Family Celebration Week 2010 {Part Two}

We had a great time in DC last year celebrating our family’s Celebration Week. I was a Political Science major in college, so doing all the touristy stuff was right up my alley {even though I’d done it all several times before}. But it was my husband’s first time in our Nation’s capital, so I didn’t want to over schedule us. He was actually really excited to see the sights too, so it all worked out!

I arranged for a private tour of the Capitol building, a first for all three of us, and that was really cool. I tried to get a tour of the White House, which would have been amazing, but was too late with my request. I have toured the White House in pre 9/11 days, and it is stunning. I was bummed Daddy D couldn’t experience it, but he seemed really enthralled with the inner workings of Congress and agreed that the White House could be toured on our next visit.

 

Having a private tour and access to restricted areas so such a cool experience! I will definitely make arrangements to tour the other federal buildings for our next visit. To do so, just contact your State Representative’s or Senator’s office to make the request. Also, for White House tours, you need to contact them about a month in advance {I think!} and be prepared to hand over everyone’s social security number. Kind of a chore, but totally worth it!

The next day was Daddy D’s birthday and we spent the entire afternoon at the National Mall. This area is my FAVORITE part of DC. Seriously, I can spend an entire week right there amongst all the history. The weather was bit humid, but very mild for what an August day could have been. Alina napped in her stroller while we took in our Nation’s history. My husband was really touched by the monuments and their meanings, as I knew he would be. It was a great day.

 

 

 

The man on my husband’s shirt is his father. My Father-in-law passed away a few weeks after our wedding, while were honeymooning half-way across the world. That time in our lives was one of the hardest for both of us. I have never known a man who was so openly in love with a parent as Daddy D is with his Dad, and I know that he thinks of him every day. On the first Father’s Day after his passing, Daddy D’s sister had this shirt made for all of the siblings. Daddy D wears this shirt whenever he wants to feel especially close to his Dad. Sometimes its just a random day, always on major events {like when Alina was born} and on days that Daddy D is reminded of what an amazing man his father was.

My Father-in-law served in the Army and was a Korean War veteran. Visiting the monument was an amazing experience for my family, and we made sure to take a moment of silence to show gratitude and pray for the safety of all our service men and women. It is important for us to remember that freedom is not free.

 

Looking through all our pictures from last year’s Family Celebration Week, I realize we did a ton of stuff! It would take a full week’s post just to recap it all. But instead of doing that, I’ll leave you with a few more of my favorites.

 

 

I love DC and I love my family. Last year’s Family Celebration Week was amazing. I feel blessed to be able to celebrate my and my husband’s birthday together, as well as the birth of our marriage, in one week of celebration. Daddy D and I both look forward to this week all year long. Last year was special to have Alina celebrate with us, and I hope that this tradition continues as our family grows.