today should be even nicer. So says the funny little sunburn around my neckline!
The potential itinerary points for today include the National Zoo, the Museum of Natural History, maybe a paddleboat ride - though I've got to imagine that would be a busy spot today! But nothing too fixed - no appointments.
I've become fanatical about taking these photos with all five girls. I'll post some more from yesterday :-)
~JSW
I think Kelly got all yesterday's itinerary points down already, but she maybe didn't TRULY convey to you how much WALKING we did. Did we do more than previous days? Or do the days start to accumulate on my poor feet? Yesterday's weather was the nicest so far, and today should be even nicer. So says the funny little sunburn around my neckline!
The potential itinerary points for today include the National Zoo, the Museum of Natural History, maybe a paddleboat ride - though I've got to imagine that would be a busy spot today! But nothing too fixed - no appointments.
I've become fanatical about taking these photos with all five girls. I'll post some more from yesterday :-)
~JSW
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Thursday-Kelly
First, we went to the monuments in the national mall. In the nation mall we went to the vietnam memorial, lincoln memorial, Korean memorial, and the Jefferson memorial where there cherry trees were. The cherry trees were very pretty and there were a ton of them. It was also the peak day for the blooming of cherry blossoms too!!
Then we walked along way to the Holocaust Muesum.We learned about how the jewish people lived in the concentration camps,but it wasnt all about that. In the beginning we learned the politacal side of the tradgedy. Then we learned about the people who survived the Holocaust. We also learned about Daniel, an eleven year old boy who survived the Holocaust.
Then we went to the space museum that was in addition to the Smithsonian. We learned about flying and the planets and constellations. We also learned about air pressure and how that works. And then we went into a model of an airplane and looked around at all the buttons. That's really all we did there. So yeah.
-Kelly and Kelsey
Then we walked along way to the Holocaust Muesum.We learned about how the jewish people lived in the concentration camps,but it wasnt all about that. In the beginning we learned the politacal side of the tradgedy. Then we learned about the people who survived the Holocaust. We also learned about Daniel, an eleven year old boy who survived the Holocaust.
Then we went to the space museum that was in addition to the Smithsonian. We learned about flying and the planets and constellations. We also learned about air pressure and how that works. And then we went into a model of an airplane and looked around at all the buttons. That's really all we did there. So yeah.
-Kelly and Kelsey
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday
Phew, I'm getting tired - and boy do my feet hurt. At the end of today, I really can't even believe we kept to all our agenda items. We did really well getting to the National Geographic Museum to see the Terra Cotta Warriors. They were pretty amazing - I think even the least interested among us ended up learning something and enjoying it ... it really was a well done exhibit. We had an audio guide & shared it among ourselves, but even just with the information posted to read throughout the exhibit, it was very informative.
From there, we headed to the National Cathedral. It was over a mile walk from the train station, but by that time, the day was getting nicer and nicer. I think it got up to about 70 degres and sunny - which helped for the walk. The Cathedral was beautiful. It reminded me (and Peter) of the cathedrals of Europe, but of course ours is only about 20 years old. We saw the noon day sun coming through the stained glass, the end of a worship service, and a presentation of the over 10,000 pipe organ. Then we went outside to the Bishop's Garden - the day just got nicer and nicer.
We took the train back into the city (after lunch and another long walk). We got to take some photos near the White House. It was such a nice day, we decided to relax for a few minutes. How could we have known that our path around the White House would be closed off, and we would have to walk a full half mile out of our way to follow the instructions of the officials directing us?
Long story - Long walk - Long RUN, really... we made it by about 30 seconds to the appointment we had for the girls to become spies at the Spy Museum.
Phew! I studied every square inch of this city on online maps for six months... I planned every step... and still it turns out there are some things I can't control. Who knew???
We came home about 6:30 and everyone had leftovers for dinner. God bless leftovers!
Tomorrow... not sure if I'm ready to think about tomorrow! Except to say that tomorrow is our LAST fixed appointment! Not that I complain - our fixed appointments have saved us HOURS if not WHOLE DAYS in line - but the time pressure is ALOT.
But the girls are SO great... they run when I tell them to run, they're patient with my incertitude on which street to turn onto, and they eat leftovers.
The weather tomorrow & Friday is supposed to be even better than today.
Now Peter & I watch Jerry McGuire :-) And I will see about getting some photos up for you all.
