On October 9th we flew (AirTran) from Dayton to DC to visit Leah and Julian. The flight was at 7am, so we only got half a night's sleep with travel and early check-in! We hadn't seen them in half a year, so it was a nice reunion. We had beautiful weather, and had fun seeing some new sights.
Leah picked us up at the Wash/Balto airport - which was about an hour from their place - on Thursday morning. Since we got there early, we waited for about an hour in the Observation Gallery upstairs. It was very comfy and quieter than the other areas.
We met Julian for lunch and dined near his office at a Thai Restaurant that was one of their favorites.
We stayed at a Marriot Hotel one mile from their apartment.... very convenient! Leah and i shopped for groceries and she and Julian cooked supper for us at the motel kitchenette. They made all their favorites: Plantains, Guacamole with chips, and some round bread cheese things.... i threw in the broccoli! We were stuffed.
*Leah and Julian rest on the sofa in our Hotel room*Our Hotel had a wonderful full breakfast. Leah joined us on Friday morning before Jim took the metro into DC to enjoy some museums. Later, leah and i drove about 15 mins. south to David's Bridal where she chose a beautiful dress - on clearance! I won't give it away, but it fits her perfectly and was the first one she tried on!
We were done with the dress search by 12:30, and stopped for frozen yogurt to celebrate! We drove back north to Tyson's Corner Mall for a look around. It was way too pricey for me so we went to Marshall's where leah found a pair of jeans for $10! I bought a night shirt tee. We were at the end of our time limit to pick up Julian from work, so leah left me to check out while she picked up Jim and Julian, then came back for me and supper at a Kabob place nearby.
Back at the Hotel, we played a game of Canasta.... teaching Julian along the way. It was a fun evening!
On Saturday, we drove to the city, and found a place to park near a construction site. The guy working there said it was OK to park in the "Non" spot, so we did, and it turned out to be OK! We walked past the Washington Memorial to the World War II Memorial. Took lots of pics. It was so pretty with the bright blue sky as a backdrop.
*the people on the "movers" were on a tour!*We then walked back to the Natural History Museum to see a live butterfly exhibit. The enclosed area was very warm and moist for the tropical insects. It was very nice and we took lots of pics. I was the first one out due to the heat.
*Natural History Museum Rotunda*
*Natural History Museum Rotunda*
After a short snack break in the shade, we decided to walk back to the Tidal Basin.... it was farther than i realized!
* This mounted policeman was having a hard time controlling his horse near the tour bus*By the time we got there we only had a moment before we had to go back to get to the car and drive to Union Station where their church is -- in the basement of a coffee shop. After church we walked the 1/2 block to eat some supper at the Union Station food court and take some pics. It was a long day, but very nice!
*Leaving the city at night*Leah and Julian met us at the Hotel on Sunday morning and since they were busy with breakfast in the car, Jim drove to the airport! Our flight was on time, and we had an easy trip back.
