Thunder, Lightning...Oh My!

We're listening to the sound of roaring thunder and watching flashes of lightening outside...we are definitely not in San Diego!  Daniel and I have been having a fantastic time visiting my Dad, step mom, and sisters out in North Carolina.  They live on the far east side, very close to Virginia.  Sometimes I get so confused as to which state we are in when we go places.

Ashley blowing out her candles :) (Daniel is wishing that Ashely wishes she gets a new pony?)

Tuesday was a very relaxing day, and Ashley's birthday!  It is crazy to think we are actually relaxing..I'm relaxing!  We swam a little, watched some TV, and then went and got pedicures.  It feels crazy not having an agenda like we did in D.C., and it really feels like vacation.  Our family lives in a very quiet neighborhood filled with adorable houses and a ton of GREENERY! 

Wednesday we went to none other than Busch Gardens in VA!  It was hot and humid, but it didn't stop us from having a blast.  The roller coasters were a ton of fun, especially the Griffin...it leaves you hanging for a good 6 seconds looking at your ultimate doom.  I was a little bit of a wimp and made us sit in the back so I didn't get as freaked out...but afterward I was ready to go again!

Daniel on the sky ride.

The heat is getting to me!

Today we went to Kitty Hawk and saw where the first flight took place.  This was a truly fun experience for both of us...I took an aeronautic class in college that got me interested in the history of flight and Daniel loves flying.  Plus, we knew so much already having just been to the Air & Space Museum in D.C.  They have everything all laid out, the distances for all four flights, and also a replica of the Wright plane used in 1903.

Me, Alexis, and Dad at the top of the Monument.

Look at that view!

Who's that handsome man?!?

Tonight, I tried to prove some cooking skills and made Chicken Parmesan for everyone.  The taste test proved that it was excellent and it even got the Harrington stamp of approval!

What was left of dinner.

He devoured it

Farewell D.C....hello N.C.!

We said good-bye to Washington D.C. yesterday and hello to North Carolina yesterday!  But, let's back up to Saturday...where we left off on our trip.  Saturday morning we went to the Spy Museum, which was a very fun and creative museum.  Unfortunately, this was the day that I lost my driver's license.  We think it fell out of my pocket either on the metro or at the museum, but it hasn't turned up yet.  We're crossing our fingers that I can back on my plane back to SD!
After the Spy Museum we had to go see the White House.  There were boy scouts everywhere for a jamboree this weekend, but once we got through the crowds the view was spectacular.

That night Daniel and I stayed at Dupont Circle and had a fun LaFuze date night.  The next morning we took a walk around the busiest circle intersection in D.C. and found the BEST farmer's market.  I typically compare farmer's market to the one in Little Italy and I have yet to find one that comes close, but this one had a far better produce selection.  Despite the heat, everyone was out and about sampling produce and purchasing great products.

Next stop was Arlington!  We were able to see the Arlington House, JFK memorial, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.  Daniel was highly interested in the changing of the gaurds, and seeing their dedication and honor was very humbling.  They gaurd the tomb 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

The view from the Arlington House.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Our last day we traveled over to Georgetown, which is the cutest place ever with great shops and restaurants.  Also, the infamous Georgetown Cupcakes is here...the shop "DC Cupcakes" is filmed at.  Before we got our delicious cupcakes we went to Dean & Deluca for coffee.  I don't know why but I just love it there!  Then, we got in line for cupcakes and it went surprisingly fast.  The business was also attributed to the lingering camera crews filming some last minute film for the show.

Mission Accomplished!  Delicious cupcakes in my tummy :)

Just sipping on some iced coffee...complete bliss!

Iced coffee...Daniel's frappe...Daniel and I in a nutshell.

We said good-bye to D.C. at the beautiful Union Station and boarded our train to take us to family in North Carolina.  Everything was smooth sailing until we got stuck about 5 miles away from our stop due to track problems.  Our train pulled in exactly 2 hours after our scheduled time.  Now we're here in beautiful North Caroline and today is definitely going to be a relaxing day by the pool.  It is also my step-sister, Ashley's, birthday!  We are so blessed to be able to take all of this time off, travel, and see important friends and family.

More from D.C.

We are now on Day #4 of our Washington D.C. trip, and we are loving every minute of it.  Trying to get everything in feels close to impossible but we have enjoyed everything we have done so far!  The one thing that is the hardest to deal with is the heat!  It is only about 95-98 degrees here, but the humidity makes it feel far worse.  We are walking to so many places with little shade, and the heat is getting to us a ton.  One struggle is to not let is ruin our day and our trip, and we are trucking right along (while being sweaty messes!).

We started off Thursday getting on the Metro and maneuvering transfers to end up at the Smithsonian.  We first went to the Air & Space Museum, which was the highlight of Daniel's trip.  He has always loved aviation and has studied to become a pilot.  Also, both of his grandfathers were in aviation.  They either worked on planes and rockets, or have been pilots.  Seeing things that are entwined with his family was extremely amazing for him.

After here we walked across to the National Gallery of Art.  The paintings was breathtaking.

Oh, it's just another day in the LaFuze manor...Daniel reading in front of our amazing masterpiece....

Our last stop for the day was the National Museum of American History.  This museum was my highlight!  We saw so many iconic objects from growing up, and learned plenty on various presidents and events.  It was a little overwhelming!  (We did stop for an ice cream break before, which was much needed with the heat...Kelly don't kill me!)

Julia Child's Kitchen!!!

                               
Friday was probably the hottest day thus far.  We went to the Holocaust Museum and then visited the Washington Memorial and Lincoln Memorial.

Munching on some lettuce wraps before the museum.

The view from the bottom.

Sitting in front of the Washington Memorial looking out.

While we were at the WWII Memorial we actually talked to a Veteran who was visiting it for his first time.  It was a very neat experience.

WWII Memorial

Right after this shot we went to take one with both of us in it, and what would you know...the camera battery died!  Oh well!  Our afternoon was a lot of fun.  Every Friday there is a Jazz in the Park at the Sculpture Garden.  People bring picnic baskets and blankets and just sit around listening to the great Jazz bands playing.  It was a lot of fun.  Then, we met up with some of Nathan's friends from church and went to dinner.  We have 2 and a half days left and can't wait to see what else is in store for us!