~JSW
From there, we headed to the National Cathedral. It was over a mile walk from the train station, but by that time, the day was getting nicer and nicer. I think it got up to about 70 degres and sunny - which helped for the walk. The Cathedral was beautiful. It reminded me (and Peter) of the cathedrals of Europe, but of course ours is only about 20 years old. We saw the noon day sun coming through the stained glass, the end of a worship service, and a presentation of the over 10,000 pipe organ. Then we went outside to the Bishop's Garden - the day just got nicer and nicer.
We took the train back into the city (after lunch and another long walk). We got to take some photos near the White House. It was such a nice day, we decided to relax for a few minutes. How could we have known that our path around the White House would be closed off, and we would have to walk a full half mile out of our way to follow the instructions of the officials directing us?
Long story - Long walk - Long RUN, really... we made it by about 30 seconds to the appointment we had for the girls to become spies at the Spy Museum.
Phew! I studied every square inch of this city on online maps for six months... I planned every step... and still it turns out there are some things I can't control. Who knew???
We came home about 6:30 and everyone had leftovers for dinner. God bless leftovers!
Tomorrow... not sure if I'm ready to think about tomorrow! Except to say that tomorrow is our LAST fixed appointment! Not that I complain - our fixed appointments have saved us HOURS if not WHOLE DAYS in line - but the time pressure is ALOT.
But the girls are SO great... they run when I tell them to run, they're patient with my incertitude on which street to turn onto, and they eat leftovers.
The weather tomorrow & Friday is supposed to be even better than today.
Now Peter & I watch Jerry McGuire :-) And I will see about getting some photos up for you all.
~JSW
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Hey Everybody! It's Jessica!!!
A note to all of you who might be up for a career change in DC(because the city really is beautiful); DON'T even think about going to the Beuro of Engraving and Printing. Maybe as a tour guide, but not as a worker. Just think, making your lifetime salary in five minutes and watch it go right past your eyes. And then hearing that they burn the rejects(the reject money, not reject workers). Anyways, we went there first. It made me sad to see all that money. Das a lot of Benjemins! We went to the gift shop, and Rachel and I got $150 of shredded money. Bree got a candy bar.
Next we went to the Library of Congress. My heaven on earth. It was soooo pretty! The archetecture was amazing, the paintings breathtaking, and the sculptures made me think, 'You think after a while the sculptor started talking to the sculptures???'. We saw the books and I ran around like a child in a candy store. I felt at peace, home. I really didn't want to leave.
But we did, and saw the Supreme Court. Sadly, we didn't get to see them in session(just missed them!) but we did get to see the exhibit last night. By the way, I'm not afraid to spell things incorrectly, unlike a certain person on this trip(*coughBREEcough*). There were little models of the room they talk in though! And the one in the olden days(oh yeah, I said olden days). Then we took a picture near a big huge sculptrue of a probably dead guy and left.
Next was the House and Senate. I felt so smart knowing that the leader of the Senate is Joe Biden and the leader of the House is Nancy Pelozi. I sat in the rooms, imagining people debating and yelling for laws to be passed. . . Awesome.
Then we actually went and walked around the Capitol Building. Our tour guide was the bomb! Her voice was hurting so that was a minus, but she was funny and was notorious for hitting people behind her. We went into the Crypt(bwahaha!) and saw some statues. Then we went into another room with even more statues. The only girl was from the best state ever. Illinois! Woot woot! Then we went into the really pretty room with the really high celling. That was my favorite. My neck still hurts but I don't care. It was worth it.
Lastly, we went to the Botanical Gardens. *sighs* Wow. If any of you have ever seen me get excited. Times that by seven and then THAT by a million. I almost touched a cactaus. I thought it would be fuzzy. My brain goes fuzzy when I see pretty flowers and cool plants. I didn't see anyone else, other than Bree, but it was still awesome. I acted like a freaking spaz. Did I mention that?If I did, I shall mention it again. I acted like a spaz. I wish I could stay there forever. Well, maybe not FOREVER. But for a few hours.
We got home and had some food. Everyone is acting like a spaz. Me singing songs, Bree on the computer showing off her Flair, and Rachel Kelsey and Kelly running around. We are all glad we don't have to wake up early. We need the extra sleep. If we ever go to sleep. Well, I'm out.
BYE!!!
Your awesome and wonderful friend,
Jessica(daughter of the woman who looks just like me)
Next we went to the Library of Congress. My heaven on earth. It was soooo pretty! The archetecture was amazing, the paintings breathtaking, and the sculptures made me think, 'You think after a while the sculptor started talking to the sculptures???'. We saw the books and I ran around like a child in a candy store. I felt at peace, home. I really didn't want to leave.
