Headed down 95!

Hi folks! Its been a long time since I blogged because there has been quite a bit going on, lots of happiness, accomplishment, drama and heartache but I guess that is life and what a wonderful life it is!

The next series of blogs are going to be about great family vacation spots or day trips--where to go and what to see. I love to take my kids to the different day trips and mini-adventures. Its fun, it's educational and it creates memories we can hold for a lifetime! Since we start school a little later this year (some may dislike it, but its necessary and why not take advantage of the "off" time for schools to be off), I want to share some of our experiences and would love to hear about yours! Put them in the comments!

One of my favorite places is Washionton, D.C. My husband and I took our kids to DC in November. We saw a lot but not all the museums, monuments and sites. This vacation was very special for us because we toured the White House! All museums, monuments and historical sites are free so it’s easy on your wallet and a quick 4-5 hours down Interstate 95. Bring your walking shoes and a camera, a little pocket money for the metro -- it’s a spectacular city to visit and share with your family!

It was our second trip to DC in two years. We had such a great time the first trip, we had to go again, and there are endless things to see and learn. We have spent 12 days there and still have not seen everything our Nation’s Capitol has to offer. About six weeks prior to our vacation I called Congressman Rothman’s Office to get tickets to tour the White House, an intern sent an application via email and we waited, and hoped. There is a background check for all citizens, less than half get approved and you do not find out if you are approved for 7-14 days prior to your tour. There are minimal dates designated for public tours, so be prepared to give multiple dates you are available to take the tour,  http://rothman.house.gov .

Entering the White House grounds was an exercise in security. The Obamas were home so it was especially strict.The secret service agents knew our names before I turned in the invitation! (makes you think a little bit, doesn’t it?) The kids thought it was cool to be called by their names and welcomed to a place their parents were so incredibly excited to visit and where the President lives. Of course, our funny, vibrant, five-year-old, impishly smiled, displaying her never-ending dimples, tilted her head and proclaimed loudly with hands on her hips and right foot tapping, “How yooouu know MY name, hhmmm?”  

Awh geez! It left me wondering why this was the moment when my typically shy girl decided to reveal the personality we laugh at so often! For a moment I didn’t know whether we would get any further, but the agent, chuckled and sent us on our way to the next of the security checks. We were screened no less than four times before entering the actual White House. I think I held my breath in sheer joy, anticipating the opportunity to see and walk on the same floors of my heros that I studied and admired. We got to be in the same rooms as some of the most revered Americans! It still takes my breath away.

We got a glimpse of the real thing—it is even more beautiful than what you see on TV. Bring your families there and enjoy the incredible history you will get to experience first hand. You will see and feel a sense of history as you stroll through the White House. It was magical; it's one of the greatest memories of my life! There are no cell phones or cameras permitted in the building itself and don’t dare touch anything either or you will find out just how forceful the nice "tour guides" (special agents) really are! ;-)   

Of course that is just the most special place we visited in DC for me. My kids and husband have different opinions and offered a lot of funny quips and experiences that I will bring to you as we go along. This is just to share and maybe inspire you to go to DC

Coming up: The Metro, Somebody’s got a crush on Daddy! Searching for Amelia Earhart. That’s Art?! And we even need to see baseball in DC!