I should have taken that cardio tip more seriously!

We love the movie, Pitch Perfect. In the movie Fat Amy says, "No, don't sign me up for cardio." Then a little later says, "I should have taken that cardio tip more seriously!" Well, I should have done some cardio. Any cardio, before coming to DC! I am worn out!! Of course everybody doesn't do vacation like we do. Who am I kidding most people don't do life like we do! We squeeze every ounce of fun out of the good days. You never know when a bad day will sneak in.
Today we started early! We had a tour at the Library of Congress at 8:45.




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Then we went to the Capitol!






Love the inside if the doom! It is a beautiful building!
We were able to walk from the Library of Congress to the Capitol via the underground tunnel. That was fun.
We realized how blessed we are we walked right in to the tour. We only waited about 5 minutes. Everything was timed perfectly for us today.
We decided to see what was going on at the Supreme Court.



We got to look around....


Got to love the spiral staircases!!!


Here is a peak into the chambers! The media was all outside because there where four big cases and they wanted to report on the rulings.

Ok!! Finally!!!! It is lunch or a late lunch. We walked a couple of blocks to Union Station. They have shops and a great food court.






And did I say it was beautiful!!

After lunch we headed to the Air and Space Museum. We toured the whole thing!


This is the actual Wright Brothers Plane. My personal favorite exhibit at the Air and Space.




We then headed to the American Indian Museum. It is incredible.


The last thing before heading back to the metro and hotel, we stopped at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. We were hoping to tour, but all the tickets were gone for today. So we checked out the gift shop. Maybe tomorrow!





That is $100 shredded
Notes they are standing next too!

We accomplished a lot of sight seeing today. With 17 Smithsonian Museums in DC, all the Memorials, the Capitol, Supreme Court, and I could go on.... there is so much to see. We want to see as much as possible. I have to say other than my legs trying to give out. I have enjoyed every moment!
So we are going to see how much we can do in the great city! Legs don't fail me now!!! Oh and if you are coming to DC....sign up for cardio!!!!

Ring up Cyrus and tell him to buzz us through!

We watch the TV show scandal. So we walked up to the gate asking for Cyrus to ring us through! We didn't get detained or shot so all in all a good day. We also didn't get in!








After walking all around the outside of the People's House, we weren't invited to tour due to sequestration.
We headed to the Old Post Office. The building has the best views in DC since the Washington Monument is being repaired from the earthquake damage.
















Beautiful building and great views from the clock tower!!!
Next we went to the Ford Theater.




Saw the actual gun Wilkes used to kill Lincoln. It was very small.




Then of course we toured the theater.




After a crazy day yesterday,plus the fact we have an early morning tour. We decided to head back.
Ok but we needed dinner! It is our anniversary 23 years to be exact!! So we went to a pizza place on Kings Street in Alexandria, VA. We spent our 20 to anniversary at Giordanno's in Chicago. So it is kind of a tradition.












Well another day down.




Think they are tired. They decided to smile for the picture. All sitting on the curb waiting for the bus.
Well, we are headed to the Library of Congress tomorrow.

Washington DC, 2013

We had a crazy day! We left our hotel early and headed to the Metro so we could figure it out and get started. We bought our one week short trip pass and headed to Arlington National Cemetery.








Arlington National Cemetery
This was not my first visit. But I am still totally blown away at the sacrifice of our military families so we can enjoy the freedoms of American? I am in awe of the men who serve at the Tomb Of the Unknown Solider! Through heat, cold, snow and even hurricanes, they don't want to leave their post! They are incredible! We were blessed to see not only the changing of the guard, but also a wreath laying ceremony.








We also stopped by and paid our respects to the Kennedy Family gravesides. The eternal flame is a very fitting tribute to John F. Kennedy. He was there only 12 days before he was assassinated in Dallas. He said, "It's so peaceful here, I could stay here forever."
After walking the hills of Arlington, we headed to the food court of the Ronald Reagan Building for lunch.
We then walked over to the National Archives and saw all the documents we cherish in this country. (Or should cherish!) The Declaration of Independence! The Constitution! The Bill of Rights!
We walked across the street, had pretzels and cokes from a street vendor and spent a little while in the Smithsonians Natural History Museum. We could not come all the way to DC and not see the Hope Diamond!




At 45 carrots it is not too shabby! We have spent time in the Natural History Museum in Chicago so after seeing the most incredible rocks!!












And of course the huge, hairy, 8 ton African bush elephant. Who can be found in the domed rotunda of the museum! We headed to the National American History Museum.
We headed to the 3 rd floor and started checking out the dresses worn by our First Ladies! Then to the 2 nd floor where we were in awe of the actual Flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner!! I loved this museum. We spent a lot of time here.




It is sad when you had all the above and it is in a museum!




Christian Parks thought this was a funny looking computer!




But to see Julia Childs actual kitchen was a blast for me!
Time for ice cream break in the cafe and then back to the metro!
Once we got our car we decided to drive by the Iwo Jima Memorial.




Absolutely beautiful at sunset!!!
Then we drove by the Pentagon and went to dinner!
In case you are wondering, we did way to much today! We are all very tired and our legs hurt!
Can't wait to see where tomorrow takes us!
Lisa B

We're back!

Well, I cannot believe it has been so long since I have blogged! I am shocked! But, life at the Bennett House has been on full speed ahead and I have not been able to keep up. So, we are doing a road trip and friends have asked me to start it up again so they can follow along.



The mini van is packed.
6 suitcases
2 snack bags
1 camera bag
iPads, iPods, kindles, DVD,and iPhones
1 cooler
4 kiddos
2 parents
Multiple pillows and blankets
And a little creeper or photo bomber you choose!


This is my view from the front. They look happy! After watching almost 5 movies, we arrived in Alexandria, Virginia. As we were unpacking a man walking by commented we were the party van. It seems we are still happy! We have 5 days to explore DC before we head to Philadelphia. We will be starting at Arlington Cemetery tomorrow morning. Goodnight! Now if only the littlest Bennett would go to sleep!