Snapshots from D.C.

We decided to trade two days in the confederate capital to make the two hour drive to the nation's capital....absolutely worth it. Highlights included the incredible (and free!) Smithsonian museums; views to the White House, Washington Monument, Capitol Building, and Lincoln Memorial; delicious meals at popular local places; a tour of the NPR headquarters; and about twenty miles of walking around the city.

I was hoping Mr. Obama was out his yard so I could wave 'hello.'

Fanning Michael with money in front of the treasury.

At the Capitol.

It had been twelve and a half years since Alyssa, Michael and I had been to D.C., and we definitely had a greater appreciation this time around for the amazing (read: FREE) Smithsonian museums.

Our favorite museum was the National Museum of American History (sounds stuffy and boring, but it had an unbelievable collection of historical pieces---Savion Glover's tap shoes, Michael Jackson's fidora, the Kermit the Frog puppet, Judy Garland's ruby slippers, Julia Child's real kitchen, the actual flag Francis Scott Key was looking at when he wrote the Star Spangled Banner....I'm serious!!). One of the best exhibits had inaugural outfits of the first ladies;  Michelle Obama's gown was showcased front and center.

You just have to laugh when you see Mamie Eisenhower's sassy look in the picture next to the actual dress she wore. I think that's her sexy glance for Dwight.

We even caught Chris and Michael having an enjoyable time in the gift shop, of all places.

Later that night we dined at Founding Farmers, a delicious D.C. establishment that is quite popular with the locals (there was an hour wait at 8pm on a Monday night...like I said...popular). It was absolutely worth it though, and my casserole-sized chicken pot pie was incredible.

On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, NPR offers free tours to the public (we strategically planned to be there on a Tuesday just so we could go....). We saw Steve Inskeep of Morning Edition, Melissa Block of All Things Considered, and even got to take a few pictures in the studio.