Our Trip to Lovely D.C.

Anyone can go to DC when the government is open, but it takes particularly good timing to get there when the government is all shut down.  Trust me to be able to time it just right. ;)

When most people go to DC they spend their time at stuffy museums in old buildings filled with a bunch of old stuff like bones from animals that don't even exist anymore, or 300 year-old paintings, or jewelry that is so old it was actually on the Titanic... luckily all those free places were closed.  This allowed for Chance and I to open our minds {and our wallets} to other slightly more expensive museums in DC.

The picture on the right is of the antenna from one of the towers and behind it is an entire wall of newspapers from 9/12.  The bottom picture is chance trying out his news anchor skills - I think it's best he keep his focus on PA school. 

Our first stop was the Newseum.  Even though it's price was a bit of a deterrent, there was still a line out the door and half way down the block.  Private museums in DC LOVE it when the government closes down.  Can't say I blame them. 

It was a rather cool museum that documented news over the past few hundred years. They had a Berlin wall exhibit that actually had pieces of the wall there for us to touch.  My favorite exhibit was a tribute to 9/11 and the individuals who brought the story into our individual homes around the world. They also had a large exhibit about JFK - it's been 50 years since his death.  The only thing more interesting than that exhibit were the cute old people taking it in who could remember the day it happened.  I think they related to the JFK exhibit the way we related to the 9/11 exhibit. 

Another exciting museum that we never would have found if all the museums within the first three subway stops were open was The Phillips Collection.  We got to experience an interesting collection of Van Gogh's art.  Though to be honest, after looking at the entire collection, the only picture that really took my breath away was one of Degas! Maybe I just understand his obsession with ballet.  And as usual, I could look at Monet for hours! 

We were lucky to meet up with some friends from SLC while in DC - amazing that they could have as good of timing as we did!

It was fun to have them along for part of our adventure... we were particularly excited when Chris almost fit through the fence to the White House.

After we spent all our money, we decided to check out the monuments of DC even if we had to admire from afar.  Luckily, all the war monuments were open.  As a note -  that does not mean the bathrooms were open... obviously that job is considered 'unnecessary', though I would definitely disagree! 

The Lincoln memorial was closed which was a real shame... and there were a lot of people there to voice their similar opinion.  I understand that DC has quite a few 'crazies' on a normal day, however I can't help but believe that the government shutdown caused a few more to come to town... and in force.


The Korean War memorial was a favorite - Chance pointed out the very real expressions on the soldiers faces. They represent a spectrum of different and moving emotions.

The other monuments we were able to visit were very nice, and made me feel so very grateful for the selfless men and women who had sacrificed so much so that I could have the opportunity to spend my holiday weekend free and safe.

One of my very favorite experiences in our short little visit was Arlington Cemetery.  We were able to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier as well as a change of the flower wreath in front of it.  It was very touching as family members of men and women who had sacrificed everything were able to pay tribute in a very beautiful and solemn ceremony.  

  

All things considered, i'm so glad we had an opportunity to explore this town, eat at some of Chance's favorite restaurants, visit dear friends (so sad we didn't get pictures with you guys), and enjoy a fun little adventure with my handsome hubby! Even with the government closed, we still had a great time... but next time I think we'll try to go when the government is open. ;)