But we did, and saw the Supreme Court. Sadly, we didn't get to see them in session(just missed them!) but we did get to see the exhibit last night. By the way, I'm not afraid to spell things incorrectly, unlike a certain person on this trip(*coughBREEcough*). There were little models of the room they talk in though! And the one in the olden days(oh yeah, I said olden days). Then we took a picture near a big huge sculptrue of a probably dead guy and left.
Next was the House and Senate. I felt so smart knowing that the leader of the Senate is Joe Biden and the leader of the House is Nancy Pelozi. I sat in the rooms, imagining people debating and yelling for laws to be passed. . . Awesome.
Then we actually went and walked around the Capitol Building. Our tour guide was the bomb! Her voice was hurting so that was a minus, but she was funny and was notorious for hitting people behind her. We went into the Crypt(bwahaha!) and saw some statues. Then we went into another room with even more statues. The only girl was from the best state ever. Illinois! Woot woot! Then we went into the really pretty room with the really high celling. That was my favorite. My neck still hurts but I don't care. It was worth it.
Lastly, we went to the Botanical Gardens. *sighs* Wow. If any of you have ever seen me get excited. Times that by seven and then THAT by a million. I almost touched a cactaus. I thought it would be fuzzy. My brain goes fuzzy when I see pretty flowers and cool plants. I didn't see anyone else, other than Bree, but it was still awesome. I acted like a freaking spaz. Did I mention that?If I did, I shall mention it again. I acted like a spaz. I wish I could stay there forever. Well, maybe not FOREVER. But for a few hours.
We got home and had some food. Everyone is acting like a spaz. Me singing songs, Bree on the computer showing off her Flair, and Rachel Kelsey and Kelly running around. We are all glad we don't have to wake up early. We need the extra sleep. If we ever go to sleep. Well, I'm out.
BYE!!!
Your awesome and wonderful friend,
Jessica(daughter of the woman who looks just like me)
Tuesday
Long day... Good day, but LONG day...
When last we left our heroes, it was WAY TOO EARLY.
Somehow, still, we were late... The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, however, was nice enough to accommodate us at 8:45 instead of 8:15.
Today we saw hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was a little sickening, really... to think of how big a role MONEY plays in my days, and then to see people handling it as if it were NOT what it IS... tough to reconcile. There was a sign - it said "Just think, I just printed my whole life's earnings in a few minutes!" It makes me nervous to have even a hundred bucks cash on my person - and to watch as $32,000 just flies through the maching every second... WEIRD!
The weather today was still pretty cool - but not the rain they expected to continue. So our walk to the Capitol complex was a brisk one, but nice. We stopped first at my Congressman's office, Representative Bill Foster, to pickup our passes for the galleries of the Senate and the House. Then we headed to the Library of Congress - one of the PRETTIEST buildings in D.C. From there, we went to the Supreme Court, but our scheduled lecture was on hold as the Justices were hearing a case. Instead, we went to the museum downstairs, before we headed to lunch.
After lunch, it was off to the Capitol building. We did sit in the galleries of both the House of Representatives and the Senate - and then wandered through the museum at the Capitol until it was time for our tour. Our tour guide took us to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the ... uh oh... I think I need to check the brochure... the brochure is no help on this point... the National Statuary Hall??? Where the Representatives used to meet but now they house the Statues??? Illinois (and all other states) are allowed 2 statues - one of our allotments is of the first Woman statue to be presented in the capitol... nice!
From the Capitol building, we went to the National Botanical Gardens. There was an Orchid Exhibit that was simply stunning, and then rooms representing flowers & plants from all over different types of landscapes - the desert, the jungle, even Hawaii and a room representing medicinal plants. It was a really pretty way to end our day.
I'll tell you now (or Peter will tell you later), that I landed us on the wrong train coming back home (oops!) Just one stop til we corrected our mistake... I think its really the best way to become an expert at the transportation system - making mistakes!
Tonight, I think Jessica has some impressions of the day to share - not sure if anyone else does, so I'll get away from the laptop now!!!
~JSW
When last we left our heroes, it was WAY TOO EARLY.
Somehow, still, we were late... The Bureau of Engraving and Printing, however, was nice enough to accommodate us at 8:45 instead of 8:15.
