November 2009 DC Trip

J.R. had a Friday off while his company was moving to their new office, so we decided it would be a great time to visit DC. We drove the 4 and 1/2 hours Thursday night so that we could get up early on Friday morning and get started on the sight seeing. One of our first stops was the Botanic Gardens. I thought these models of DC were amazing!


We reserved a daytime trolley tour for Friday and Saturday, but didn't use it very often. One lesson I will share....wear comfortable shoes when visiting our nation's capitol!

We ran into protesters of the new health care bill before we went on our tour of the Capitol. We were actually able to sit in on the House of Reps while they were debating around noon. We heard they were in session until midnight that night.

Arlington

My "illegal" picture of the Library of Congress, taken before I realized there was a sign:). This was one of the most beautiful buildings we visited.

The gorgeous hope diamond:).

My "illegal" picture of the constitution, taken before the guards objected to the bright focus light.


Does this look familiar?



We also went on a "Monuments by Moonlight" tour (which we highly recommend). Our hilarious tour guide, a.ka. "Grumpy," made the whole experience well worth it, even stopping the trolley in the middle of the road so that we could take beautiful pictures of DC! We loved him!



TVA at the FDR memorial!





Throughout the weekend, we stayed at a great hotel in Old Town Alexandria and caught the metro at King Street. I am in love with Old Town! From the original cobble stone streets to the beautiful architecture, I love everything about it. We toured during the day and went on a ghost tour one night that we also recommend.

On our way out of town, we stopped at a fish market. The food wasn't great, but I had to get a picture of the huge beer that J.R. ordered, unaware of the size! lol

A little catch up

I have been slacking on the blog for the past few weeks, but have had some encouragement from family, so here are a few pictures taken during October/November 2009!

We ventured to McConnell's Mill State Park (about 15 miles from Cranberry Township) a few weekends ago for Max's first hike. He surprised us with his athleticism as we watched him leap from rock to rock. They don't call this area "Slippery Rock" for nothing, so we were slightly scared for him, but he made his way surprisingly well. He wasn't as much of a fan as the water. Check out the pitiful looks he gave me as we coaxed him in:). I thought labs were supposed to love the water?? Maybe next year it will be a different story.



Here are a few other pictures I have taken recently. This is a sunset view from the front door of our townhome. It is very beautiful here right now.

This is the face I get when Max knows he is in trouble.

This is where I put the boys when they are both in trouble:) j/k!

These days I have a new buddy when I am getting ready in the morning. He has to be laying on someone's feet to be comfortable, lol!

Another picture of max doing what he does best:), I added this for J.R.'s mom, Susan, who shipped him his favorite toy:). And yes, I am the type who will dress their animal up for Halloween, and proud of it. He is the cutest, and best dressed puppy around here!