A Day In D.C. {Travel}

Sometimes I wonder what it would be like to see the Washington Monument (or as I like to call it the "Pencil") for the very first time. Or for your eyes to lay for the first time on our Nation's Capital, admiring the beautiful and intricate architecture. I will never know, because I have seen the sights of Washington D.C. since I was a little girl, being very lucky and blessed to live in driving distance of D.C.

I have so many memories in D.C.--going to visit my Dad's work for his office Christmas parties, watching the 4th of July concert at the Nation's Capital, seeing my first Broadway show at the Kennedy Center when I turned 6 (Beauty and the Beast), watching the Nutcracker during Christmas time with friends, going downtown for a photography camp, history fieldtrips to the American History Museum, going to all the different places National Treasure was filmed, trips to the Zoo for my cousin's birthday, etc. There is no place like Washington D.C.

I have been dying to go downtown for a while, and hadn't been to the museums since a school fieldtrip. My dad took my sibs and I downtown this Saturday for half a day in D.C., but we managed to visit two museums, visit a gorgeous garden, walk around the mall, etc.

p.s. one of my fav things about d.c. is that everyone is taking pictures of everything, so you don't have to feel wierd stopping to take pictures of a random starbucks or sign haha! :D

First stop was the coffee shop to get quarters for the parking meter (these are pretty much the worst part of D.C.).

We spent some time walking around the mall, which is always a highlight since you are able to see both the Nation's Capital and the Washington Monument.

It was super hot out, but lucky for us there are a bunch of fountains all over D.C., you can always find one tucked away in little corners. :)

The first musuem we visited was the Natural History Musuem, which is always a highlight for the boys (lots of animals, dinosaur bones, etc!).

The giant elephant in the main hall of the musuem, as you can see it was very crowded!

The Ocean hall.

Next Musuem was the American History Musuem, which has always been my favorite and a big highlight of D.C. for me since I was a little girl.

One of my favorite exhibits has always been the First Ladies' dresses. Its so fun to see all the gorgeous and elegant dresses and how the styles' have changed.

Laura Bush's lovely sparkly dress.

Nancy Reagon's elegant dress. I loved the detailing.

And the newest edition, Michelle Obama's lovely dress. I think this dress was my favorite--it was so classy and elegant.

Then we were off to see some of the famous icons of popular culture.

Michael Jackson's hat!

Kermit the frog!

My personal favorite, Dorothy's red ruby slippers. :D :D

Then we saw Julia Child's kitchen, which was super fun since I just finished a cooking class this Friday!

After the musuems we visited the Smithsonian castle and grounds, which are completely breathtaking and lovely. I really want to do a photoshoot there.

After walking around, and getting very bad blisters (at one point I was walking barefoot across the boiling hot sidewalk, not fun at all!) we went one of our favorite restaurants in D.C., Johnny Rockets in Union Station.

Can you spot me in the mirror?

After a yummy retro dinner, we headed to another favorite spot a book store in Union Station. I used to buy alot of Nancy Drew and American Girl doll books here! :)

When I saw this ladder I knew I had to get some photos of Becca on it. It reminded me of the one in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. It was just too perfect, we had to hurry though because it was for employees only--woops!

You may remember from Becca's birthday post that she had a Little Miss Sunshine party! :)

Hehe!

Our last stop was this little tucked away place with fountains (that you can get in by the way, believe my sibs were practically swimming in them) and a perfect view of the Capital. All these people were posing in the fountains like statues, it was pretty awesome! ;)

Paul's on top of the world! :)

Someone is having wayy too much fun! haha!

Splashin in front of the Capital!

Can't wait to go downtown again and make more memories! :D