DC: Exploring the Mall

We spent the rest of our time Saturday walking the Mall and visiting a few museums. Once it got dark, we walked through the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and then to the Lincoln Memorial. We loved it all! I think Johnny and I have both missed walking everywhere, and it was nice to spend an entire day just walking and enjoying the sights. Although, thanks to my ginormous pregnant belly, I did require several bathroom breaks. We really enjoyed the Museum of Natural History and the Air and Space Museum. And we loved spending the day with Johnny's aunt and uncle, who were the perfect companions.

When we finished our visit to the Lincoln Memorial, Johnny and his Uncle Michael were already thinking about getting home to watch the BYU football game. But thanks to my reminding and Jill's help, we made one final detour at Sprinkles cupcakes in Georgetown. I couldn't be so close to one and not go! It was a perfect way to end our day (to me anyway).

This DC trip was just the getaway we needed. The car ride was easy and quick, and we got to be with great people in a great place. There's so much more to see and do, and I am excited to go back once we have our little girl. Johnny's Uncle Michael and Aunt Jill were such good hosts and we had such a fun time with them that they may see us more than they bargained for!

Saturday in DC

I don't think we could have chosen two more perfect days for sightseeing in DC. Each day was sunny and in the 50s. I didn't even wear a jacket most of the time because I get hot so easily right now. We started off our Saturday at Arlington Cemetery with Johnny's Uncle Michael and Aunt Jill. I don't think I've ever been to a more beautiful cemetery.

It was a long, uphill trek to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We got up there just a few minutes before the changing of the guard, and despite all the visitors at the tomb, it was almost completely silent.

After the changing of the guard, we explored some other areas of the cemetery, including JFK's gravesite.

After Arlington, we headed over to the Mall to explore some museums.

Weekend in DC

Johnny and I had been trying to schedule a weekend trip to DC ever since we moved to New York in 2010. Every time we planned the trip, something would come up, but finally we made it there this last weekend. The weather was beautiful, and the trip was relaxing and pretty much perfect. It also served as our final getaway before we welcome a new member into our family in a month and a half.

I had never been to DC, and Johnny hasn't been since he was 14, so it was fun to see all the sights together. We spent Friday with Johnny's childhood friend Mike who lives and works in DC.

I started off the day Friday by realizing I had not put the battery in our camera! I've never been so grateful for my trusty phone, which I relied on for all our pictures that day. Our first stop was the White House. I loved finally seeing it in person, and I couldn't believe how close we could get to it without any security.

I have really enjoyed visiting all the big cities on the East Coast the last couple years. DC was very clean, and there weren't any super tall buildings. The subway was really clean also, about like Boston. Being in a walking city again, even just for the weekend, felt like home for Johnny and me.

Our next stop was the Old Post Office, which we went inside solely for the view from the tower. We could see pretty much everything from up there.

Our next stop was the National Archives, where no pictures are allowed. It was unreal and super neat to see the original documents that founded our nation.

Afterward, we grabbed pizza at Matchbox, which was delicious. 

Our final destination was the National Portrait Gallery, where we spent most of our time exploring all of the portraits of America's presidents. By the end we were exhausted from all the walking and ready to head back to Johnny's aunt and uncle's house for the night. We had a great first day in DC with Mike!

Weekend in Stamford

Right now our friends Travis and Kira and their daughter Kenzie are visiting from Salt Lake. Travis and Johnny served a mission together in NYC, and this weekend we went up to Stamford, CT, one of the areas in which they served.

On Saturday we visited with Janet, and she and her husband served us a delicious meal.

Their little girl was adorable.

Kenzie is pretty adorable, too. 

On Saturday night, Luis stopped by our hotel room and brought us a pizza.

On Sunday, we were able to go to the Spanish ward, and Johnny and Travis got to see people they hadn't seen in a very long time. After church we went and visited with the Vera family.

On Sunday night, we got to visit with Cesar and Elida. They also fixed us a delicious meal.

It was a great weekend filled with wonderful people. For two days straight, we were all immersed in the Spanish language. Johnny and Travis seemed very happy to visit with some of the families they taught on their missions.