District of Columbia, West Virginia, Nebraska, Wyoming, and Home to Utah!

While I probably ought to be working on stuff for nursing school, I'm even more eager to finally finish blogging our ultra-family vacation.  This is post number 20.  All in all, we were away from home for 26 days.  No wonder I felt both exhilarated and exhausted!

On August 11th, Talia and I started off the day with a run through DC, taking the metro to the National Mall.

The capitol was beautiful in the morning light.   I love the image of the sun shining through the columns like a beacon of hope.

As jogging tourists, we got to explore so many of the famous sights, whether the Smithsonian or a peaceful Washington monument.

Here we have the Lincoln Memorial at the far end of the reflecting pool, the WWII memorial, and the Korean war memorial.

I'd never been to the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial before.  It might be my very favorite.

"I have seen war. I have seen war on land and sea.  I have seen blood running from the wounded...  I have seen the dead in the mud.  I have seen cities destroyed...  I have seen children starving.  I have seen the agony of mothers and wives.  I hate war."  Moi aussi.

After our lovely run, we went home and gathered everyone together for the day's adventures.  Our first stop?  The Pentagon.  It's not a lot to look at from the outside, but it's fun to imagine all the important stuff that happens inside.

We then headed to Arlington National Cemetery.

I particularly enjoyed getting to see Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg's grave.  While not tall in stature, she accomplished so much, paving the way for future generations.

Next we hopped on a circulator bus that took us around the mall and reflecting pool.  At one point we saw a giant military helicopter, and wondered if a famous politician was inside.

Walking up to the Thomas Jefferson memorial.

Apparently I like taking pictures of people more than statues.  Love these mugs!

This time the entire crew went over to FDR's Memorial. While I obviously never met the man, I like to imagine that he would have enjoyed having Anders crawl on his lap.

Vytis may be trapped by NomiAnn, but the smile suggests that he doesn't mind.

Sisterly love.  At this point, we knew college was coming up fast for our Brooklyn McCall.  Time pases so quickly!

Dr. King's Memorial is across the pond from Jefferson's.  

This quote by MLK got cut off, but maybe that's appropriate.    We've certainly fallen short of the ideal.

Next adventure?  The Air and Space museum.  While we saw many cool things, the Wright brothers' first airplane was my favorite.  I love the fact that the airplane was invented by a couple of bicycle enthusiasts.

That evening, we went to Shake Shack for our final meal with the Vedeckis family.  Yum!  Afterward, we went to check out Yards Park-- a vibrant public space connected with Capitol Riverfront.

The best part was the canal basin where the kids played frisbee.  Before long, a lot of neighborhood kids had joined in as well.

Great bridge too!

We loved the outdoor jazz concert as well.  Well-developed public spaces are my favorite!

The next morning, we bid farewell to the wonderful Vedeckis family.  It was sad to go our separate ways, but we are thankful for the time we spent together.  We've managed to connect enough in the past (2013, 2018, 2021) that I feel optimistic about connecting again.  Perhaps backpacking?  With goats?

Also, happy birthday Callie!  Driving cross country might not be the most exciting way to celebrate your special day, but know we were thinking of you.

Sleepy travelers as we embark on the journey West.

Fortunately Talia was awake and a great driver.

Country roads, take me home, to a place where I belong...

West Virginia!  Mountain mama, take me home, country roads.

We made an extra point of stopping in West Virginia to do something, just so we could have a picture for our Thunder Bunny photo map.

Our chosen location?  The Wheeling Suspension Bridge, spanning the Ohio river.  Apparently it was the largest suspension bridge in the world from 1849-1851.  

Love these munchkins!  Thanks for being such amazing travelers.

 We rolled into Omaha late Saturday night, then stuck around all day Sunday.  For some reason Annika acquired a mustache during Primary, then found my phone and took selfies all through sacrament.  I had no idea until I discovered the evidence.

Papa Kay seems to be turning a blind eye to the whole affair.  That's the great thing about grandparenting--you only have to interfere if you want to.

Back at the Andrus household, a Kraken attacked Brooklyn!  Not to worry, I think she has the upper head, if only two hands.

Oh, how we love this back yard!

Driving home on Monday, we stopped off at the Vedauwoo rock formation.  What a gem!  Right off of I-80 west of Cheyenne, it's a great place to get out, get some fresh air, and connect with nature for a moment without adding extra mileage to the journey.

The next photo on my phone was taken in Utah at seven am the next morning.  Talia and Eli were already back to their usual routine and practicing with Launch Team.  When life moves too quickly, eat Creamies!