July Round-up

Whew - July has been an awfully busy month and it's not stopping.  I ran a 1/2 marathon at the beginning of the month - still wondering how I did that.  Shear determination I think. :)  We've had several events that were huge successes and squeezed in a great vacation in DC with the family.

August is going to be pretty non-stop too so time to buckle my seatbelt.

{all images taken with Instagram}

The Water Taxi to Alexandria

Yesterday we headed out of downtown Washington DC, leaving all the monuments behind.  We were off to National Harbor to the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center.  It was nice to get out of the city.

National Harbor is about 5 years hold.  There are so many shops and restaurants around.  Kind of nice that you don't have to eat in the hotel and there are tons of options within walking distance.  They even have a Peeps store here.  Saw it from the water taxi...I will definitely have to check it out.

The weather yesterday was incredible.  Blue sky - yes thats right, blue sky.  The sunset was gorgeous.  I must have taken 50 pictures of the sunset.

Had to do a little work when we got to the hotel, but then we headed down to the water taxi (there is a Pier right at the hotel) to take a little trip over to Old Town Alexandria.  Such a cute, quaint town.  We stopped at Pop's Ice Cream.  Oh my word - the best ice cream.  I almost died when I tried their cheesecake.  We went for the cookie's and cream and it didn't disappoint.

The amazing sunset from last night.

All images by me taken with my handy dandy iPhone.  

A Walking Tour of DC Sites

Yesterday, we hit the ground running.  It's our last day in DC proper.  Today we're heading to Georgetown and the National Harbor area so we had to make sure we saw the rest of the major sites.  The weather yesterday was the worst so far.  Hot, muggy and a few showers...I have to say, I was a hot mess.  

First stop on our walk was the Department of Treasury.  Very pretty building - I have to say...all these buildings are gorgeous.  I was totally digging the tile work here though.

Next stop was right next door - the White House.  At one of the first gates, I spotted this gal that I had to get a picture of because I just loved her color block outfit and the purple umbrella just completed the look.  A little fashionista working at the White House.

Next up was the Eisenhower Executive Office Building.  This building just seemed very grand to me.  Again with the tile - LOVE!

We saw a protest...the AIDS conference was in town.  This was one of the most colorful protests I've seen.

Next up was the Lincoln Memorial, and it was majestic.  There is something about being there in person.  Not sure what it was, but it was truly magnificent.  A work of art.  My mister was standing there and said...this is where Martin Luther King stood and gave his famous "I Have A Dream" Speech - WOW.  We were kinda bummed - the reflection pool was being worked on, so we didn't get the full impact.

Next stop, the Vietnam Memorial.  Very moving...

As we made our way through the park (thankfully the sun wasn't shining and we could cool ourselves with the trees) we stopped and had some ice cream and I was able to get this shot of the Washington Memorial.  It was closed due to earthquake repair.

Next up was the World War II Memorial.  At this point, we are bribing the little mister to go just a little further.  We had one more stop after here.  He did ask if he could put his feet in the water...we told him..."probably not the best idea.  We'll be in air conditioning soon."

Our final stop - the Holocaust Museum.  This museum was emotional.  We were only able to see parts of it due to the time, but what we saw was so worth it.

It was interesting, in all the museums we went to, we had to go through the airport type screeners.  This was the first one that asked me to take a sip of my water.  They did it with everyone bringing in water.  Sort of strange.

All in all, this has been an amazing trip to take with an 11 year old.  The questions that he has asked has really surprised both the mister and myself.  Not sure what we were expecting, but are really proud that we are raising a boy who is truly interested in the history of the world.

Newseum: A Place for All Ages

Newseum.  What a great museum.  Interactive, engaging and all ages will enjoy.  My little mister is 11 and he was so engaged during our visit to this museum, asking questions in all the areas.  You will see segments of the Berlin Wall.  The antennea that was atop on of the twin towers on September 11.  Headlines from way back when to today and some of the most amazing sports history photos.  Make sure you head to the top floor where you will have an amazing view of the Capital Building and the National Mall.

During the summer, kids are free.  This is money well spent.  I would highly recommend it.

*FYI - they have space for corporate events and parties.  This would make a fabulous party place.

all images taken by me via iPhone