Travel trooper

Turns out we like to celebrate Kendall's month birthdays with trips! We started out small, by driving about an hour north to Stoneridge for a week, right around her one month birthday. The next step up was a 7 hour drive to Longview and Portland, around her two month birthday. And just before her three month birthday, we took her to Washington D.C! I guess we need to consider crossing an ocean for her four month birthday! Boy, things are going to get really pricey at this rate!!!

The real reason for the D.C. trip was for a dear friend, and former Young Life girls, wedding---makes me feel super old that now two of my campaigner group girls are now married women! Sheesh! The funny thing is they are only a year younger than I was when I got married almost 5 years ago. The age gap is shrinking quickly.

After a few flights, a little crying through security, and a really long night, we arrived Friday afternoon and began our adventures in D.C. We figured we would not be able to do all the touristy things considering we had Kendall, however she proved to be an amazing traveler and we saw significantly more than we anticipated. We also decided to not rent a car and navigate the city via public transportation. And also thought this would be extra tricky with a little one, but it wasn't hard at all! Once we found and settled into our hotel we headed out to explore. Keith's friend Clark recently lived here and we called on him to tell us which things needed to be seen. He suggested the Lincoln Memorial and the WWII Memorial should be seen at night. Here is a picture capturing both, WOW!

 We decided after this night time trek that the stroller wasn't necessary. Kendall preferred to be carried in the front pack and the stroller takes up too much space on the metro. However, no stroller = no car seat = no last minute cab rides = plan ahead!

here is the view of the opposite direction with the Washington Monument in the background. I sure wish my camera took better night pictures!

 After an awkward night time nursing session on a bench just outside the WWII memorial we walked along the reflection pool to the Lincoln memorial.

The Washington Monument view from the Lincoln Memorial

And this is how Kendall enjoyed these sights. Asleep in the pack!

 the metro

 Family picnic under the shade of the Washington monument

 The White House

 We were invited in to sign a bill even! Thanks Barack & Michelle :)

 The future president

 The Capitol Building

 Korean War Memorial

 Lincoln in the day time

 oops

 Vietnam War Memorial

 Kendall continuing to enjoy all that D.C. had to offer!

Finally a little freedom from the pack!