Tuesday was Randy's one day that he didn't have anything going on until late afternoon. We wanted to get started early on our day, so we took the shuttle to Washington DC and were dropped off at the Old Post Office. Randy is on the phone with his sister, Jolene. Jo and her family live in Newark, DE so she and Trevor (her youngest) drove over to meet up with us.
The Old Post Office has a beautiful granite clock tower that you can go to the top of and see a 360 degree view of downtown Washington, DC. We didn't make it inside but that is one thing I want to do if we ever get back.
And in front is a cool statue of Benjamin Franklin, so of course I had to take a picture! But like I said, Jolene came and picked us up and drove us over to Arlington National Cemetery.
Randy wasn't so sure about spending a day in a cemetery, but Jolene kept assuring him that it was really cool. It didn't take long for him to be very glad that we went. This is one thing you need to experience for yourself. Luckily for us, it was a beautiful fall day!
We began at the visitors center and walked a mile uphill to the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The atmosphere is very peaceful and respectful. At first you are in awe of how straight and uniformed the headstones are, no matter what direction you look. And then you start thinking of how each one represents an actually human being who died for your freedom.
I was born in a patriotic family, and I have always been grateful and even a little emotional when I think of how blessed I am to be part of this great country. But this experience was really touching and I am even more grateful to all those who have given their lives for my freedom.
So like I said, I had been out for a little sightseeing and craved more!! I was determined to see some of those things that I had only seen on TV or in books. So Wednesday I took the shuttle, alone, back to the Old Post Office and started off on my adventure. I was so nervous about making a wrong turn but I had my map and I could see the Washington Monument from almost everywhere! I figured if I found it, I would be able to just walk the mall and see most of the things I was wanting to see. I wanted so badly to get a picture of the monument with the reflecting pool. I've always loved that picture, and I think I did a pretty good job doing that!
After I walked past the Washington Monument, the next in line was the WWII Monument. I love this picture of the WWII with the Washington Monument in the background. Not to mention that one of the wreaths belongs to the Philippines- a special place in our hearts as Randy served his mission there.
Just down from the Arlington house is John F. Kennedy's gravesite.
Here is his gravesite, along with his wife and two young children. One is a son, Patrick, who was born premature and died after just two days and the other was a daughter who was still-born. Her grave just says "daughter".
His gravesite was a little ways down the hill but had a spectacular view of the Washington Monument. There were also some of his famous sayings on a short wall that also faced the view of DC.
I thought it was cool that Jacqueline was buried next to her first husband.
And here's a pretty cool view of the gravesite with the Arlington House in the background. 
So you are already in awe of all the gravestones, and then you get to the top of the hill to see this beautiful Memorial Amphitheater. American flags circle the arches around marble benches and the podium where leaders pay tribute to those who served. We came a few days before Veterans Day, so we couldn't go inside because they were getting ready for a service.
Just east of the amphitheater is the Tomb of the Unknowns. The inscription on the tomb reads, "Here rests in honored glory an American solder known but to God". Very touching. It is guarded by a sentinel of the Third U.S. Infantry. Everything he does is precise and orderly, its amazing! He paces 21 steps down the mat before the tomb, pauses 21 seconds, and returns.
The changing of the guard was worth waiting around for also. They change every hour (every half hour at other times of the year). Again, you can see the dark lines on the concrete because this is done in exactly the same way over and over again. 
One of the neatest parts is when they click their heels together, no matter what direction they are facing, it is always right in sync. 
I loved when they saluted the tomb. You can feel the respect they have for their fellow comrades.
I forgot to mention that Randy came back in the middle of the day... before my nap! We decided to venture outside of our huge hotel and see what was around us. I guess our hotel was built 4 years ago and at the time, it was the only thing around. Now, there are at least 3 more hotels down there and they are starting to get lots of shops. Still a lot of "coming soon" signs in store windows, but it was a great area.
While we were walking around, I noticed this hand sticking out of the ground down by the river. Yes, the one that looks like it is scratching Randy's head! I did that on purpose! Randy was in a hurry to get back to class at this time, but we hurried to find out exactly what it was.
There was a nice little sand area with this guy halfway buried in the sand. I guess the statue was called "The Awakening". It was moved here from another area, I can't remember. But it was pretty cool.
Here's his foot next to these great yachts. I forgot to mention that you could take a water taxi from our hotel to different areas around DC and Virginia. 
It was definitely a highlight of every night we were there.
This past week I tagged along on Randy's business trip. He was going to a convention in Washington DC and I just couldn't let this opportunity pass me by! I've always wanted to go to DC and visit the historical sites that I've only seen in books or television. I knew Randy's days were packed, so I wasn't sure exactly what I would be able to do or how comfortable I would be going around by myself... but it was worth a shot! Our hotel was spectacular! We stayed at the Gaylord National Hotel & Convention Center On the Potomac in Maryland. As you can tell from the lobby, they have already started getting ready for Christmas.
The trees in the lobby were spectacular, as you can see in this picture. I wished our whole family was there so we could get family pictures taken. The hotel was a vacation in itself. I knew if I didn't go anywhere- I would still be happy I came!
As soon as we opened the door to our room, we could hear piano music and the crackling of a fire. I walked in a little further and realized it was a channel on the television. Cheesy to some, but I thought it was sweet and cozy. I couldn't wait to lay in bed and read my book I had brought!
And speaking of bed, Randy laughed when we got in the room to find two queen-size beds. He said they must have made a mistake because he asked for a king. You know how you can tell you have been married for 11 years? You don't go back to the lobby and ask for a king! We actually enjoyed spreading out with pillows all around. I think I've told Randy every night since we got back that I miss my bed at the Gaylord! :)
Well, another season of soccer has come to an end. As always, we enjoyed watching the kids play. Avery was back on the Queen Bees team. I have to be honest, I wasn't sure about how their team would work together. We barely had practice, so I would take Avery out to run on our own. But surprisingly, they never lost a game!
They didn't have enough under 10 and under 9 teams, so they put them together. That was half of the reason they never lost because 3 of the teams were so much younger. However, when they played girls their age Avery really did great! They tied some of those games, but it is so exciting to watch Avery get that determination in her eye! She has now started indoor soccer so I'm sure I will be posting those games soon!
And speaking of determination in the eye... Austin had a great season too! We were so excited because the league allowed one of his best friends, Mack, to play up. They always have trouble finding coaches so Russ said he would coach if Mack got to play with the under 8 team. Randy and Russ did a great job coaching the Storm and I could tell that Austin really got better this year.