Yesterday we woke up at 5:00 am, loaded the van and drove over 2 hours to Springfield where we road into DC on the metro. It was a huge, wonderful day. I am not sure how many miles we walked, or how many times Chloe and this pregnant mommy had to use the "potty" but it was such a special day despite moving all of us around. We were able to meet the Cogressmand and tour the Capitol. Congressman Walden was so gracious to us. His helper "Erika" gave us a wonderful tour. Since The Pres. would be in the building that day everything had to be shut down by noon. It was kinduv neat because everyone was in a frenzy with preparing for him to come. So we saw tons of secret service people. Also, the Congressman pointed out all the "Officials" would be in the same building at the same time. After that we ate a $50 lunch at McDonalds in the Space Smithsonian! Very spendy :). Eric and the big kids would and could have stayed there all day but we had so much left to see. While that was neat it was when we walked to the Wash. Monument and saw all the sights on the "Mall" that were truly amazing. The kids were troopers and each one seemed to glean something a little different. Gabriel and Caleb can run and run and run. We have a few funny stories to tell when we get back. You just can't explain it all unless you are there. How beautiful and moving it is. The weather was perfect and it was very sparse with people. A great time to bring our crew :). We finally arrived home after 10 pm. There are more highways, freeways, wierd roads and together Dad and Eric finally got us home. While we were tired after a huge day :) it was one of the most special in my life personally. MOst the kids fell right to sleep but Haley and Ben came into our bedroom and watched The Pres. speech to America in the very room we had been in only hours before. They wanted to hear what he said. Today cousin Sophia comes to town and the kids are already awake, hyper and ready for a new day. We miss everyone. GOD BLESS OUR AMERICA!