No, I didn't get to meet President Obama, but....

I did get to see his house!!! Heather and I spent an amazing 9 hours in our nation's capital yesterday playing tourist. Well, not really playing, but you get my drift. Not only did we master using the Metro, we must have walked close to 20 miles seeing everything and making sure to keep a running list of things we wanted to get to see again next time we visited. Between the sudden DROP in temperature and the spotty rain showers all day, it made for an interesting visit. Thankfully I had an umbrella hidden in the depths of my car, but that didn't take into account my shorts and t-shirt I was wearing with no jacket. I think I may have bypassed pneumonia, but I did develop a scratchy throat!

It was amazing to see so many of our national monuments in person. They are so much larger and mesmerizing when you are standing there facing them. I was in awe while standing looking at the Lincoln Memorial, and completely breathless while standing in front of the World War II Wall Memorial. Recognizing the weight of decisions made on the steps of Capital Hill along with the importance of the support we provide to our Commander in Chief despite a difference of beliefs. It was enough to really make me stop and reflect on all of the obstacles our country has overcome, as well as the ones that we will face in the coming years. Words cannot explain what an immense feeling it was for me. I fully intend on visiting these landmarks again, sooner rather than later. I can only hope that others visiting these same monuments do so with the same reverence, amazement, and pride for their country that I felt yesterday.