Washington, DC - Day 1

DuBose and I were talking about our Christmas break the day before Christmas Eve and thought it would be fun to go somewhere this coming week. He started looking online and found some cheap flights to DC. Next, he found a great deal on a hotel in DC. Literally, we discussed this for about half a day and then just went for it, booking the trip and deciding to tell the kids on Christmas Day.

They were thrilled - especially since we were going to fly. This was the first flight for Ellie and Mills. (DuBose has been once before at 5 years old.)

We arrived in DC at 9:30 this morning so we had the whole day to explore.

We took the Metro to our hotel. We dropped off our bags with the bellman since our rooms weren't ready yet and hit the town. We were staying at the Embassy Suites by the Convention Center which was within walking distance of most places we wanted to go. We started walking toward the Mall.

Had to stop and take a picture with the IRS building to send to Da.

Our first stop was the National History Museum. We didn't spend too long in there as it was crazy crowded, but we did the highlight tour and let everyone pick an exhibit they wanted to see. It's nice that almost everything in DC is free so we were able to do this without feeling like we wasted money or time.

Our next stop was the Sculpture Garden where we went ice skating. The boys all did great. My skates hurt my feet and Ellie needed help when she let go of the rails (this was her first ice skating experience). 

These four went round and round a gazillion times.

Taking a break for the zamboni

After skating we went into building behind us, the Archives. 

This is where the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are all kept on display. This is such a cool part of history to see! The kids thought it was neat and enjoyed the exhibits as well.

Next, we walked to the National Christmas tree which wasn't all that speculator I have to say.

Mills found SC's tree.

We were able to take some nice pictures here though with the Washington Monument

and the White House

You have to book tours weeks in advance to get into the White House so this was as close as we got. Next time.

We were all happy to get back to our hotel after 7.5 miles of walking DC. We unpacked and then the kids and Dad went to the pool. We took an Uber to Carmine's which was a yummy Italian place for dinner. It is family style so you just order one thing for the table. We had garlic bread, a salad and spaghetti with meatballs before heading back to our beds at the hotel.

Such a fun first day in DC!