D.C.

We headed to our nation's capital this last weekend as a celebration for Mike graduating with his MBA and a joint Christmas gift (best Christmas shopping ever - finished with one click of the button, no need to wrap!). Thanks to Rob & Lorena our awesome friends, hosts and tour guides, we not only saw some awesome sights, but ate at the local joints, gave a shout out to DeShawn at the Wizards game, and managed to maneuver through some of the most confusing streets with ease (give or take a few turns - Lorena, how was the Reagan airport?)...

Mt. Vernon, or GW's crib. Oh, and if you need a last minute cake recipe, check out Martha's. Of course the original calls for 40 eggs and 4 lbs. of butter (but who's counting calories this time of year, anyway?!)

Loved this shot of the White House (thanks, Mike!). And, here's to our nation's Christmas tree (although, the bows from a distance actually look like weird shaped sugar cookies or something). Mini trees for each state surrounded it with individualized ornaments (to our cheers Utah's weren't beehives, but outdoor Park City-type instead). I'd recommend checking out the memorials at night to everyone - less crowds, quieter, and a great opportunity for cool photos. Lincoln was one of my favorites.

For an aerial view of the city, we went to the top of Washington monument. Can anyone tell me why they fog the windows in the elevator, and only unfog them at certain periods to let you view some of the artifacts stored on the walls of the elevator shaft? Must be hiding government secrets - sounds like another sequel to national treasure...

To the left is the WWII Memorial and above is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington Cemetery. We lucked out with the changing of the guard at the tomb and saw an additional wreath laying ceremony that included military delegates from all over the world.

The city holds not only pieces of history from our forefathers to the present day, but maintains an energy, unlike any other place in the world, that reminds Americans just how much we truly have to be grateful for. Thanks Rob and Lorena for an awesome trip!