Today we saw hundreds of thousands of dollars. It was a little sickening, really... to think of how big a role MONEY plays in my days, and then to see people handling it as if it were NOT what it IS... tough to reconcile. There was a sign - it said "Just think, I just printed my whole life's earnings in a few minutes!" It makes me nervous to have even a hundred bucks cash on my person - and to watch as $32,000 just flies through the maching every second... WEIRD!
The weather today was still pretty cool - but not the rain they expected to continue. So our walk to the Capitol complex was a brisk one, but nice. We stopped first at my Congressman's office, Representative Bill Foster, to pickup our passes for the galleries of the Senate and the House. Then we headed to the Library of Congress - one of the PRETTIEST buildings in D.C. From there, we went to the Supreme Court, but our scheduled lecture was on hold as the Justices were hearing a case. Instead, we went to the museum downstairs, before we headed to lunch.
After lunch, it was off to the Capitol building. We did sit in the galleries of both the House of Representatives and the Senate - and then wandered through the museum at the Capitol until it was time for our tour. Our tour guide took us to the Crypt, the Rotunda, and the ... uh oh... I think I need to check the brochure... the brochure is no help on this point... the National Statuary Hall??? Where the Representatives used to meet but now they house the Statues??? Illinois (and all other states) are allowed 2 statues - one of our allotments is of the first Woman statue to be presented in the capitol... nice!
From the Capitol building, we went to the National Botanical Gardens. There was an Orchid Exhibit that was simply stunning, and then rooms representing flowers & plants from all over different types of landscapes - the desert, the jungle, even Hawaii and a room representing medicinal plants. It was a really pretty way to end our day.
I'll tell you now (or Peter will tell you later), that I landed us on the wrong train coming back home (oops!) Just one stop til we corrected our mistake... I think its really the best way to become an expert at the transportation system - making mistakes!
Tonight, I think Jessica has some impressions of the day to share - not sure if anyone else does, so I'll get away from the laptop now!!!
~JSW
Its early...
Its Tuesday - it's 6:15am...
I almost think everyone takes more seriously the directive that we must leave the house at 7:15am - than (as yesterday) if I say we must leave at 11:15am.
Yesterday, we were late. Also (note to self), always plan at least an hour to figure out the public transportation system... and (note to self), always drink enough water... no one likes the lady with the migraine!
Today will work out better, I think. But only if I get breakfast started! Thank God we figured out the coffee maker.
Yesterday's "pouring rain" really wasn't that bad, and it seems that will be the worst weather we face this week... its still a little cool & breezy, but the temperatures should be warming up all week long now, and the rain should be disappearing even this morning!
Talk to you later!
~Jennifer
I almost think everyone takes more seriously the directive that we must leave the house at 7:15am - than (as yesterday) if I say we must leave at 11:15am.
Yesterday, we were late. Also (note to self), always plan at least an hour to figure out the public transportation system... and (note to self), always drink enough water... no one likes the lady with the migraine!
Today will work out better, I think. But only if I get breakfast started! Thank God we figured out the coffee maker.
Yesterday's "pouring rain" really wasn't that bad, and it seems that will be the worst weather we face this week... its still a little cool & breezy, but the temperatures should be warming up all week long now, and the rain should be disappearing even this morning!
Talk to you later!
~Jennifer
Monday, March 29, 2010
Monday, Monday, Monday!!
Hey, everyone! We had an awesome time today. We started off in the archives. The archives are where all the cool, important, really old and new papers are stored... but most of them are old. Anyways, we got to look at the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and sme other cool papers. I even found the first Batman Comic! $00.10!! Shweet! Back on topic. We found out that my Great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great(repeat a few times) Uncle signed the Constitution. William Whipple. Muahahaha! So we had some fun there, then explored the town a bit. We got some 'Great Wraps' and had some italian ice cream. i forgot what it's called. Hang on.... Me: What's it called? Jessica: Gelato. G-E-L-A-T-O. Me: *types* There. All better. After that, we saw 'Alfred the Squirel' who had lost, found, then droped his nut. It's very entertaining to watch him - even more entertaining watching the others take pictures of it when we live around thousands - even more entertaining to watch other people watch them! We walked to the American History Smithsonian and saw the history of American travel, *starts singing Angel in the Dark be Basshunter* Sorry, got distracted there. So, uh.... Oh, right! History. History of American Travel, electricity, coins, and then we saw the First Ladies exibit. Did i spell exibit wrong? Crap. That's why I don't go in spelling B's. We saw all the pretty dresses. I took LOTS of pictures. *sighs* Then we saw Picachu!! Not kiding, he was flying... sorta. We went on to the musical instruments and saw the presidents and the Abe Lincoln part. (I'm not typing the 'e' word again.) We went through the history of the wars and came home to a very delicious, yet very messy dinner. Today was *ahem* da bomb, yo! Sorry, shouldn't have done that, but couldn't resist. Lol. Have fun traveling with us and I can't wait for what the rest of the week has in store. (I almost put weak. *facepalm*) Wish you guys could be here with us!
