Adventures in D.C. - Day One: Arlington Cemetery

Two weeks ago today we were exploring in our nation's capital.

That's right! We went to Washington D.C.!! I still can't believe it.

We picked this location for our spring break and started planning just a few months ago. Why D.C., you ask? Two reasons.

1) Why not?

2) Jon & Stephanie

Jon & Steph are good friends of ours who we had to say goodbye to last summer (SO sad!) when military life took them across the country to Walter Reed Army Medical Center. They were quick to invite us to come visit anytime and we were pumped to take them up on their offer. They live just 10 minutes outside of D.C. and were such gracious hosts to us during our stay. We had the BEST time getting to spend time with them and do our best to be good tourists of the capital.

We left Seattle on Wednesday morning (just check out the view we had!)

Look at our beautiful mountains! The day was so clear you could see all three! Don't quote me on this, but I believe you are looking at Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainier, & Mt. Adams...however, the only one I am positive I'm getting right is Mt. Rainier. :)

And we landed in D.C. that night.



Deciding what to see first in DC is a bit overwhelming...there is just SO much to do and see. Really, you could stay for a month and leave wanting more. Ultimately, the best thing to do is just make a list of your "must do's" & map it out. Give yourself plenty of time for travel and LOTS of time for walking.

We ended up making Arlington Cemetery our first stop.


But in order to get there efficiently, we became acquainted with our primary mode of transportation (other than our feet) for the next few days - the metro!

I must say I rather enjoyed navigating this amazing underground train system, it was an adventure all by itself!

Beautiful Arlington...








The first area of the cemetery that we explored was the grave of JFK & his family.












Next we explored the beautiful Memorial Amphitheater.











It was magnificent! Beautiful, clean white marble everywhere...just amazing.


The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is part of the amphitheater and it was incredible to watch the changing of the guard.










Such a somber experience, it really is a lot to take in...

We also spent some time at the Arlington House, former home of General Robert E. Lee.











Gorgeous view of D.C. from the Arlington House!


Arlington was a great choice for our first stop!


It really was surreal to be there. You'll probably hear me say that alot in the blog posts that follow. But it really was just that. Surreal. Thankful to have had the chance to experience it.