Washington D.C.

Pop some popcorn and put up your feet because this post is the longest ever. It's hard to pick just a few when you had so many great experiences at all these places. We stayed in Virginia at a resort called "Massanutten." I was a little concerned when I heard our accommodations were a townhome that slept 12. Our friends, the Stokuca's, so bravely came along and I was worried they were going to be tired of us on day one. Luckily, the resort had each of us in our own 2 bedroom/bath unit with full kitchens and a door separating us. We had each day planned out with just enough to keep us busy but still leaving room for spontaneity.

We flew the red eye Wednesday night and arrived in DC Thursday at 5:30 am (their time). I would not recommend this if you want to be coherent the next day. While waiting for our 15 passenger rental van, the kids were freaking out because of all the bugs flying around them (flies/nats). I was trying to keep them calm but one-on-six are not very good odds. Leighton ended up stepping on Mia's toe and doing some pretty good damage. If you've spent much time with the twins, they have stepped on your feet and probably will again. Because of this, the theme of the trip was, "Don't step on any one's toes!" And without fail, they would step on toes, even innocent bystanders in the museums. Of course, they are always sorry.

This is her toe by the end of the week. It had recovered nicely.

Leighton drew this on the pole after the encounter.

Our first stop, breakfast at the Apple Restaurant. Southern cooking involves lots of grease and this place had a haze when you walked in. Just a step up from airplane food if you ask me.

Once we slept for a few hours (the kids ran wild), we ventured to the pool for a little r & r.

Then it was time to eat again. The "Logcabin" came highly recommended for barbecue and this ended up being Eric's favorite place.

Day 2 brought us to LuRay Caverns where we descended 500 feet below ground to a magical world of stalagmites and stalactites - the formations seen behind us. These caves date way back but because it has taken me so long to post about it, I can't remember how long. They were really cool.

On the same property was a car museum with the largest display of antique cars in the world. Eric and the twins were in awe. I'm not sure what Miki and Lisa are doing here but they look like they're having fun.

Eric was impressed with the car and wanted to pose by it. I think it's from the 1920's but again, my memory is poor.

Time to eat again! The "Southern Kitchen" was like going back in time 40 years. True Southern cooking. By this time, I'm tired of the grease and just order a sandwich. The lemon meringue pie was delightful though.

From there we headed to the New Market (Virgina) Civil War Museum. It is a museum and battle field where cadets from the prestigious Virginia Military Academy lost their lives.

This is the field where they fought and the house in the background is where the family that owned the ground hid in their cellar. After the battle, the house was used for a hospital.

We spent a lot of time in the van and got a little crazy.

So we had to stop at 7-11 for Slurpee's. We were dying of heat and sticky from the humidity so this was a welcome stop.

Eric made everyone Mediterranean for dinner. Miki picked up a confederate bandanna at the museum so he could match his friend. Lisa and I just rolled our eyes. So hick.

The girls, and Boston, took advantage of the huge tub. Boston is already ahead of the game.

We also went go-carting.

and mini golfing. This was the highlight for Boston.

Day 3 we drove into DC and started with Arlington National Cemetery. We had never experienced humidity and heat like this. The sweat was just rolling down our backs.

I can only imagine how this soldier felt guarding the "Unknown Tomb." Everyone was quiet as we watched him march back and forth, in perfect stride. It was a touching moment. We were able to see the changing of the guard too.

Boston had the best view.

White head stones cover miles of grass.

John F. Kennedy's grave. His wife, Jackie, is right beside him along with two children who preceded him in death.

The view from the Arlington House into the city.

Eric practicing his photography skills.

We were able to go to the National Archives but no photography was allowed inside. Here we are sitting on the steps. It was surreal to see the documents that founded out country.

Ford Theatre where Lincoln was shot.

The house Lincoln was taken to where he was cared for and died.

On the steps of the house enjoying ice cream from a vendor.

The Postal Museum

Can't change the direction now. A Pony Express carriage.

In the evening we decided to take a night bus tour. Our cameras struggled with the lighting but managed to get a few. Above is the Lincoln Memorial.

The National Monument

Lincoln Memorial statue

The Capital building which I thought was the White House the whole time. In reality, we never really saw the white house. Security was so tight and there was a gay rights parade so streets were blocked off.

Union Station

We ate dinner at "Clyde's" which was my favorite place. Great atmosphere and food. Nothing greasy about it.

We went to a few of the Smithsonian's and by the second, the kids were museumed out. There is so much to see that it's overwelming.

Do you see the resemblence?

Interesting fact.

Lisa and Miki

Eric and twins couldn't pass up this hot dog stand. Eating again.

The National History Museum was my favorite - especially the First Lady's dresses. This is Michelle Obama's dress from the inaugoration .

Boston looks like he would fit right in.

We rode the open air bus during the day a bit too. It was a little better than walking but still so hot and humid. Eric and Jackson.

Macie and Miki

Mia and Leighton

Kennedy and Lisa

Allyson, Boston, and Leighton

And it must be dinner time. We drove back to Virgina and stopped at Cracker Barrel for dinner.

Day 5 we were back at the resort for the Massanutten water park. We spent the day there soaking up the sun. Eric was right at home with the simulated boogie boarding.

So was Kennedy.

And Jackson.

We all enjoyed the water in one way or another.

Mia, Macie, and Kennedy.

Mia and Kennedy heading back up the slide.

Eric and Miki gave the obstacle course a valiant effort but mostly they just gave us all a good laugh.

Eric and Boston hung out on the lazy river for quite a bit.

Kennedy loves a good challenge and she finally figured this one out.

Boston found a basketball and that's where he wanted to stay.

Oh, it's time to eat again. Hank's Smokehouse came as a recommendation from Eric's co-workers. It was more barbeque. A different style and Eric decided Logcabin was better. (In case you're keeping track.)

I told Eric we needed to pose differently. Absolutely no creativity.

Day 6 we ventured to a working farm. This lady was very strange, totally playing the part.

This cottage was brought over from Ireland. It dates back to the 1700's. It smelled really old too.

On the beautiful grounds, a great spot for a picture. We look like a bunch of misfits.

So picturesque.

A working forge shop. He was making something like handcuffs.

This English cottage dates back to the 1600's.

Mid day we drove to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. What a gorgeous drive and piece of property. Probably the highlight of the whole trip. A guide took us through the house and described everything room by room. Jefferson was an avid reader and wine coniseour.

Monticello
The gardens on the property. His grave is just down the hill from it. They tried to keep everything just as it was.

What a fun time we had! We are all more educated in our history and have a greater appreciation for this wonderful country we live in.