Saturday 10-25-14 to Sunday 10-26-14

Saturday was a 9 mile trek! Good thing we had good walking shoes! We started out the day packing up our rooms and loading the bus. Parents, you would not believe how incredibly clean their hotel rooms were! I have to say they have set the bar high for next year's kids!

We left the hotel (15 minutes early I might add! That never happens!) and went to the White House for pictures. I'm sure you heard that on Wednesday, someone jumped the fence to try to get to the White House. This is the 4th incident recently. There is now a 2nd fence guarding the White House and security was quite tight. I asked a police officer if the extra fencing was due to the recent escapades and he said it was due to construction. I'm not so sure that's the entire truth! We also took a quite look at the Vietnam War and Women's Memorials. Again, quite a sombering view.

Next was Ford's Theater. Mr. Jones recorded the program while we were there. You can view it from this link: http://youtu.be/-ltP53reQ7c

Due to time constraints, we were not able to visit the Petersen House (where President Lincoln died) but you can see the information here: http://www.fords.org/home/plan-your-visit/daytime-visits-fords-theatre/petersen-house.

Next was the visit to the top of the Washington Monument. 50 stories high! Some of us were a little worried about the height but once we up there, WOW! It was amazing!
http://www.visitthecapitol.gov
My favorite place to visit is Mount Vernon. I love the history, beauty and serenity of the acres and acres of beautiful land. You can see Maryland across the Potomac River from the back of the house. After touring the house and the grounds, we visited the tombs of George and Martha Washington and then went to the education center. We watched a 4D movie and then did a little more souvenir shopping (I always get a new Christmas ornament there) and then headed back to Pentagon City for dinner.

After dinner went to the highlight of the trip, the Kennedy Center, to see the play, Shear Madness. It's their 25th Anniversary! The kids loved it!

What a wonderful trip we had! I love teaching the kids at the 5th grade level, and then getting to see how much they've grown by this trip. Mike & I enjoy spending the time with the kids in Washington DC. Thanks for trusting us with you children. We consider it a high honor. By the way, when we're at the Capitol Building tour, part of it is all about 5th grade American History. The kids answered all of the guide's questions! I was so proud! Thanks again, here's the rest of the pictures from the trip!