- Brianne 'Bree' Whipple
^_^
- Brianne 'Bree' Whipple
^_^
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sunday
As stated earlier, we changed our schedule a bit. The girls have already told you a bit about Arlington Cemetery and the Pentagon Memorial. We came home to have some dinner, and now it appears that the rain begins, so I am glad to have gotten out today while we had the chance. Our time at Arlington in particular was beautiful - I'll try & get some photos uploaded here in a bit.
At Arlington, some of the cherry blossoms were budding and blooming. It really is a beautiful place, given the surroundings. We saw the JFK gravesite, and of course with him is his wife, Jackie. What's surprising, though, is the grave of a daughter who has only one day listed - I guess she died at birth? And a son who they named Patrick - who lived only 2 days in the same year JFK was killed. Near the eternal flame there is also Bobby Kennedy's grave, and just a little further on - but with much attention - is Senator Ted Kennedy - who passed just last year.
The House at Arlington - Rachel mentioned it was the home of Robert E. Lee - General of the defeated Confederate Army. The home actually belonged to his wife, Mary - who was a granddaughter or great granddaughter of Martha Washington - by Martha Washington's FIRST husband (she had a first??? The Father of our Country married a single mother???)
It turns out, the Union army took over this home and the surrounding area when they entered into Virginia. Robert E. Lee surrendered in this house, and the Union army used the area as a gravesite for fallen soldiers. The family who had long owned this land departed - and its rumored that when Mary came back for a visit - to the home she grew up in - the home she raised her own 7 children in - she saw the graves all around - what is today Arlington National Cemetery - and told her driver to "go on - don't stop"
Such a sad story... sadder still to think that Lee was offered a position in the Union army... to think "what might have been" - not only for Mary and her family, but for Gettysburg, for the war...
On our way out, we had just a few minutes to stop into the monument / museum dedicated to women in military service... including the women of WWII - the first to fly military aircraft - the Fly Girls! At the end, the girls were all able to sign a guest book and leave a thought for all the women who have served our country.
Kelsey told you it took us a while to get to the Pentagon memorial... I have a bone to pick with Mandy - our GPS "navigator". Its really not her fault - this city is a MESS to try & drive around. Our brilliant plan with today's limited itinerary to take the van instead of the metro was a mistake we don't intend to repeat.
It seems the youngest victim at the Pentagon on 9-11 would have been only about 3 years old. The next youngest appears to be her sister - and I think we saw her father with a memorial there as well. It made us all wonder out loud about that mother? The oldest person on that particular plane was in his 70's - a retired Navy Captain, who surely thought his days of putting himself in harms way at the hands of the enemies of our nation were long over. To realize these things with all these precious girls made me think about how lucky I am to take this trip with these young ladies.
Thank you again.
~JSW
At Arlington, some of the cherry blossoms were budding and blooming. It really is a beautiful place, given the surroundings. We saw the JFK gravesite, and of course with him is his wife, Jackie. What's surprising, though, is the grave of a daughter who has only one day listed - I guess she died at birth? And a son who they named Patrick - who lived only 2 days in the same year JFK was killed. Near the eternal flame there is also Bobby Kennedy's grave, and just a little further on - but with much attention - is Senator Ted Kennedy - who passed just last year.
The House at Arlington - Rachel mentioned it was the home of Robert E. Lee - General of the defeated Confederate Army. The home actually belonged to his wife, Mary - who was a granddaughter or great granddaughter of Martha Washington - by Martha Washington's FIRST husband (she had a first??? The Father of our Country married a single mother???)
It turns out, the Union army took over this home and the surrounding area when they entered into Virginia. Robert E. Lee surrendered in this house, and the Union army used the area as a gravesite for fallen soldiers. The family who had long owned this land departed - and its rumored that when Mary came back for a visit - to the home she grew up in - the home she raised her own 7 children in - she saw the graves all around - what is today Arlington National Cemetery - and told her driver to "go on - don't stop"
Such a sad story... sadder still to think that Lee was offered a position in the Union army... to think "what might have been" - not only for Mary and her family, but for Gettysburg, for the war...
