Update on the past few days.

We have been getting in so late, I haven't been able to type much. I am lucky to get up pictures. I want to give you a few fun facts, but first, I want you to know I was able to enlarge the photos since Monday's post. If you want you can check them out again, they are bigger. Also, thanks for the comments. I have comment moderation on so I can keep the blog more secure. I got your comments tonight and posted them on the day they were made. Thanks! We like to hear from home.

At the concert we attended at Iwo Jima, Retired Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg was present. We were very lucky to get seats up close as compared to other years. Due to the rain pretty much all day they canceled many of the concerts that day so people were discouraged. We tried our luck and the rain stopped, they had a concert, and the number of people was limited and we had a great spot. It was awesome.

We also were also able to go inside the National Cathedral. We haven't been able to get in the past few years and this year they told Mrs. Updike they were booked when she called in October. Lucky for us, that day they were able to fit us in.:)

We have enjoyed spending time with Sen. Mike Lee. He is very nice and dynamic. The kids have enjoyed listening to him.

One night we had an awesome pizza party and we were able to have the whole James family join us. They used to attend the school, but moved to Washington D.C. to work for Sen. Lee. Their son, the kids' former classmate has been able to join us for most of the trip. It was great to see them again.

Tomorrow, Mrs. Updike has a special surprise for the kids. Tune in to find out what it is!

Thursday - Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon


























































We had a really nice dinner at Mt. Vernon.














A toast to a wonderful time!























Notice the full-time missionaries in the picture! It was fun to run into them.





The adults.








This is a missionary that is currently serving in the Mount Vernon area. He went on the DC trip with Mrs. Updike about 7 years ago. Small world! What a small blessing from the hand of the Lord.

Wednesday - United States Capitol

We started the morning at 7:00 am with a devotional. We then began our daily adventure with a trip on the DC metro. We had 47 people wearing red American Heritage Tours shirts. Guess you stood out?















We had a special visit to the United States Capitol. Senator Mike Lee gave us a guided tour, before running off to his meetings.









































Showing off our ProBars!






Now onto the Supreme Court Building












A quick stop at the Shakespeare Library and then onto the Library of Congress



















We were headed back to the Metro for our next stop at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.....

BUT then we noticed, Mrs Updike STOPPED!!!!

Yes, she decided it was time for the kids to have a break, or maybe a break for the chaperones.












































We finished the day by going to the Cheese Cake factory.

I was told that we walked about 18,000 steps or about 8 miles.