For Spring Break this year we took a family vacation to DC, Gettysburg, PA and Philadelphia, PA. My mom came with us and we all saw the major historical sites from our nations' beginning. It was a good trip. We walked more than we wanted to, but it was worth seeing where our country began and a Battlefield where we fought to keep it.
In an attempt to get these pictures out I am going to just give a brief summary where needed, but basically just post them.
This is the view from our Hotel of the 9/11 memorial at the Pentagon
The National Cathedral in Georgetown. Carl and I went to tour the Cathedral. While we were there a girls choir began to sing. We sat and listened and it was the most beautiful thing I have heard. I felt the Spirit and could not hold back tears. It was a wonderful experience. It is a beautiful building inside and out. 
The Washington Memorial was the one site Carl wanted the kids to see. He stood in line two mornings to get us tickets. I am glad he talked me into going. The view from on top was amazing! Thanks Carl!
I made it to the top, and survived...
The view from atop the Washington Monument of the Jefferson Memorial
View of the White House, Easter Monday at 4:30pm. The South lawn was still full of people from the Easter Egg roll.
View down the Mall to the Capital Building
Here we are at the fountain in the World War II Memorial. This was defiantly the most elaborate memorial, very beautiful.
The Vietnam War Memorial "the wall"
Arlington National Cemetery. True to my word it is the only Cemetery we went to on this trip! The Cherry Blossoms were still left on a few trees. This cemetery is immaculate, no cleaning of headstones here.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The changing of the Guard was reverent and respectful. I felt at peace there.
The Lincoln Memorial
A look across the Reflecting Pool to the Washington Memorial
This was the view from our hotel room of the Capital. We could also see the Wash. Monument. Pretty cool.
Judy Garland's Ruby slippers at the Museum of American History
While shopping we ran into our beloved President. He agreed to pose with us. All I had to say to him is that I did not pick him. There was no pick... 
The Wheat Fields was the site of the bloodiest battle in Gettysburg. Soldiers wrote that following the battle there were so many dead that you could walk across the field without touching the ground.
This barn is now residential, but still holds the scars of the battle back in July 1863.
Throughout the Battlefield there are monuments to the States who fought, men who lead, and regiments who pushed forward during the Battle for Gettysburg.
Hershey Pennsylvania
On our way to Philly we stopped in Hershey. We went to Chocolate World. We all needed a fun break, and of course the chocolate helped. We were like 5 kids in a candy store! If you are ever in the area I suggest taking a day. They have a wonderful 3D movie, taste testing, a museum ride, and a kick butt gift shop!
During taste testing Scott was chosen to go up and demonstrate where you taste chocolate, on the tongue.
Did I mention the gift shop? Carl is trying not to druel too much.
The Liberty Bell
Independence Hall
The Basilica
The Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art, and the stairs Rocky ran up.
Reading Center Terminal
The oldest continually resident street in America. This alley has its original cobblestone, buildings and charm that takes you back to the early 1700's.
Betsy Ross' house and museum
After a killer Philly Cheese steak at Jim's on eclectic South Street, we decided we would try to hit New Jersey on the way home. We had to cross the Ben Franklin Bridge to do so, this is the Philly skyline on the way back. Who says we do not pack every possible thing into our vacations!
Thanks for taking the time to share our vacation with us. It was a memoriable trip and we were glad to have my mom with us. I hope she was able to enjoy it as we did.
