Gettysburg, Washington, D.C., and Mount Vernon

This past week, Cornell had their Spring Break, so Dave had a week off from school. And since we are nearing the end of our stay here in New York (Dave is done with school in Dec 2010), we decided to head down to Washington D.C. for a long weekend. On the way down, we practically passed through Gettysburg, PA, so we stopped there for a few hours. (Warning: Lots of pictures to follow, but I didn't feel like splitting it up in two posts:):)


Gettysburg was a lot of fun and a nice break from driving in the car. We toured the Museum first, and then headed out to drive around the different battle points in the surrounding area. My favorite part of the whole thing was sitting in this room at the very end, with a big picture of President Lincoln, and hearing a recording of the Gettysburg Address. It was pretty incredible.

Next we were off to Washington, D.C. The first day there, it was rainy, so we figured that was a good day to look at the Museums. We went to the National Gallery of Art, Air and Space Museum and the Natural History Museum. Inside the art museum they had these little areas full of flowers that we so pretty. I just loved them.

I could have a smaller version of this one in my house someday.:):)

U.S. Capital

Luckily, it only rained in the morning for the most part, but was kind of cold and windy the rest of the day. Had to keep out of the puddles of water you can see on the ground.

Washington Monument. Scott and Madeline thought this looked like a giant pencil on our map, so they kept asking us when we were going to the giant pencil.:)

Air and Space Museum.

I think the Air and Space Museum was one of my favorites. I loved seeing all the big planes hanging around, and the rockets and things as well. The kids were definitely impressed.

A big spider Scott liked at the Natural History Museum.

My next piece of jewelry, The Hope Diamond.:):) Hint, Hint Dave.:)

The Smithsonian Castle

Our kids were troopers to walk as much as we did. But they did get a little tired and needed to take turns riding in the stroller and getting on Dad's shoulders.:)

The nest day was sunny and a little warmer, and the first day of the National Cherry Blossom Festival. We walked around to the monuments and memorials that day. Here we are in front of the White House.

When we got to the Washington Monument, there were SO many people out flying kites. We were a little sad we didn't have one to join in on the fun.

On our way to the Jefferson Memorial and walking through all the Cherry Blossoms. They were so pretty.

Jefferson Memorial in the background.

We liked the reflection of the Washington Monument in the water.

Japanese Cherry Blossom. I appropriately wore the scent from Bath and Body Works, Japanese Cherry Blossom that day too.:) I am so coordinated, wouldn't you agree?:)

Lincoln Memorial

Back view of the White House on our way to the American History Museum. We spent just a little bit of time at that Museum. My favorite thing was seeing the actual flag that inspired the writing of The Star Spangled Banner. Walking into the room, hearing the Anthem playing, and reading about the events gave me goosebumps. Definitely worth seeing.

Our last day, we went to Mount Vernon, which was George Washington's residence and estate. We toured the house and surrounding areas before heading home. We had so much fun, and feel so lucky to be living close enough to go and see our Nation's Capital. Definitely worth making the trip to go and see. :)