On our way out, we had just a few minutes to stop into the monument / museum dedicated to women in military service... including the women of WWII - the first to fly military aircraft - the Fly Girls! At the end, the girls were all able to sign a guest book and leave a thought for all the women who have served our country.
Kelsey told you it took us a while to get to the Pentagon memorial... I have a bone to pick with Mandy - our GPS "navigator". Its really not her fault - this city is a MESS to try & drive around. Our brilliant plan with today's limited itinerary to take the van instead of the metro was a mistake we don't intend to repeat.
It seems the youngest victim at the Pentagon on 9-11 would have been only about 3 years old. The next youngest appears to be her sister - and I think we saw her father with a memorial there as well. It made us all wonder out loud about that mother? The oldest person on that particular plane was in his 70's - a retired Navy Captain, who surely thought his days of putting himself in harms way at the hands of the enemies of our nation were long over. To realize these things with all these precious girls made me think about how lucky I am to take this trip with these young ladies.
Thank you again.
~JSW
Pentagon
It took us a while but we finally reached the memorial to remember the sad day at the Pentagon,9-11. It was set up by what year the person was born. Each person had their own stone monument with their name on it and a little pool of water under it. The youngest person that died was 3 years old and the oldest person that died was 72, in total there was 184 people that died, somthing like that. When we were leaving we all talked about what we remember from that day and what we were doing when we found out about the 3 plane crashes.
-Kelsey
-Kelsey
Arlington
Arlington was very depressing for all of us. We visited the Arlington cementary today of all our soldiers, and even some presidents. There were rows upon rows upon rows of graves. As we walked along the trail, we decided to stop by Robert E. Lee's house. We call it the Arlington house, though. There was so much space in it and stairs!! As we were walking out of the house of nine people, I didn't even realize how many MORE graves there were. While we were there we also saw the soldiers change shifts to guard the tomb of the unknown soldier. So that was our first visit!
-Rachel ;)
-Rachel ;)
Sunday Morning
A nice lazy morning - Rachel is still asleep even, and its almost 11am.
Jessa & Bree on the other hand were up before dawn.
Try getting them up for school that early, right?
We had plenty of fruit left from our road trip yesterday, so we made a breakfast of it. Our gracious host left some much appreciated hot chocolate. Peter and I struggled to figure out the coffee maker! But we managed.
The weather forecast for Monday has gone from "chance of rain" to "rain" to now "pouring rain", so we think we will ammend the schedule a bit. Maybe we will do Arlington this afternoon, then spend some time indoors tomorrow at the museums of the Smithsonian. That will leave the nicer days later in the week for paddle boats on the Tidal Basin.
I look out the kitchen window here - to the backyard - and see a beautiful pink tree all in bloom. I think I'm glad for tomorrow's forecast - I'm not sure I'd have waited to head into the city!
Its nice to think of you all here "with" us in this way! We'll have the kids post some stuff a little later - its them you'd really like to hear from!
~JSW
Jessa & Bree on the other hand were up before dawn.
Try getting them up for school that early, right?
We had plenty of fruit left from our road trip yesterday, so we made a breakfast of it. Our gracious host left some much appreciated hot chocolate. Peter and I struggled to figure out the coffee maker! But we managed.
The weather forecast for Monday has gone from "chance of rain" to "rain" to now "pouring rain", so we think we will ammend the schedule a bit. Maybe we will do Arlington this afternoon, then spend some time indoors tomorrow at the museums of the Smithsonian. That will leave the nicer days later in the week for paddle boats on the Tidal Basin.
I look out the kitchen window here - to the backyard - and see a beautiful pink tree all in bloom. I think I'm glad for tomorrow's forecast - I'm not sure I'd have waited to head into the city!
Its nice to think of you all here "with" us in this way! We'll have the kids post some stuff a little later - its them you'd really like to hear from!
~JSW
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Safely Arrived
I couldn't have asked for a better day for travel. It was good weather - not an ounce of traffic - and the girls were amazing... We had not one fight! With seven people in a van packed full, this is no small feat.
We left the house at 6:45am, and got on the road - the REAL road - the expressway - about half an hour later - after some errands. We stopped just 3 times... Once to have a bio break - then to get gas - then to get some sandwiches. We had so much snack food in the van - fruit, cheese, chips, pop, water, juice, cookies, candy - that we only wanted to stop for "real" food once.
