Our Adventure in Washington, DC

Friday October 8th/ 17th - Shortly before noon we tied up at the Gangplank marina. Our plans were to spend a week in Washington, DC, to visit with family and to explore, how wonderful!
We had an amazingly busy week. We spent a few days touring the National Mall. Washington is a wonderful city with many museums, monuments and parks to explore. It's only a mile away from the marina but you could literally walk your feet off with all the options.
 Our first visit was to the American History museum where we saw everything from the History of Lincoln, Transporation, Electricity and of course the 'First Lady's Inauguration dresses where Michelle Obama's dress is now on display. Not to forget the Ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland.

While we were in Washington we also took two tours of the Capitol. Because there is quite an echo throughout the gleaming halls, we wore headsets to hear our tourguide. The guides were very knowledgeable and gave quite a history of the Capitol. We then took a tour of the old Senate Rooms and halls. 

The National museum of the American Indian  was fascinating. We enjoyed lunch at the Mitsitam Native cafe where they served native foods and it was delicious. 

 Our last day in Washington we decided to check out the Library of Congress. Can you imagine millions of books under one roof?  We found Thomas Jefferson's library,, all the books that he read. Information about how the Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independance were written. There was an amazing exhibit on George & Ira Gershwin, and Bob Hope.

During our stay in Washington, we spent some time with the Flynn family. On Sunday we went to the Washington monument to watch Debby finish the 60 mile walk for breast cancer. It's  a 3 day event and we are very proud of her. That evening we enjoyed a wonderful Chinese dinner at their house. On Tuesday we enjoyed watching Meghan's volleyball game where her team won both games, very exciting! We ended up spending a couple of nights at the Flynn's and each night Moira took turns reading to us.

The highlight of our trip was for 'Grampy' to be the mystery reader in Moira's kindergarten class. Moira and her class came in from recess and, there was Grampy sitting in the mystery readers chair! Grampy chose a special book to read 'Make Way for Ducklings'. He had the children's attention, you could tell they were really enjoying the story. Grampy is an excellent story teller. I sat there with pride and as I looked over towards Moira and Debby, both of their faces were beaming with smiles of love and pride. Well done Grampy!
Sadly we had to say good-bye to the Flynn's but we're looking forward to seeing them in a few weeks. Thank you so much!!