Schofields go to Washington

Lyle's spring break and my spring break didn't coincide this year. This was a little deflating. We decided to still take advantage of the opportunity. We took a four day weekend trip to Washington D.C., a mere four hours from the city. We rented a car (hassle free, but more expensive - next time we'll take the train or bus), and left after work on Friday and came back on Monday afternoon. It was perfect. The roads were empty on the way down because of the previously mentioned snow day, but not dangerous at all because there was plenty of time for it to melt before we took off.

Lyle put me in charge of everything...EVERYTHING: all our activities, how to get there, where to eat (ok, Lyle did the hotel and car). We woke up first thing on Saturday with an appointment with this delightful ride: "Jackie O"...

and "big george".  These are our segways that we rode throughout D.C. on our very first Segway City Tour and NOT our last. It was so fantastic, the day was beautiful (although BRING GLOVES and a scarf), our tour was laid back, and not tiring at all. After this three hour tour, we had a pretty good feel of what downtown was like, where the sites were, took our pictures, and our tour guide gave us a few good recommendations to eat/go. If there was ANYTHING we could change (besides less wind/cold), we would have the tour guide give more facts at each stop rather than be laid back. We would ask questions and he usually had an answer, but he was great overall.

I'm not going to lie, I was a bit nervous about feeling comfortable on them at first, but Lyle was so anxious. This was after one practice run in an alley that we learned in. He was already doing no hands and tricks. The pink helmet (keep in mind he chose it on his own with many other white ones available), encouraged him to be more daring I think.

In front of the white house. It just might be our Holiday photo 2010 so if you see it again don't be surprised.

The south side of the white house (where they hold the annual easter egg hunt each year). We couldn't get closer because they had it blocked off for a helicopter to land that day or something.

Lyle was just bound and determined to push the segway's limits. Well it didn't take long. This snow is from the previous storm a week or two before. It was very soft snow, and the segway stayed while Lyle flew off. Unfortunately I only caught the tail end when he was getting back up. It was a sight for our small group of 8 members to watch. It gave them a good laugh and I was not surprised at ALL.

Washington Monument

Smithsonian Castle. It was beautiful. All the Smithsonian museums (there are a lot) are free. The "story" goes that the British scientist James Smithson willed the money to build the building plus it's holdings to the British government at his death, but it was rumored that he was an illegitimate child. The British wouldn't have anything from such a person, so they rejected it. It was offered to the United States and of course they jumped at the opportunity. Smithson never even set foot in the U.S. In his will he required that it be free to view since it was an "Establishment for the increase & diffusion of Knowledge among men".

US Capitol - the west side

the east side

Please notice the guy with the big gun in the background.

Facing west towards the Washington Monument

the old post office & clock tower - it's the 3rd tallest building in D.C. and a great FREE place to view the city from the top (although we didn't go up).

Ford Theater where Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth

The house where Lincoln died directly across the street from Ford Theatre where he was shot.

the National Archives - holds the documents this country was founded upon

It was an amazing opportunity to see these documents. Normally schools/tourists crowd the inside and outside of this building formulating lines that take hours to get inside. We walked in and waited about 20 minutes to see the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and other documents in the Rotunda. The ink is so faded. You can even see fingerprints. It's amazing to read about what formed our country. We are a blessed people. We have a responsibility to our forefathers and our future posterity to uphold the rights and freedoms this country was founded upon.

China Town is a mere 15 minute walk from the National Mall (where all the Smithsonians, Capital, and White House are)

We are so SO glad we took this segway tour. We recommend it to (almost) anyone and can't wait to try it in San Francisco. Our first day in D.C. was amazing. We had great sunny weather and good company.