Maryland and DC

Last week, Jeff and I did something we’ve never done before. We dropped the kids off with friends and drove out to Maryland to see his parents for a few days. It was our 15th Anniversary on Wednesday and their Anniversary on Thursday.  They have been serving in the Maryland Baltimore mission since last Spring and we finally made it out to see them. Part of the fun was surprising Jeff’s Mom. She had no idea we were coming. After the 11.5 hour drive, we took it easy the evening of our arrival. But the next day Jeff and I took the MARC train into DC and went to everything we could manage in a day. Here are a few highlights (mouse over the pictures for location):

A beautiful building, for sure.  I was not as impressed by the huge luxury vehicles various politicians were getting out of and their self-important air.  Nor was I impressed by the Presidential motorcade we saw three times, stopping traffic with the multiple police escorts and more large vehicles surrounding their 2 or 3 limousines.  Give me a break!

We got to DC pretty early, before most museums were open, so we walked from the train all the way down to the Lincoln Memorial.  It was a beautiful, cool morning.  That afternoon when it warmed up, we were glad we’d made the long trek early on.  It was worth it.

We didn’t go up into the Washington Monument, but enjoyed the various war memorials in the area surrounding it.

Night at the Museum, anyone?  We also visited the American History museum, but somehow didn’t end up with any pictures worth posting.  My favorite exhibit there was the actual flag that flew over Ft. McHenry that inspired The Star Spangled Banner.

This was in a sculpture garden.  The bird doesn’t seem to mind at all that the tree is made of metal.

We saw the Constitution, Bill of Rights, and Declaration of Independence.  The constitution is huge.  I guess I never realized it was written on such big paper!  And the men had such beautiful handwriting!!  The document is in surprisingly good condition.  Unfortunately, the same can’t be said about the others.  They are so faded that the names are completely unreadable.

At the museum of art, we saw several Picasso’s, Monet’s (like this one), Renoir’s, Van Gogh’s, etc.  Many of the pieces were so beautiful.  Others resembled things my kids have brought home from elementary school art class.  What do I know!?

After a long day in the city, we walked back to the train.  We were lucky enough to catch an express and I was even luckier to be sitting next to a man who, in telling me about his son, said, “He’s about your age, 25? 26?”  I laughed and told him I’m 39.  He leaned over later in the ride and said, “You’re not really 39 are you?”  Considering the fact that I felt more like I was 60 after walking all day in flip flops (don’t ask), I was happy to have found a new best friend.  Ha!!

Overall, it was a great day.  We slept great that night, air mattress and all.  More to come.