Just the Two of Us in Our Nation's Capital

Earlier this month Drew & I had an opportunity to do something we haven't done in years.  At least three of them.  Probably more, but who's counting?

I was scheduled to attend a conference in Washington, DC.  Which also happens to be the hometown of my BFF.  Which also happens to be our nation's capital and a place my history loving, son of a history teacher husband has never been.  What?!  Lucky for us the stars aligned.  We found a cheap direct flight, cashed in some of my hotel points (thanks Marriott!) and took Gram & Grump up on their offer to take care of Jackson.

Then we hopped on a plane and got the heck out of dodge.

Well, it wasn't quite that easy. 

As you know, I've done my fair share of traveling since Jackson was born.  Drew too has had a few business trips pop up here and there.  But one or the other of us was always home to hold down the fort.  My Mom was on hand back in February when Drew had planned to join me in Florida for a few days.  Unfortunately, snowmagedden 2011 had other plans and that trip never happened.  We did sneak in an overnight stay in downtown Denver while Jackson slept soundly at Nana & Papa's house this summer, but never before had the little man been away from BOTH of us for more than a night.  Crazy, I know.  It was high time.

About a week before the trip we started planting the seed with Jackson.  The first conversation went like this:

Me:  "Jack.  Do you think you'd like to go spend a few nights at Gram & Grump's house next weekend?"
Jack:  "Sure! Are you coming?"
Me:  "No, this trip is just for you!"
Jack:  Long pause.  "Where are you going?"
Me:  "Mommy & Daddy are going to go to Washington DC."
Jack:  "Will Auntie Cortie be there?"
Me:  "Yes.  You're right, Cortney lives in Washington DC."
Jack:  "Well...I think I'll come with you guys."

Uh Oh.

I was afraid we were going to end up with a battle on our hands, but fortunately that was as apprehensive as he ever got.  I typed up some info for Gram & Grump.  (3 pages to be exact.  I'm a control freak, I know.)  I'm sure they never even needed to glance at it, but I felt better having done it.  Gram came to town the morning of our trip to pick up Jackson and he hopped in her car and waved goodbye without even the slightest hesitation.

Drew & I, on the other hand, both admitted to having a knot in our stomach as the car drove out of sight.  It's funny how your heart strings are always attached to you kids no matter where they are.

It didn't take long for us to snap out of it and let the excitement kick in.  Of course Jack was going to be fine.  Having a fabulous time, no doubt.  And we were kid free.  For 4 whole days!

Cortney and I, of course, had an entire itinerary planned for our 4 days in the city.  Duh. 

Tuesday - Dinner at Old Ebbit Grill
Wednesday - Smithsonian's for Drew, Conference for Heidi, Nationals Baseball Game
Thursday - Capitol Tour and Monuments for Drew, Conference for Heidi, Dinner at Filomena's
Friday - Arlington National Cemetery, Monuments, Cortney's apartment and the Ronald McDonald House where she works

And then Drew got sick.  And it rained, and rained, and rained.

We were beginning to wonder if we're cursed. 

Wednesday was a bust.  Drew didn't leave the hotel all day while he recovered from the episode we're blaming on bad airport food.  The baseball game was rained out.

Fortunately, Thursday was better.  Drew was feeling normal again and while the rain was still coming down he and Cortney managed to fit in some Smithsonian's during the day and the 3 of us had a lovely dinner followed by a driving tour of the city.

Friday was a fabulous day.  Drew & I started the day with a tour of the Capitol Building then we hooked up with Cortney and finally got to see the Ronald McDonald House in person.  The rain finally let up on our last day in the city, so we spent the afternoon at Arlington National Cemetery, had (lots of) drinks at a fun little sports bar and then toured all of the monuments as the sun went down.

Our itinerary didn't go exactly as planned, but in the end we got to do pretty much everything on our bucket list.

While things started off pretty shaky, we managed to salvage the trip and enjoy some quality grown up time together - and with our very best friend.

Back in Kansas, Jackson seemed to be behaving himself and enjoying his special time with Gram & Grump.  It was such a relief to know that he was in good hands.  We truly didn't worry about him a bit while we were gone.  Although, I'll admit, I was awfully ready to give him a big hug by the end of the trip.

Check back soon.  I took a ton of pictures and will sift through some of my favorites for another post in a day or so.  And if you haven't been before - plan a trip to Our Nation's Capital.  Pronto!