So about 2 hours before we arrived here, 4 out of the 5 girls got a subway sandwich. The stop we utilized at that point was SO busy - PACKED with student groups coming or going from DC. Already I was glad that we opted for the house in lieu of a hotel.
But that was nothing compared to our arrival here. Even just the neighborhood was absolutely beautiful - every home prettier than the next - but the prettiest of all was the one WE get to stay in.
To be honest - there was part of me that was prepared to have the photos online be better than the reality. But every one of us was drop jawed when we walked in - the place is just beautiful. The space we have is more than enough - we all are so pleased to have this place to spend the week.
The girls all picked out a space for now, but I think we'll be moving throughout the week. Peter and I can't wait to use the kitchen. And we have some food being delivered as I type.
I think we will sleep well - and we'll post some more later!
We left the house at 6:45am, and got on the road - the REAL road - the expressway - about half an hour later - after some errands. We stopped just 3 times... Once to have a bio break - then to get gas - then to get some sandwiches. We had so much snack food in the van - fruit, cheese, chips, pop, water, juice, cookies, candy - that we only wanted to stop for "real" food once.
So about 2 hours before we arrived here, 4 out of the 5 girls got a subway sandwich. The stop we utilized at that point was SO busy - PACKED with student groups coming or going from DC. Already I was glad that we opted for the house in lieu of a hotel.
But that was nothing compared to our arrival here. Even just the neighborhood was absolutely beautiful - every home prettier than the next - but the prettiest of all was the one WE get to stay in.
To be honest - there was part of me that was prepared to have the photos online be better than the reality. But every one of us was drop jawed when we walked in - the place is just beautiful. The space we have is more than enough - we all are so pleased to have this place to spend the week.
The girls all picked out a space for now, but I think we'll be moving throughout the week. Peter and I can't wait to use the kitchen. And we have some food being delivered as I type.
I think we will sleep well - and we'll post some more later!
Friday, March 26, 2010
Itinerary
We're so excited to be sitting at home waiting for our pizza.
Today is Friday, March 26 - and all 5 girls are here at our house. Tomorrow morning we hope to be on the expressway by 6:30am. We will drive just over 12 hours (so says TomTom) to the house on Orchid Street - just 7 miles north of the White House.
Sunday we have a quiet day planned around the house - settling in and getting comfortable... gearing up for the week. Peter and I will do some grocery shopping, and we should then be all set for a full week of touring.
Sunday night (hopefully the rain stops by then), we will head out the the Memorials area - near the reflecting pool - between the Lincoln Monument (which gets lit up at night) and the Washington Monument.
Monday morning, we will be in that same area again - our paddleboat reservation on the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial is for 10am. From here we should have a great view of the best concentration of cherry blossoms in the city. I'm told by the owner of the house that the blossoms have already started to bloom. The website says they're due to peak while we are there - maybe on Thursday.
After our paddleboat tour on the Tidal Basin, we have an appointment at the National Archives at 12:15pm. There we can see things like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. From there, we will head to Arlington Cemetery for some hours, before we head to the Pentagon to see the 9-11 memorial.
Tuesday is a very busy day! We start early at 8am at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - where they print the money! Then we will look to have a tour of the Library of Congress at 10:30am. If there is time, the Folger Shakespeare Library is right near there - with the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's works. There is a tour of the Supreme Court at noon - including a lecture about how the Courtroom works. Our congressman - Representative Bill Foster - has passes reserved for us to view both the House of Representatives and the Senate Galleries. We have a tour of the Capitol building at 3:10PM, and can visit the Botanical Gardens right after - as they don't close til 5:30pm. I think we will sleep well on Tuesday night!
Wednesday morning, we have passes to view the Terra Cotta Warriors from China - on the last day that they will be in U.S. From there - before lunch - we will visit the Washington Cathedral - the 6th largest Cathedral in the world. After lunch, we will visit the museum of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the White House Visitors Center. At 4:35pm, the girls have passes to perform as spies at the Spy Museum - in a program called Operation Spy - where they (for one hour) work to avoid that nuclear weapon materials fall into the hands of a rogue nation.
Thursday morning, we will start our attempt at the Museums at the Smithsonian. We will begin with my favorite - the Museum of American History (where the First Ladies exhibit is!) In the afternoon, we have our reservations for the U.S. Holocaust Museum. After that, the National Air and Space Museum is open til 7:30pm
Friday, we plan to hit the Museum of Natural History in the morning. After lunch - as Friday promises some very nice weather - we hope to attend the National Zoo. The Art Museum and Portrait Galleries at the Smithsonian are open til 7pm.
