I forgot how much I love DC.

Driving in, Justin asked me what I missed about it and why did I love it so much that I had wanted to move back once upon a time.

Everything.

I loved working on the Capitol and feeling like the most important person in the world even though I was a lowly intern (in the Clinton era no less!).

I loved that I could walk out of my apartment and go anywhere in the city by just walking a block to the metro.

I loved the secrecy of the city. The history. The conspiracies.

I loved that I was young and surrounded by people my age. The world was our oyster!

I loved that I could play flag football next to the Washington Monument on a Saturday morning or go for a jog through Woodley Park Zoo.

I loved giving tours of the Capitol and seeing major players on a regular basis.

The energy of the city is palpable and no other place seems to matter when you’re in DC.

It’s alluring…

I’m sure people in any city can say the same thing, but there is something different about DC.

Funny to think how much has changed and now I want nothing to do with anything city related. Okay, not nothing, but I am perfectly content sitting in my backyard talking to my chickens and dogs.

And Perry. Perry always joins me.

But back to this time in DC…

Justin had the brilliant idea to go to church Sunday morning before heading out to see the city.

Now to be fair, I was not excited about this and the little kid in my head screamed, “But we’re on vacation!!!!!”

I really am such a child sometime, but at least I didn’t throw a temper tantrum and stomp my feet.

Progress!

We went to Passion City, and though I was hesitant, by the time we sat down, I was grateful for Justin’s leadership in how he guides our family.

And truly, it was the best way to start our vacation.

I was still in go-go-go mode. So much to see and such little time. Let’s go!

But here we were, waking up early, going out of our way, and standing still for 2 hours.

Who knew it was just what we needed.

What I needed.

Thank you God for the time to gather with other believers, especially in a city so void of you, and to praise you. Thank you for the ability to be here and to worship freely. And thank you for this opportunity with my family.

The service reset me.

It’s possible my eyes started leaking during worship. Very possible.

So good call on that one Justin.

Good call.

Even our kids loved it. Embry asked later if we could come back on a 3-day weekend so we could return to church. And if you know Embry, you know this is a HUGE deal and says a lot about the church.

So where do you go in DC when you only have one day???

The Mall of course!

My sweet friend Patience saw my post and texted me that they were in DC too. What are the chances?!?!?!

So we headed to The Mall to see the memorials and Patience and her family.

I loved seeing them and watching our kids play in front of the Washington Monument. Pretty memorable.

And then we booked it…the WWII, Vietnam, and Korean War Memorials followed by the Lincoln and MLK Jr Memorials.

The kids and I watched a dance competition as Justin scootered each kid down to the Capitol, which was easily their favorite part of the day.

We capped off the day with a quick trip to see the White House then headed back to the campground for some night swimming.

Which, if you’re ever in the DC area and want to camp, Cherry Hill Park is the perfect spot especially if you have kids.

I am a little sad to leave DC after just one day with so much left unseen, but also because our next stop is New York City and the place I’m most anxious about on this trip.

I’m not a fan of the city but I’ll put on my big girl pants and I’m sure I will be proven wrong, once again, and it will be great.