Had a great time with Christopher's class on the trip to DC. I'm finally starting to get the feeling back in my legs from all the walking! We packed in a lot in our 3 days in the city.
Day 1 - Our first stop was Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's home. It was beautiful there and he had some very creative and original things on site to see.
Next was Mt. Vernon - George Washington's home. Nice view overlooking the river and there was a massive Pecan tree next to the house. I could have parked on that back porch for hours.
Day 2 took us to the National Mall and all the Memorials: WWII, Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, Marine Corp(Iwo Jima), as well as the Holocaust Museum and the National Archives. We also got to tour a small portion of the Capitol and (to the excitement of some of our group) got a quick word from TN Rep. Bart Gordon(yippee).
Day 3 we went to Arlington National Cemetery. This was very humbling when you think of the sacrifice represented by all those grave markers. Truly an experience I won't forget. I did not realize the cemetery property was actually Robert E. Lee's property.
4 of our TFAA 8th graders had the honor of laying the wreath at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the guard was another moment to remember. The level of commitment the Guards must go through is unbelievable.
After the Cemetery we road the subway (a first for me) to The Smithsonian Museums. My group went to the Air and Space museum for a while , then the Natural Science Museum. I think it would take a full week just to see all the things in The Smithsonian, but it would be worth every minute.
After the Smithsonian, we had pizza at a Chicago style pizzeria called Armand's, then boarded the bus for the 12 hour ride home. I think I slept about 3 hours total.
All in all , the trip was perfect. The weather was great and the kids behaved well and seemed to have a really good time. Click the link below for pics.
