Cherry Blossoms in our Nation's Capital

It has been almost 4 months since we last updated our blog. Rather than 4 months spent doing nothing to write about, we've been putting 100% of our spare time into becoming homeowners. Having painted 5 rooms, furnished almost a dozen, and spent every weekend seeking a routine to take care of all this new stuff...there just hasn't been much time for seeing sights. Sunday marked our first change from the norm though since the cherry blossoms are in bloom and D.C. is under 3 hours by car from our house.

We decided to utilize the free weekend parking at the Franconia-Springfield Metro Rail station and rode the Metro all the way to Union Station where we started our 9 mile walk through the major D.C. landmarks.

First stop at the U.S. Capitol.

Next, we walked down to the Washington Monument...which Sandy was able to hold in her hand.

A quick swerve out towards the White House...I only wish my lawn looked that nice.

Continuing down the Mall we passed the WWII memorial, stopped at the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and the Wall. Then it was off to walk under the cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin around the Jefferson Memorial. Having lived in northern Japan...gotta admit the cherry blossom aspect was a letdown.

We then walked to a nearby Metro station and headed to Arlington. Having been to Arlington a few times over the years, I didn't expect this trip to be any different than the ones before...yet somehow...the area becomes more powerful, inspirational yet solemn, and even more moving than the trip before.

We will be making several trips to D.C. over the years here in VA I'm sure. As we start to settle into our home, it's becoming much easier to get out and enjoy everything Virginia has to offer.