Saturday, we hope to be on the road early, by maybe 8am. We will have a better idea as we're on the road as to our return time - but we're hoping for 7 or 8pm.
We will be flexible as we need to be - things may move around, and we will try to update this blog throughout the week. It may be that while we are there we are able to secure passes for the Washington Monument... those passes were all full and unable to be secured in advance, but they release a daily batch of tickets every day at 8:30am. So we will see if that is something that we can do.
I think I already informed everyone that our request for a White House tour was denied - even though we put in our request almost the full 6 months in advance. Also, the Pentagon was not accepting groups our size. But the 9-11 memorial is open to all, 24 hours a day.
I think I should be able to figure out how to post some photos here. I will start by trying to upload the map I have of D.C.
Okay - time to eat the pizza!
~Jennifer
Today is Friday, March 26 - and all 5 girls are here at our house. Tomorrow morning we hope to be on the expressway by 6:30am. We will drive just over 12 hours (so says TomTom) to the house on Orchid Street - just 7 miles north of the White House.
Sunday we have a quiet day planned around the house - settling in and getting comfortable... gearing up for the week. Peter and I will do some grocery shopping, and we should then be all set for a full week of touring.
Sunday night (hopefully the rain stops by then), we will head out the the Memorials area - near the reflecting pool - between the Lincoln Monument (which gets lit up at night) and the Washington Monument.
Monday morning, we will be in that same area again - our paddleboat reservation on the Tidal Basin near the Jefferson Memorial is for 10am. From here we should have a great view of the best concentration of cherry blossoms in the city. I'm told by the owner of the house that the blossoms have already started to bloom. The website says they're due to peak while we are there - maybe on Thursday.
After our paddleboat tour on the Tidal Basin, we have an appointment at the National Archives at 12:15pm. There we can see things like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. From there, we will head to Arlington Cemetery for some hours, before we head to the Pentagon to see the 9-11 memorial.
Tuesday is a very busy day! We start early at 8am at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing - where they print the money! Then we will look to have a tour of the Library of Congress at 10:30am. If there is time, the Folger Shakespeare Library is right near there - with the world's largest collection of Shakespeare's works. There is a tour of the Supreme Court at noon - including a lecture about how the Courtroom works. Our congressman - Representative Bill Foster - has passes reserved for us to view both the House of Representatives and the Senate Galleries. We have a tour of the Capitol building at 3:10PM, and can visit the Botanical Gardens right after - as they don't close til 5:30pm. I think we will sleep well on Tuesday night!
Wednesday morning, we have passes to view the Terra Cotta Warriors from China - on the last day that they will be in U.S. From there - before lunch - we will visit the Washington Cathedral - the 6th largest Cathedral in the world. After lunch, we will visit the museum of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the White House Visitors Center. At 4:35pm, the girls have passes to perform as spies at the Spy Museum - in a program called Operation Spy - where they (for one hour) work to avoid that nuclear weapon materials fall into the hands of a rogue nation.
Thursday morning, we will start our attempt at the Museums at the Smithsonian. We will begin with my favorite - the Museum of American History (where the First Ladies exhibit is!) In the afternoon, we have our reservations for the U.S. Holocaust Museum. After that, the National Air and Space Museum is open til 7:30pm
Friday, we plan to hit the Museum of Natural History in the morning. After lunch - as Friday promises some very nice weather - we hope to attend the National Zoo. The Art Museum and Portrait Galleries at the Smithsonian are open til 7pm.
Saturday, we hope to be on the road early, by maybe 8am. We will have a better idea as we're on the road as to our return time - but we're hoping for 7 or 8pm.
We will be flexible as we need to be - things may move around, and we will try to update this blog throughout the week. It may be that while we are there we are able to secure passes for the Washington Monument... those passes were all full and unable to be secured in advance, but they release a daily batch of tickets every day at 8:30am. So we will see if that is something that we can do.
I think I already informed everyone that our request for a White House tour was denied - even though we put in our request almost the full 6 months in advance. Also, the Pentagon was not accepting groups our size. But the 9-11 memorial is open to all, 24 hours a day.
I think I should be able to figure out how to post some photos here. I will start by trying to upload the map I have of D.C.
Okay - time to eat the pizza!
~Jennifer
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
