We got out just days before the Pope arrived.....

Seriously, I cannot imagine how crowded Washington DC is right now! We spent Spring Break in DC and got home late Sunday night. Our oldest son, Coleman, was nominated for the People To People program by a teacher at his school so he spent the week touring and studying while we spent it pure tourist style! When he was invited to participate in the program - before Sam was even home, we decided that if we had to get him there and back, we might as well go up ourselves and enjoy the week. As the trip got closer, we started to question touring DC with children ages 2, 3, 6 and 10. Things were great though. Russ' mom even went with us, so all 8 (yes, I said 8) of us stuffed ourselves and our luggage into the Suburban and DROVE to DC! We spent the first night in South Hill, Virginia and then drove into DC the next day. Coleman was not released from the program until late so we had to drive the full way back home (about 11 hours) on this past Sunday. It is a pleasant drive, though - especially when you aren't driving! Ha! Russ did a great job getting us there and back without complaint. Our hotel was right on the Metro so we bought a weekly pass and did not even get the car out until the last day. We had arranged with our congressman, Phil Gingrey, to tour the White House, the Capitol, Bureau of Engraving and Printing,..... We went to the Smithsonian museums, the Holocaust Museum, Washington Monument (this is my 3rd time to DC and my first in the Washington Monument!), and hit all of the Presidential Monuments. Although we are not Catholic, the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception is one of my favorite things in Washington. It is stunning and more amazing than words can ever describe! The kids behaved and loved every minute of it. The 2 little ones just went with the flow and even sat quietly in the House Chamber of the Capitol while the House of Representatives were voting! I was so impressed with them. Jack is at the perfect age to appreciate all that Washington had to offer and Robbie surprised us with his interest and knowledge - including his rote memory of the Metro stops! He even bought Washington Trivia books for souvenirs. It was truly a great trip. I even stepped outside of my comfort zone and got into it with some protesters - but that is another story for another day!

Sam sees a tiger at the Museum of Natural History

How many $$ tall are we???

Relaxing in the hotel room

I LOVE this face!!!

Waiting to go in the Washington Monument

Jack's New Career

Perspective (you might want to click on this one to see it better)

Cherry Blossoms!!!