A Trip Down History Lane

I am a couple of months late on posting our Christmas trip to Washington D.C.

However, better late than never right?!

This was the first time my husband and I have ever been this far East. Because of our mutual love and interest for history and politics, we had always dreamed of visiting D.C. and seeing all of the historical markers the city holds.

This past Christmas break we were able to finally make our journey over to the Nation's Capital.

Here are my 4 of my favorite spots from our visit. Enjoy!

First stop, The Supreme Court Building!

The Supreme Court Building was currently under construction-- thus they had a printed canvas over the front of the building so visitors could still get the "full effect." Although clever, it was slightly disappointing to not be able to see the actual face of American Justice.

Christmas Tree inside the Supreme Court.
It was absolutely beautiful!

One of my favorite things about Washington D.C. was all of the architecture. The ceilings were absolutely incredible! I was mesmerized.

The gorgeous ceiling inside the foyer of
the Supreme Court

Ceiling laced in gold throughout the
hallways in the Supreme Court Building

Part of the original Courtroom Bench

Lee with Chief Justice John Jay
{He had just finished teaching his students about John Jay-- so this picture is for them.}

A fabulous self-supporting spiral staircase
made entirely of solid marble. I was in heaven. 

My mom and I beside Chief Justice John Marshall
The principal founder of the US system of constitutional law.

Since photographs are not allowed inside the Court, I took a picture of a replica. We toured the Courtroom and I must say-- definitely worth the time! After taking so many college courses solely based around this courtroom, it was incredible to finally be standing inside. 

Drawn to scale replica of the Supreme Courtroom. 

The family (minus dad-- he was the designated photographer) inside one of the many marble stairwells inside the building. I was amazed by how much marble was used throughout the building. Absolutely gorgeous. 

The Family

Another beautiful ceiling.

The next stop was the Capital Building! 

The view of the Capital from the steps of the Supreme Court.

The United States Capital Building!

My love and I on our way to observe the Senate in session
{I was BEYOND excited!}
Thank you Senator Pryor for the tickets!

The House of Representatives

The Senate

While we were walking pass, many senators were arriving. Pretty cool!

Husband and I on the backside of the Capital Building
 {The construction was in preparation for the 2013 Inaugural Ceremony}

Freedom.
{The top of the Capital Building}

We were also able to tour the inside of the Capitol Building. It was incredible {I know I keep saying that--but it's literally the remnant of our great nation!}

Inside the Rotunda.
{The center of the Nation's Capital. Literally.}

The gorgeous Ceiling of the Rotunda.

"E Pluribus Unum" written on the Rotunda's ceiling.
{Meaning: Out of Many, One} 

Remember this from your history book?
Yes, this is the actually copy.  

The stairway the President walks down
 from the Rotunda towards the Capital steps
on his way to the Inaugural Ceremony.

The ceiling of the Statuary Hall
{the Inaugural luncheon is always held here}

Statuary Hall

Statuary Hall

Yes, I was the crazy lady who waited for everyone to leave the room so I could get a "visitor free" picture.

Statuary Hall

On to Arlington National Cemetery!

The graves of President John F. Kennedy and his wife. 

The view of the Pentagon from Arlington.

The husband and myself at Arlington. 

Robert E. Lee's house is located at Arlington

The view of the Lincoln Memorial from Arlington

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The Changing of the Guard

Walking across the Potomac.

Inside the Lincoln Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

On the steps of the Lincoln Memorial
overlooking the Washington Monument.

Final Stop, The White House!

Since I was a little girl, I have always dreamed of visiting the White House. 

Husband and I at the White House.

However, I must say-- I was kind of disappointed to realize that the White House was not as large as the media makes it appear. 

Husband and I at the White House.

Next to the White House was the Executive Office Building. Now this is my kind of office building!

Executive Office Building.

Although our trip to Washington D.C. was short, it was most definitely memorable. I will always remember the days we spent walking this historic city.

After we left Washington, we took a train on to New York City for New Years Eve! Stay tuned in the next few days for a recap of our days in Times Square.