Labor Day Adventures...

Kyle had Monday off so we made use of the day! We started out around 9:45 and caught the metro by our house. Damon was especially fascinated by it. He has really turned into quite a chatter box, and this ride was not the exception. It has been quite a while since his last ride (when he was Jonas's age in HK and China). Crazy to think of the places our little ones have been during their short life spans.
When we got to D.C. we began our day of walking. It was a little overcast, humid, and sprinkled on us a bit,...but nothing too terrible. (Except for the toll it takes on my hair...:)   

The Treasury Building and Washington Monument in the background.

Looking right down to the Capital

The Treasury Building

White House

Grabbing some street vendor food

Massive egg roll

Self explanatory

WWII Memorial with Lincoln Memorial in the background

A pillar for every state and territory who assisted in the efforts.

There are 4,048 gold stars on this wall.

Each star represents 100 American lives lost or missing in action during WWII. Over 400,000.

Washington Monument. It has been closed until further notice because of some damage from the earthquake. Sad we were not able to get up close or go to the top, but still pretty amazing.

The National Museum of American History. So cool. My favorites here: The Flag-Star Spangled Banner that was lifted up in Baltimore Harbor during the war of 1812. Abraham Lincoln's top hat that he wore to Ford's Theatre the night he was shot and killed. The many exhibits from the wars and founding of our country. Inaugural gowns of the President's wives. Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz. 

Getting sleepy

After the museum we walked to Chinatown. Kyle wanted to find some special food he has been looking for-Char shu (A Chinese roasted/BBQ pork dish with a ginger and onion oil sauce).

Chinatown

We walked the whole length of Chinatown and came across this restaurant at the very end. It was kinda hidden around a corner. Kyle saw what he was looking for in the window so we decided to give it a try.

All tuckered out

Day 4-getting a little more colored, turning a bit green.

We were actually able to get EXACTLY what Kyle was hoping for. He had this dish on his mission and has always told me about how amazing it is. Even in the area of China we visited before together we were not able to find it. He was a pretty happy camper. I have to admit, it was amazing. I told him that we are definitely coming back here before we leave.

Looks so much like China. Meat hanging in the window. At least this stuff is cooked.

This place is known for its made-when-ordered noodles, and dumplings. We are excited to try them all. Fun to see them make these wonderful creations right through the window.

Very satisfied (If you can't tell by the big smile :) We are excited to go back.

What we learned this week: If you are willing to walk lots, then the Metro will save you so much stress and frustration. We did walk quite a bit, but we would rather do that than drive around for-e-ver, not find a spot, and end up paying for a high priced parking garage. Also we found that riding the Metro, walking the streets, and seeing all different sides of D.C. really added so much to the whole experience for us. Looks like we will be riding the M much more often.