It has been a fun and busy weekend! We woke up early Friday morning, rode the subway to Penn Station and boarded the Amtrak train to Washington DC. We spent two fun, exhausting days touring the nation's capital...one day with just the two of us, and one day with Brian's family (Michelle's brother). Sunday we went to church with Brian's family and boarded the train back to New York. Monday we had went out on the town and had lunch at the ultimate chocolate restaurant and subway'd up to the UN

While in Maryland with Brian's family we got a tip to try Max Brenner, or "Chocolate by the Bald Guy." Chocolate on the waffles, in the pancakes and crepes, even in the ranch sauce. We tried the onion rings with dark chocolate ranch sauce, chocolate apple crisp, and a chocolate peanut butter sundae for DJ. Had a bad day? How about a little chocolate ;)

On our way back from Maryland we missed our train and had to reschedule for a later train. It turned out to be a great thing. There was a patriotic concert by the national orchestra on the capitol steps. We had just a few minutes to listen to "God Bless America" and other patriotic songs. Inspiring! Wish we could have heard the whole thing.

Brynlee making friends with uncle DJ

We visited several smithsonians, including the National Archives where we saw original copies of the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, and Bill of Rights. We also visited the Natural History Museum where we saw the dinosaur bones, shown behind us, the hope diamond, and a live butterfly exhibit, something Brian's girls loved! We visited the Library of Congress where we saw the Gutenberg Bible, Jefferson's enormous library, and some of the first maps of the new world after Columbus's discover.

Brynlee reaching for a butterfly.

The Lincoln Memorial...Michelle's favorite memorial! I have great memories of waking up early during my stays in Washington DC and running through the mall; free of tourists the Lincoln Memorial almost had a sacred feel. A great tribute to an inspiring man!

DJ standing by JF Kennedy's eternal flame monument in Arlington National Cemetery. Behind him is the Robert E. Lee house. The home was biult by Goerge Washinton's step son. R.E. Lee married his grandaughter and the Lee's lived in this house until the south ceceded from the Union and Lee resigned his position as General in the US military.

The guard at the tomb of the unknown soldiers. These soldiers take exactly 21 steps, wait 21 seconds, and turn to take another 21 steps in the other direction, symbilic of the 21 gun solute, the highest honor given to high ranking military officials. Even in the stiffling heat of the DC summers these soldiers wear the same wool coats, dressing with precision and exactness in honor of the fallen soldiers. We watched the changing of the guard, something that happens every half hour.

The White House. On the other side of the house we took a rest in the shade. Once again we were entertained by a street preacher, god-blessing people and making up nonsense songs of religion. Must be the noise and chaos of the east that makes the crazy people so vocal. So far we've seen a subway preacher, a street preacher, and two subway beggers announcing their need for donations. Today our subway beggar assured us that our good deed would be repaid by another when we are in need, making a very intelligent argument..."you can't take your money with you...so give it to me!"

Sitting on the bridge accross the Patomic on our way to Arlington. At the head of the bridge are two enormous brass statues of naked wariors on horses, gifts from Italy.

Washington monument

The Nation's Capitol

On the train. We were excited for the views the train ride would offer over a plane. We were treated with a stunning view of the ghettos of New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. I guess they don't put the trains in the nice part of town. We did see some beautiful east coast countryside and overall the train was a great experience - comfortable seats, lots of leg room, freedom to move from cart to cart, and cheaper than the plane.

Check out these tables at a park just west of our house. Chess, anyone?

View from the pier across from our home.

On the pier across from our home.