Washington DC....part 3

Saturday morning we ventured out bright and early to head to Mount Vernon.  It was decorated for Christmas and we also got to see the third floor of the mansion...only open for the holidays.  We also learned much more about George Washington and his life at museum they have in honor.

 

George, Martha, and their grandchildren 

 

Someone had enough of being held on the tour of the house

Down by the Potomac River

The 16 sided barn where they processed wheat

Aladdin the Christmas camel

Patriot the pardoned Thanksgiving turkey

We learned alot about making pure chocolate

Gingerbread scene

The next stop after a late lunch was to see the White House and a couple of the memorials. There was a big event happening at the White House as the helicopter came, landed, left and came back several times.  We also walked past the "Occupy" camp on Freedom Square...it was an experience to see all the tents. The best part of the day was going to the World War II memorial. 



Occupy Washington

The helicopter landing

This could be in the AWKWARD FAMILY ALBUM

 

 

I guarded the groceries on the way up from the truck

One of the many wonderful meals that Gabe made for us

We were all so tired by the time we got back to Hanni's from ALL the walking we did!! It was the longest day we had on this vacation. Gabe cooked for us almost every night we were there and it was so tasty!!

Washington DC....part 2

We relaxed before heading to Thanksgiving dinner at the home of my mom's cousin.  It was very nice to see her family and my mom's aunt and uncle also.  The meal was DELICIOUS and the conversations were wonderful.

This is the way cool kids eat...notice his foot ON TOP of the tray!

Who is bigger?

Just sitting with my buddy Gabe



He spent a lot of time with Gabe

"Trying"  to get a photo of the kids.



The whole family

Our WONDERFUL hosts and their family

On Friday both Gabe and Hanni had to work in the morning so we wandered to Arlington National Cemetery.  They live LITERALLY down the street from the Iwo Jima Memorial. Strolling around was a humbling experience knowing these people gave their lives for our freedom....for that we are THANKFUL!!!

A gift to America from the Netherlands....a large structure that plays bells.

Friday afternoon we went to see the Pentagon Memorial.  It was very surreal to be there and look across the area and see all the benches of those who died that day.  There was a young gal on the plane that was born the year in between my nieces.  That made them realize that a tragedy could happen to anyone at any age.



Remembering their "friend"

 

Walking to the mall from the Pentagon Memorial

Let's cross the street now


We had to go to the mall on Black Friday due to an accidental issue with J's clothes RIGHT before the trip. Let me tell you even at 6 pm it was STILL BUSY!!!  I even got a couple of deals...you know, since we were already there.