Rochester to Madison Roadtrip

We stopped in some great places on our way to Madison. And I use the phrase "on our way" loosely. Philadelphia & DC are not generally on the way west of Rochester. But we'd wated to see these places for a long time, and we finally took the opportunity!

Highlights:
Getting used to seeing minutemen and other period folks all over in Philadelphia. We actually bumped into a minuteman on the way out of our elevator at the hotel parking lot. We were too surprised to request a photo op, so we settled for a pic with a cardboard cutout of Ben Franklin. I, for one, would have loved to have an "interactive breakfast" with him as advertised, but unfortunately our itinerary didn't allow it.

Seeing the coins made at the US Mint. I didn't realize how much they rely on robotics to turn the huge rolls of metal into coins. Sorry, no photos allowed here!

Viewing the Liberty Bell as well as period copies of the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, and the Declaration of Independence. Standing in the room where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Dave and I had some great preparation for this--we watched 1776 the musical! (Sing with me, "He plays the violin...." or how about, "Sit down, John!")

Checking out the memorials on the National Mall in Washington, DC. I won't lie to you--it was hot and humid and I was exhausted most of the time, but I am so glad we saw DC. There was so much to see; we just hit the tip of the iceberg. I would like to spend a couple weeks. Or a month. I would go to every museum, and it wouldn't be June, and I wouldn't be pregnant.

We love the Smithsonian! We had to restrain ourselves from asking the guards when Ben Stiller's shift began.

Meeting up with Dave's friend Kelly who lives in DC. We had a great visit with him, and he did an excellent job of helping us navigate the public transportation, and teaching us what was realistic. Sample, "Julie, you don't want to walk all the way to the Jefferson Memorial. Trust me." He was right. We drove.

Arlington National Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknowns. This was the most moving experience of the trip for me. I felt such intense pride and gratitude as we walked along the memorials of all the soldiers who sacrificed so much for my freedom.

Just love this pic. I especially like that Natalie's smile occurred spontaneously. I think my cheesy grin in most of the other Julie-Natalie photos comes from the fact that I'm saying between my teeth, "Smile, Natalie!!"

Fallingwater was amazing. It was such a beautifully designed house. The only disappointment about this was that we arrived too late for both of us to take the tour (we were planning to go separately b/c no kids Natalie's age are allowed). Dave let me go b/c he knew how much it meant to me, and every time I think of the visit I appreciate him so much for that.

Our tradition is to buy a Christmas tree ornament as a souvenir wherever we travel. I can't wait to put up our tree this year and be reminded of this terrific trip!