June 11th: And we're off!
We stayed with my aunt and her family in Takoma Park, Maryland. They have an amazingly fun backyard and this awesome room in their basement.
June 12th: taking the Metro into Washington D.C.
There was a parade and a big celebration set up for the Washington Nationals--Stanley Cup champs. It was fun to be in the festivities.
First Stop: Natural History Museum
We took a break from the museum to watch the celebration parade. There were soooo many people!
Then we went back into the museum, which are all free.
As we were walking to the Air and Space Museum, we caught the end of the rally.
Abby brought Larry, from the Larry Gets Lost series.
She had to have a picture with and without sunglasses.
Emma was so excited to see the Amelia Earhart memorabilia.
Wright Brothers exhibit
June 13th: Today we had our White House tour!
Before our 11:30 a.m. tour time, we went to the Burning Man exhibit at the Renwick Gallery.
Abby loved all of the costumes.
After 4 security checkpoints, we made it into the White House.
The East Room, the largest room in the White House, is used for receptions, ceremonies, press conferences, and other events.
This portrait of George Washington has hung in the White House since 1800. In 1814, when the British set the White House ablaze, Dolley Madison saved this portrait.
The Green Room is used as a parlor for receptions. The coffee urn was owned by James Madison and the candlesticks were used by James Madison.
The Red Room is used for smaller receptions. It has been a favorite room of the First Ladies. This may have been where Eleanor Roosevelt hosted Amelia Earhart (which Emma studied in school).
The State Dining Room is used for dinners and luncheons and can seat 130 guests.
This portrait of Abraham Lincoln was given to the White House in 1939 by the widow of Abraham Lincoln's oldest son, Robert Todd Lincoln.
We couldn't pass up the opportunity to take selfies in front of the White House.
Then we were off to the American History Museum. This is a script from Wizard of Oz.
Emma was ecstatic to have her picture taken by Eleanor Roosevelt's inaugural gown dress (the light green one in the back).
inaugural gown worn by Michelle Obama
This is the hat Abraham Lincoln was wearing when he was shot at Ford's Theatre.
walking the National Mall
Lincoln Memorial: There are 36 columns around the memorial which represent the states in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The memorial was dedicated in 1922 by President Warren G. Harding.
Korean War Veterans Memorial: "Freedom is Not Free." The memorial was dedicated by President Clinton and Kim Young Sam (President of the Republic of Korea) in 1995.
After a long day, it was time to make our way back to the Metro.
roasting marshmallows in the backyard
June 14th: Mount Vernon
eating lunch before our scheduled tour time
view of the Potomac River
We were not allowed to take pictures inside of the house, but we could take pictures of the kitchen and surrounding buildings.
Twice a day, they open the gates to George and Martha's tombs.
Later that afternoon, we went to Georgetown and played in a splash pad.
They happened to be filming a new Wonder Woman movie right up the street.
June 15th: Ford's Theatre--While we waited for our tour time, the kids worked on their Junior Ranger books.
the pistol used by John Wilkes Booth
earning their Junior Ranger badges
Since we were not allowed to bring writing utensils into the White House, the girls had to fill out their White House Junior Ranger books at home and go back to the visitor center to get their badge.
After a quick lunch, we walked back to the National Mall to see the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. It was amazing!
a view of the Thomas Jefferson Memorial
walking back to the Metro
water break
That afternoon, the boys had swim practice so we took full advantage of the pool.
hanging out with Aunt Lisa
June 16th: Rock Creek Park
We had to do one last hike before getting on a plane to Boston.
rat snake
And the girls earned one last badge!
What an incredible time in the Washington D.C. area! We walked about 25 miles, made amazing family memories, and walked back through history.
Next stop: Boston
June 17th: It's Father's Day! While Andy and Jason (Whitney's husband) were golfing, the girls had pool time at the Cardosi home.
Because we look for any excuse for ice cream...and Father's Day is one of them!
June 18th: Lunch at The Barking Crab
Then we were off on a Duck Boat tour around Boston.
Massachusetts State House: The golden dome was once made of wood but was later covered in copper by Paul Revere. In 1874 it was covered with 23-karat gold leaf. It is the oldest building on Beacon Hill and is where senators, state representatives, and the governor meet daily.
When we see a splash pad on a hot day, we must stop.
The girls love to help with dinner.
June 19th: Today we drove up to Maine for the day. First stop--York, ME/Nubble Lighthouse.
Next stop: Ogunquit, ME
walking the Marginal Way
Then we went to the beach!
June 20th: We walked the Freedom Trail.
Lunch at Regina Pizzeria
Old North Church: Two signal lanterns were hung in the steeple of this church to warn the people that the British were coming. It was built in 1723 and is Boston's oldest church building.
walking the Freedom Trail
Paul Revere House: Built in 1680, Paul Revere bought this house in 1770 when he was 35 years old. This is where he and his family resided when he made his famous messenger ride in 1775.
It's time to cool off...
and dry off.
Faneuil Hall: This was one of America's first public meeting venues. It was once referred to as "the home of free speech" and "the Cradle of Liberty."
Old State House: This is the site of the Boston Massacre in 1770. Then, the Declaration of Independence was read from that balcony in July 1776.
Andy and his sister, Whitney
This statue of Benjamin Franklin marks the spot where America's first public school once stood. It was a Boston Latin school and was offered only to boys until 1972, when girls were permitted to attend. Benjamin Franklin was one of their most famous students.
Boston Common: It is America's oldest park but was once a grazing ground for sheep and cattle.
Trinity Church
Abigail's new hobby--chasing birds
No down time for these girls after a long day...
June 21st: We stopped in Portland, ME on our way up to central Maine. First stop--lobster rolls at Portland Lobster Company.
Then we rented some bikes and went on a nice bike ride.
We weren't the only visitors...
June 22nd: Central Maine (Embden, ME) We are back at the beach!
playing lawn games
photo shoot
June 23rd: We ventured to Sugarloaf Resort.
The next day, we made the 3 1/2 hour trek back to Boston, rested a couple of hours, and then headed to the airport for our flight home. Boston and the surrounding area was absolutely amazing. The time the girls got to spend with their cousin, Kennedy, is priceless. The next time we see the Cardosi family they will be a family of 4!
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