And so, my dear friends, Jourdan and I are back from a fantastic vacation in DC. We left temperatures of 117, 115, etc., and stayed with my cousins, Lainie and Ron, in the lush, green, Arlington area. Temperatures there were only in the 80s and lower 90s…but that was the humidity as well… a drastic change when walking and sight seeing, but wonderful when sitting and relaxing. Their hospitality rated an A+, as we were greeted with hugs, kisses, our favorite foods, and books, magazines and even chocolates on our pillows. Who could ask for anything more? Ah, the delight of having squirrels, cardinals, chipmunks, chickadees, and other non-western animals to watch, while eating breakfast and dinner. While the adults shared photos, videos and family stories, Jourdan spent her evenings quietly painting and decorating rocks she’d collected during the day. They became her presents to everyone.
Our DC explorations began with a July 4th tour of Arlington National Cemetery, so full of history, and the Changing of the Guard. Thanks to Sen. Harry Reid, we had a 1:2 tour of the Capitol and saw many things otherwise not available on the public tour. We took a Duck Tour, which rode around DC and into the Potomac. We went into Ford’s Theater, had an amazing audio tour, followed by a Park Ranger giving an explanation of Lincoln’s assassination that was spellbinding. Lines were long and in the sun, so we never made it into the Peterson House, or the Smithsonians…a reason to come back, as if we needed one. We made it to the awesome Viet Nam Wall, and the Jefferson and Lincoln Memorials. Jourdan found the elevators, so we were spared climbing the million, or so it seemed from the bottom, steps leading to the top chambers. We saw the White House, and the Washington Monument, still behind scaffolding, both of which, at this time, are not permitting tours.
We rode on the Metro and visited our second and third cousins for the first time, although it seemed we knew each other forever. It was then I felt super old, or just looked like I was going to pass out. After telling Jourdan to sit on the last available spot, two different gentlemen rose simultaneously and offered me their seats. Chivalry is not dead, or I looked like I was close to it. I didn’t question their reasons, didn’t care, and gladly took the seat next to her. Heat, humidity and walking all day had taken its toll.
We had a fantastic time, with fantastic people. I wish we lived closer and could do more together. I missed them immediately upon leaving. But, then came a scene straight from the movies. We landed and were heading to the baggage claim area, when Carter spotted Jourdan. He called her. She called him. They ran toward each other and hugged so tightly a fly couldn’t have gotten between them. And then, as only a brother could do, Carter asked, “Where is my present? Where is my rock?” He had to be satisfied with a DC hat, for the rock was at the bottom of the yet unclaimed suitcase.
Finally home, we went to dinner. Jourdan who was initially shy in Arlington, was non-stoppable. She was telling about everything she had seen, heard, felt and done. She knew verbatim, the stories the tour guides told to explain river widths, building heights, monuments, etc. She’s an absolute sponge, absorbing much more than I had thought she did. Of course, she told Carter that he’d have to wait until he was at least 8 years old to be able to do this trip. Her reasoning: “There’s so much walking. You’d be too tired to enjoy it, and would want to go home.” She further stated, “She was too hot and tired to get out of the car to get a closer view of the White House, since there was no tour anyway,” but added, “I will do it next time.”
And so, my dear friends, we are back in Las Vegas and Jourdan is convinced there will be a next time, as there is so much we didn’t see. It will have to be when Carter is 8. However, she thinks it would be better to go in the spring. I must admit, I agree with that. The journey is over, but the memories will last a lifetime.
Many thanks to Lainie and Ron, my cousins, my friends!
More pictures to follow