A Day in Washington D.C.

This has to qualify as the BEST excuse for a road trip!!!   Tickets to the White House Easter Egg Roll!

Two of my four grandchildren were available to make the trip - Miles and Camille.  We hit the road from Chattanooga at noon on Sunday, and by 9:30 p.m. we were rolling in to Fairfax, VA, eating a quick dinner at Red Lobster, then off to bed to grab a few hours before a 4:00 a.m. wake-up call.  We were on the Metro into D.C. by 5:30 to pick up our tickets and then off to the Easter Egg Roll with 30,000 of our closest friends.

Early morning in D.C., before the rush hour starts, is really beautiful.  We got a quick look at the capitol building before we headed over to the White House.  A 65-degree brisk morning was just perfect for a walk and a few quick transfers on the Metro got us to the White House just in time for the festivities. 

The Egg Roll takes place on the South Lawn of the White House - or as the President said  "Welcome to our back yard!".  We waited in line for about 30 minutes, and worked our way up toward the balcony of the White House.  In about 30 more minutes President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama walked out on to the balcony with Malia and Sasha and the Easter Bunny.  Colbie Caillat sang the national anthem, accompanied by the Marine Band.  Then the President and First Lady came down on the South Lawn and joined the festivities.

We happened to get up close and personal with the First Lady, who was watching a cooking demonstration along with Al Roker, Kelly Rippa and chef Jacques Pepin

Close by was the White House Garden - Mrs. Obama said she was working with organizations trying to find ways to make local farm markets more accessible and more affordable.

Miles participated in the actual Easter egg roll - and came in first in his group.  Camille headed for the face painting station.  And they both took a turn at planting their own seeds - basil for Camille and carrotts for Miles.

This was a very long day - in fact, Miles said it best when he said "It seems like it has been 3 days since we left this morning!"  I'm falling asleep right now trying to finish this post - it was a long day, but memories were made today that will last forever!!