Sunday, March 20, 2016

Karen, Kimberley and Marcos Visit - Day 3

On Sunday we had lofty goals! After Marcos and Kimberley made us a yummy Brazilian breakfast (not photo) - but  it as like a crepe. We drove out to Great Falls, VA to see the beautiful Falls!
Then we drove to Old Towne Alexandria and parked the car and hopped on the metro to Arlington National Cemetery. We arrived a little late - so while we bought the tour ticket, we only used it to get to the Changing of the Guards and Arlington House - everything else, we walked and Arlington is huge! 

Beautiful views of DC.




We toured Arlington House, we was owned by General Robert E. Lee until the government took it over because they said General Lee was a traitor for going the Confederate Union. Later on General Lee's nephew petitioned the government and got the house back, but by that time it was a cemetery. The tours are self guided and unfortunately you can't go to the second floor (like I was able to last year). I love old houses!














After Arlington House we walked down to the Eternal Flame and then over to Iwo Jima.
After Iwo Jima we walked to the Rosyln metro and metroed to the Pentagon to go to the 9/11 memorial. Then we hoped back on the metro and had Thai food at my favorite Thai place in Old Towne - Mai Thai. Macros loved it and even finished my plate :)
On Monday, I worked and so they toured Ford's Theatre, Union Station and the Zoo. That night I took Kimberley and Marcos to one of my favorite restaurants in DC - CAVA (so good!). Karen's board meetings started on Monday night, so she stayed at a hotel in DC and Kimberley and Marcos spent one last night at our home.
On Tuesday, they went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the Air and Space Museum. We had lunch together - we had the famous DC food trucks. After work I took them to Union Station so they could catch there train to Baltimore to catch their flight to Dallas. I say Karen one last time on Thursday for lunch at Shake Shack (a DC fav - burger place). 
It was wonderful to have Karen and Kimberley here. As you know they are like family to me and I truly feel honored every time someone visits. I am especially honored that Marcos was able to visit. I am beyond happy for Kimberley and Marcos and so excited for their future (even if it is in a far off country).

Friday, March 18, 2016

Karen, Kimberley and Marcos Visit - Day 2

On Saturday, I drove to Tuf's work where we waited for Tuf to get off around 11:30am and Kathleen to join us. We had a huge lunch at Cheesecake Factory and then we did the main tourist thing - walked all of the mall and Tidal Basin. Here are the highlights, since I have posted many photos of the National Mall,  explanation is not really needed. 




The Tidal Basin is so beautiful with sun going down on the horizon. 
 
 




















After walking around 10 miles we meet Anthony at District Pi for some Chicago style pizza. After dinner we headed home and chalked this up to another successful day in DC!!!