March 13, 2009. Chevy Chase, Md. Monuments.

They are so very impressive, both to young and old. Tonight we eight toured the monuments downtown. Reston Limousine Company drove us. It was wonderful. No fuss or muss with parking or traffic, just sit back and talk to the children and enjoy the sights. Our vehicle was a large van with big windows and a big door for access and a table where the girls could drink their water. After a day of sightseeing, David and Suzanne and the girls took the Metro and met me at my office, then came home for dinner where Ken served beef stew and rolls. Ice cream pie for dessert. After a short time of playing outside, and a bit more in the Library where they played make believe with the canes, we were ready to go downtown. Our driver Bill picked us up at seven and drove us right downtown on Wisconsin Ave. so they were able to see Georgetown, then over to the Lincoln Memorial, where we parked and walked up the stairs. I have seen this monument many many times, but it always impresses me with it's stateliness. The girls were impressed. We did walk over to the Vietnam Memorial but they had so many questions which were impossible to answer that we quickly walked back to the van.

Next was a visit to the White House and another walk through Lafayette Park to be closer to the mansion. That house is impressive. We drove up Pennsylvania Avenue and around the Capitol, then over to the Jefferson Memorial where we all once again got out and walked all around the place, admiring and reading the famous words, Of course we drove around and by the Washington Monument many times, each time for a request to go to the top, but to no avail. The place is closed at night. By the time we dropped them all at their hotel, the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel at Conn. and Woodley, the girls were very tired and ready to go to bed. Our driver brought us back to the apartment. So no fuss or muss for adults or children, just a wonderful evening with the Family in Washington, D.C.

Did you know, that there are 53 steps at the Lincoln and 42 at the Jefferson? Sarah and Abigail counted them.