Washington DC

A lot of catching up to do...Well we went to Washington DC. The girls got to enjoy some fun with my parents while Cary and I got away for a week. Since my sweet husband had a conference to go to I decided to tag along. We left on Saturday morning and enjoyed a very relaxing plane ride. Once we arrived in DC we checked into The Mayflower Hotel (highly recommend it) and serched to a place to eat dinner.

On Sunday morning we got up and went sightseeing a little. It was fascinating to see the White House.(it looks so much bigger on TV)
I was a little sad that President Bush was not in town to have us over for breakfast but I understood with it being an election week and all. Next we were off to the Washington Monument.
I stood in awe for a little bit. Next we stopped at the Museum of Natural History. Kaylee would have loved it with all of the stuffed animals and I loved getting to see the Hope Diamond. Then we were off to the Convention Center to get Cary checked in for the Schwab Conference. On the way back to the hotel we were able to take in some beautiful scenery. Then it was time to get ready for our dinner with some of Cary's business associates at the Charlie Palmer Steakhouse. At the dinner we met the loveliest couple from Houston. They talked about their grandchildren and we talked about our two sweet girls. The food was delicious and the company just as good. I did feel sorry for the poor guy from Dallas who got suck with three women talking, but he did not seem to mind. Once we got back to the hotel we were ready for some sleep.

Monday morning Cary left for his conference and I wandered down to the closest Starbucks for my breakfast of choise, a carmel machiatto. Then I was off to the Convention Center to go on one of the wife excursions to Alexanderia, Virginia. Two of my precious friends lived there for a little while so they told me just where to go. I even stopped in the flower shop my friend Stephanie use to work in and told her former boss "hello" for her. The most interesting part of the "shopping trip" was the information I learned at the eand of the day. We noticed when our bus arrived that there were a lot of television cameras set up. There was also a big banner for Jim Webb. Of course, I had no idea who he was so I asked the nice gentleman sitting on the bench with me a few questions. I found out Jim Webb was a Democrat who was running for the U.S Senate and the cameras were around because former President Bill Clinton was to arrive at the rally later and offer his support. I decided I was in the wrong place and went to see if the tour bus was back yet for us. As we were circling the block to pick up a few stragglers I saw The former President shaking hands at the front of the podium. I arrived back at the Convention Center in time to get on a bus back to the hotel to change for dinner. We went to Old Ebbitt Grill for another company sponsored dinner. I must say they have the best crab cakes I have ever tasted. While there we met a nice couple from Austin who have children our girls ages. It was good to get to know some more new people too. After dinner we all went on a night time tour of Jefferson Memorial, the Washington Monument, The White House, and the Capitol.

On Wednesday The friend I met the night before at dinner, Jessica, and I walked around Georgetown. I though it was nice but a little overrated. A lot of the shopping was just what I could have done in Dallas. It was nice to have someone to talk with while shopping though. That night was the big Gala which just showed me how old we really are. The music was very loud and we were ready to leave shortly after finishing the meal.

Thursday and Friday we managed to fit in the Holocaust Museum, Air and Space Museum, the Spy Museum, and Arlington Nation Cemetery. I must say the last stop was my absolute favorite. It was such a beautiful and peaceful site to see. The changing of the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier was so respectful. I could have stayed there all day but we only had an hour before it closed to look.

By the time Saturday arrived I was more than ready to get back to my precious girls and Texas. It was wonderful to have a much needed vacation with my husband though. (The week off work was nice too.) Blogger will not let me post anymore pictures:(