Happily Domesticated: Places to go...

In 3 months 1 day, we will be near our nation’s capital. Since wel will be so close, we MUST visit the White House.

Did you know that I sent President Bush an invite to my wedding? He (or his staff) sent a declining letter back and wished Matt and me best wishes in our new life together. Even though Matt hates Bush, he really liked the letter. I thought it was cool, even though his signature was just a stamp one of his staff members used, besides the fact, I thought it was cool. In the letter he invited us to stop by and check out his pad. Well, maybe it wasn’t a formal invite… but I figured since we are pen pals that maybe we should swing by and he can see that Matt and I are living in completely marital bliss.

So President Bush, here we come!!! (in 3 months 1 days)

Here is some fun facts about Washington DC

It is the capital of the United States founded on July 16, 1790
It is bordered by the states of Virginia and Maryland
Washington remained a small city until the outbreak of the American Civil War in 1861. The significant expansion of the federal government as a result of the war led to notable growth in the city's population, as did a large influx of freed slaves.

After visiting the president, I hope to drift over to the National Mall and see… (Jaime, dont freak out yet... all of these places are right next to each other... in walsknig distance)

The Washington Monument

Constructed to commemorate George Washington. The monument is the world's tallest stone structure. It officially opened October 9, 1888. Upon completion, it became the world's tallest structure. The Washington Monument reflection can be seen in the Reflecting Pool.

Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

Located directly east of the Lincoln Memorial. The reflecting pool is approximately 2,029 feet long and 167 feet wide. It has a depth of approximately 18 inches on the sides and 30 inches in the center. It holds approximately 6,750,000 gallons of water. It was here that Martin Luther King gave his "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered to a crowd of a quarter million people standing around (and in) the Reflecting Pool.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial is shown on the reverse of the United States one cent coin, which bears Lincoln's portrait on the front. The memorial also appears on the back of the U.S. five dollar bill, the front of which also bears Lincoln's portrait.
Lincoln's Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's second inaugural address is inscribed on the walls.

National WWII Memorial

National Memorial to all Americans that served in the armed forces and on the home front during World War II.

Freedom Wall- Each of the 4,048 gold stars represents 100 Americans who died during the war.

National Archives and Records Administration

National Archives holds the original copies of the three main formative documents of the United States and its government: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. It also hosts the Magna Carta which was originally issues in the year 1215! That is 793 years ago

Matt wants to visit the National Spy Museum. This definitely looks like something Matt will enjoy. Here is what the website has to say about the museum:

“Examine over 200 spy gadgets, weapons, bugs, cameras, vehicles, and technologies. Learn about microdots and invisible ink, buttonhole cameras and submarine recording systems, bugs of all sizes and kinds, and ingenious disguise techniques developed by Hollywood for the CIA.
The International Spy Museum is the first public museum in the world solely dedicated to the tradecraft, history, and contemporary role of espionage. The museum features the largest collection of international espionage artifacts ever placed on public display. Spanning the history of espionage around the globe, many of these artifacts can now be seen by the public for the first time”

After leaving the National Mall, I would like to drive through the historic district neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and look at all the very old row homes.

Then I would also like to visit the Friendship Arch, in China Town then possibly stroll over to Bill Cosby’s favorite restaurant in DC, Ben’s Chili Bowl and have the famous chili half-smoke! (if we dont visit this place, I wont be to sad)

After that, we all might be kind of tired but at the end of the day I know we will be so happy to have gained more knowledge about our nation’s capital and not to mention the great photos we will have!