Washington DC

When I saw the cheap airline prices from Portland to Washington DC, I couldn't resist.  One of my college friends, Dana, lives just 10 blocks East of the Capital Building and she offered her home to us as a place to crash.  She was an amazing host and it was fun to catch up with her.  I had forgotten about her extensive vocabulary and Karren was calling everything "extra delicious" by the time we left.

We got to see a lot of memorials (Washington, WWII, Lincoln, Korean War, FDR, George Mason, Jefferson, Old Post Office Tower),

toured the Capital and White House,

visited with family (Uncle Leon's family and Karren's cousin Taryn's family) and friends (Dana's family and Tom and Eric),

visited some museums (Natural History, Holocaust, National Archives - Constitution and Declaration of Independence, Ford's Theatre - where Lincoln was shot, Mount Vernon - where George Washington lived) 

and even got to visit the Washington DC temple and Mount Vernon.

While at Mount Vernon, I met the recently retired White House Executive Pastry Chef, Roland Mesnier.  I couldn't help but buy Karren an autographed copy of his book.

Sonya loved the Christmas camel at Mount Vernon.

There was no rain and the crowds were minimal, but it was REALLY cold.  We loved our trip and were grateful that we got to go!

Finally, for those who want to know .... 43 unique stamps. :)