D.C. Surprise

When you eat at Cracker Barrel, you know you aren't in New York City anymore.

Our plan was to stop halfway between New York and Charleston in Chester, Virginia on Monday night. When we were just a little north of Washington, D.C, I asked Dillon to plug in the White House address in the GPS in order to see how far away we were--just for laughs. When the answer was only twenty-nine minutes, we both agreed that we had to go, no matter how late we would wind up getting into our hotel.

The trip was indeed less than half an hour, and we were able to get an on-street parking spot less than a city block away from the White House.

That's right--surprise visit to the Obamas'.

Avonlea Jane wasn't thrilled that the president wasn't outside to see her.

Department of the Treasury

We arrived to the White House just in time, because as we were walking away, the secret service blocked off a perimeter because Marine One was coming in for a landing. We were able to see it flying in, but we weren't quick enough to grab a picture. Again, Avonlea Jane was disappointed the president didn't come to see her once he was out of his helicopter.

Department of the Treasury

We were lucky enough to arrive when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and for the 100th anniversary of the Cherry Blossom Festival.

She looks like she could eat the Capitol Building

The National Flower Library

The Jefferson Monument

Waiting for a cherry ice in honor of the cherry blossoms.

The Lincoln Monument

The WWII Memorial

The Reflecting Pool was being repaired during our visit, as were the sidewalks leading to the Lincoln Memorial, and Avonlea Jane wasn't up for the detoured hike to see it up close.

Avonlea Jane loved these lions.

Eisenhower Executive Office Building

Finally happy after having a cherry ice

After lots of walking and looking, everyone was tired, but we agreed that seeing D.C. was (outside of visiting family) the highlight of our whole trip. We can't wait to go back.