The Girls go to DC!

My Mom, Annalise and I went to DC to celebrate Annalise turning 8! This was a big girl trip and our big girl had to help plan it. She did some research and decided which things she wanted to see in DC and had to call hotels to see how far they were from the National Mall. She even had to write 2 letters to friends that live in the area and work for the Smithsonian and Mount Vernon.

We had a total blast!

Ready to travel-

Airplane fun with Noah's Flat Stanley-

Fun at the hotel that Annalise helped choose. She loved it, especially the robes!

The first day we went to Mount Vernon. Our friend who works there had arranged a VIP behind the scenes tour for us. It was AMAZING! We got to go to places that are normally closed to the public- the second floor bedrooms, the cupola, and the basement (where they filmed National Treasure 2).

 Annalise got to pick and eat a carrot from George's garden!

We met some characters from the 1700s-

Everyday they put a wreath between George and Martha's tombs and we got to do it on the day we were there! After placing the wreath, Annalise got to lead everyone who was in the very long line to see the tomb in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Making candles-

Old fashioned games-

She LOVED the fife player!

Meeting Martha!!!

While we were there we also saw lots of museums!

My Mom drove this minivan when I was Annalise's age!

We saw lots of pretty buildings and monuments. Annalise's favorite was the Washington Monument.

Our hotel was in the cutest neighborhood that was full of great restaurants!

We went to the Library of Congress which is the prettiest place in all of DC.

We spent a long time in the Children's Reading Room!

We saw how they print money!

We ate yummy food and treats!

We went to EVERY gift shop possible. Annalise LOVES gift shops and spending money. She had birthday money with her and spent every penny of it!

We also walked and walked and walked. Annalise was a trooper and only complained once. We walked over 20,000 steps 2 of the days and logged many miles!