Visit DC: White House

When we visited DC this past summer, we decided at the last-minute to try and see if we could tour the White House.  However, we were unaware that you needed to submit a request no less than 21 days in advance, and we were already within 21 days when we had decided we wanted to tour the White House.  

We ended up taking a tour of the US Capitol instead, and simply took photos of and outside of the White House.

As you can expect, there are several barricades and armed guards surrounding the White House.

Also as expected, there were lots of people looking for the perfect photo op, so it was a bit crowded.

Even though we didn't get to go on a tour, it was still neat to see the White House.  Hopefully on our next visit to DC we'll get to do a tour (and we will make sure to submit our request in plenty of time!).

Read More

Visit DC: Washington Monument

While we were in DC last summer, the Washington Monument was unfortunately closed, and remains closed, to modernize the elevator (it is expected to open this Spring).

Although we did not get to go inside this landmark honoring George Washington, we still went nearby to get some photos.

Hopefully the next time we visit DC we'll get to inside!

Washington Monument
2 15th St NW

Washington, DC 20024

Read More

Visit DC: Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial lists over 58,000 names of the servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives in the Vietnam War.

The memorial includes the Vietnam Veterans Memorial "Wall," the "Three Servicemen Statue" and the "Vietnam Women's Memorial."

To see the memorial in person, and all of the names listed, can be quite an intense experience, especially for those who know someone whose name is forever engraved into the memorial.

The gifts, notes, and flowers laid out at the memorial evoked such strong emotions out of me.

The immense wall of names, dedicated to the 58,000-plus individuals who made the ultimate sacrifice, is a moving monument, and a must-visit when in DC.


Vietnam Veterans Memorial
5 Henry Bacon Dr NW

Washington, DC 20245

Read More

Visit DC: Lincoln Memorial

On our very last full day in Washington, DC, we visited the Lincoln Memorial.  

Divided into three chambers (North, South, and Central), the memorial was built in honor of Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States who was assassinated in 1865.

A 19-foot tall statue of Lincoln sits in the central hall.

The statue was designed to depict the president's strength and compassionate nature, as is reflected through his hands - one clenched to portray strength; the other relaxed to represent compassion. 

Take time to enjoy the beautiful elements of the memorial - the architecture, murals, and inscriptions, if you can.  It is truly an impressive monument.

Lincoln Memorial
2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW

Washington, DC 20037

Read More

Visit DC: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum

While in DC we visited the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. With over 8 million visitors a year, the museum offers a variety of exhibits focusing on aeronautical and spaceflight artifacts. From jets and rockets to hot air balloons and unmanned aerial vehicles, guests will be in awe of all there is to see.

It's not everyday that most people can get up close to a fighter jet, stand next to missiles, or touch moon rock!

The kids enjoyed seeing all the different types of aircraft, and there were all sorts of hands-on exhibits to keep the kids engaged and entertained.  Through these displays they learned about all sorts of air and space scientific terms.

There were also a variety of games, simulators, props, and so much more the kids could play with while learning at the same time!
 
From the earliest types of planes, to the incredible modes of transportation used in space, it was neat to see all the different types of air and spacecraft, and learn about how advances in air and space technology have resulted in the evolution of this industry.

National Air and Space Museum
600 Independence Ave SW

Washington, DC 20560
(202) 633-2214

Read More

Visit DC: US Capitol Tour

While in DC we took a tour of the U.S. Capitol

Tours are free, and you can book them in advance online, or go through your state's office of representatives or senators.

We went through the office of Colleen Hanabusa to schedule a tour.

Once the tour is confirmed, an email is sent with instructions on where to check-in (we went to Colleen Hanabusa's office in the Cannon House Office Building), as well as prohibited items.

Basically, you can't bring any food, beverages, large bags, and items that may be deemed dangerous.

Our guide was intern David Kang, who had just started a few weeks prior.  His knowledge was quite impressive (he said it took just days to memorize everything).  From the office he led us through the tunnel system to the Visitor Center.

After getting our tour passes at the United States Capitol Visitor Center, we watched a 13-minute orientation film.

We then toured the Capitol, where there is just so much to see!

Statue of Freedom

Throughout the Capitol we saw many, many statues in the National Statuary Hall Collection, including various statues representing each state.  Each state could choose statues of two notable people.  To represent Hawaii was King Kamehameha I and Father Damien.

The architecture and artwork throughout the US Capitol is simply amazing.

Just about every where you look are beautiful murals, stunning architectural details, and ornate decor.

We saw the beautiful Capitol Dome, and a Rotunda full of astounding works of art.

We also saw several rooms throughout the US Capitol, such as the Old Supreme Court Chamber, Old Senate Chamber, and the Crypt, where a star denotes the point from which the streets in Washington are laid out and numbered.

At the end of the tour we received House of Representatives and Senate gallery passes.

There were thousands of people touring the US Capitol that day, and it was nice to have a knowledgeable, friendly guide to take us around and show us points of interest.

The entire tour lasted about 90 minutes. David was a fantastic guide, and I found the tour to be very informative and educational. My kids did get antsy towards the end, but it is definitely a tour that they will always remember.
 

Read More

Visit DC: Jaleo by Jose Andres

I asked a friend who lived in Virginia for a bit for dining suggestions, and one of them was Jaleo by Jose Andres.

One of the coolest things about this restaurant is that there are a couple of foosball tables that you can dine on.  My kids absolutely loved that they could play while they waited for their food.  I appreciated that as well, as it was a fun way for them to pass the time (although the germaphobe in me did get a little paranoid).

Complimentary bread

Croquettas de Pollo

Patatas Bravas

Chistorra Envuelta en Patata Frita

Chorizo casero con puré de patatas al aceite de oliva

JLT

Futbol Club Barcelona

The sandwiches were really good. We had to wait a while for the chicken in the Futbol Club Barcelona to be prepped, but it was a filling sandwich, which also included bacon, lettuce, tomato, and peppers. My fave of the two sandwiches was the JLT, which consisted of ibérico ham, lettuce, tomato, Manchego cheese and mayo.

The kids loved the Croquettas de Pollo (chicken fritters) and especially loved how they were served in a shoe! They also enjoyed the Chistorra Envuelta en Patata Frita - chorizo wrapped in crispy potato with a membrillo alioli.

The chorizo casero con puré de patatas al aceite de oliva - house-made traditional chorizo with olive oil mashed potatoes and cider sauce was yummy, and I could see why the Patatas Bravas is a Jaleo favorite. Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and alioli, was a simple, yet very tasty dish!

Service was great, and Jaleo is definitely a family-friendly spot to take the kids (ask for the foosball table!).

Jaleo
480 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
(202) 628-7949

Read More