Spring Break Trip to Washington, D.C. - Part I

Our trip to D.C. commenced early Tuesday morning as we loaded our family and belongings into the car for a six and a half hour drive.  Luckily, the drive is pretty easy on Interstates 85 and 95, and we didn't experience any major traffic delays.  We did hit heavy rain showers in Virginia about 40 miles from D.C. which slowed traffic a little.  We discovered that we had forgotten our coats so we stopped at a large indoor outlet mall, Potomac Mills, to find some for the trip since the weather was supposed to be pretty cool.  The rain stopped that night, and the rest of the week was dry but cool and windy.  We saw and did almost everything we planned to do.  Sadly, we didn't get to see the National Archives, Holocaust Museum, and Arlington Cemetery which were on our hope to be able to see list.  We knew our time might limit us a little, and since this was a very busy season in the capital, we just couldn't fit it all in.  We definitely walked a lot although we were thankful for the metro system which made getting around a lot easier.

One of our first stops the next day was the National Mall on the way to the Smithsonian Natural History Museum.  This is a view of the Washington Monument from the Mall. 

The boys and I on this sunny but chilly morning in D.C.

The Capitol building from the Mall. 

Just for fun, Evan tried to push the monument over. 

And Daddy and Brody tried to straighten it back up. 

The boys loved riding the "toot toot" as Brody calls it. 

My handsome hubby on the metro. 

So these signs were posted all over the metro stations.  I took it as a "sign" that my Canadian blog pal, Natasha, and I are meant to be friends!  Haha!  Apparently, Canada has been spending some advertising money in the States. 

A whole wall of Canadian advertisements. 

Brody loved riding Daddy's shoulders on many of our walks around town.  I could do a comparison of this picture with Evan at the same age on his Daddy's shoulders when we went to California and walked around Yosemite National Park!

Another view of the Washington Monument from the White House lawn. 

1600 Pennsylvania Avenue...the most famous address in America!

This is the back side of the White House.  The portico side (West Wing) is more commonly photographed although apparently in recent years heightened security has been added to that side so you can't walk right up to the fence. 

The fountain surrounded by tulips. 

That must have pose in front of the White House. 

Eddie and the boys

A pretty shot of the famous White House. 

This side may be more familiar. 

I think they were preparing for the annual White House Easter egg hunt.  I would have loved to get Evan and Brody in for that.  They aren't doing the hunt until Monday. 

Another shot of the Washington Monument.  It is everywhere in the capital.  I actually think it is a law that no buildings in the city can be taller than it. 

The old Department of the Treasury building next door to the White House. 

Another reminder of our Canadian friends. 

Brody playing on one of the memorial structures. 

Then he decided to try bird chasing. 

The Beautiful Tulips

Oh, the tulips!  They were planted all over the city around many of the buildings and memorials.  I loved these red tulips!

A great excuse for pictures. 

My sweet boys in the tulips. 

Love their faces. 

Sweet brother hugs. 

Trying to get Brody to hug his brother. 

Me and my boys. 

My handsome men

A special World War II Memorial although not the big one over at the Reflecting Pool. 

And one to the soldiers in Vietnam too. 

Ah, the tulips!  I will miss them!

And Daffodils too!