The District

After almost a full day of traveling, we made it to our final destination in Washington DC. We were so lucky to get to stay with my mom's cousin, Sally. Sally is an incredible woman, who lives in a beautiful part of DC, mere blocks away from the National Cathedral.

The National Cathedral

Sally said we should check it out, and so we wandered down the street to take a look. We only thought we'd be there for a few minutes, but the building sucked us in for hours. It was gorgeous, and vast, and mysterious, and we were even spoiled with an organ demonstration. A truly unexpected treat.


Hand-stitched prayer kneeler from the National Cathedral

The Space Window

Every stained glass window in the cathedral was unique, and this window was our favorite. This photo barely captures it's impact. We learned that it even holds a real moon rock.


Jen, Gravy, and Me

The rest of our time in DC was filled with Gravy, Jen, and the Smithsonian. We ate lunch in the American Indian Museum cafeteria, which lived up to it's incredible reputation. Although, the Alaskan salmon was gross. They really can only do it right up here in the north. 

Painting of a royal dog in the National Gallery

Crocheted coral reef in the Museum of Natural History

I was obviously smitten with the crocheted coral reef. I even spotted some small knitted portions. I wish I could have been a part of this awesome project. Oh well. Maybe they'll have a knitted reptile exhibit someday. I'd be all over that one.

Main rotunda of the Museum of Natural History

The Washington Monument

Gravy & Jen's home in Fairfax

We ventured out to Fairfax, VA to check out my brother's digs. I was very impressed by there awesome house and quaint little town.


The Library of Congress reading room

Michelle Obama's inauguration gown at the American History Museum

Julia Child's kitchen at the American History Museum

Mammals at the Natural History Museum

We were incredibly impressed by the taxidermy work in the mammals section at the Natural History Museum. I think I looked at every single one. They were posed in such unique, specific ways, that they really looked alive.

peek a boo

Jeff and the Hope Diamond

We knew we couldn't miss the Hope Diamond. Even though all of us remember seeing it as teenagers, and being fairly unimpressed. It has since been put into a new setting, and the display is more accessible. I still think it has a bit too much hype for its size, but I was impressed with the rest of the gems section of the museum. Jeff, Jen, and I were so captivated by all the sparkles, we didn't realize it was closing time, and we were herded out of the museum.


The Hope Diamond

Our final moment of fun on our adventure was dinner with Sara, Sara's husband-Jeff, and Charity. We ate at an amazing Indian fusion restaurant and laughed and barely caught up on each others' lives.


Me, Sara, & Charity

But it was a perfectly delightful end to an exhilarating vacation. Now Jeff and I are fantasizing about a vacay to a hot, sunny beach where we don't have to do anything.

Happy Sunday

alli