Metro, Monument, and Historical Moments

Since Karl had an extra day off thanks to Federal Holidays, we decided to take a break from everything and take a trip into DC. I had to get my Metro Smart Card so I could get through the system, then it was off to our first excursion. The children were too excited for words especially since we were able to ride in the first car and they could see everything. Anton did decide he did not like going underground though. It just seemed unnatural to him and he was more relaxed when we were back in the sunshine.



We tried to get a picture of them pushing the sides of the monument up, but what can one expect from two little ones? They did pretty good following directions but their arms were getting tired.

We were lucky enough to get tickets for the Washington Monument but we had to wait in line to go in. Then Karl got a brilliant idea, he told the children to try to push the monument over.

Pretty soon, lots of other little kids were joining them as their parents realized it was providing some distraction and with that much marble, there was nothing they could do but release energy. Finally our turn came and Isabella informed the security that Karl had a nail file in his pocket. She is such a stinker sometimes. All was well, and we ascended up to the lookout platform. It was very interesting to see all the sites from this vantage point. Then we returned to the ground and were off to find something to eat before heading back home before Anton's soccer practise.

One section really stood out for Karl and I. It was the quotes from or about George Washington on the floor below the the lookout level. Much was said about his integrity and his lack of interest in becoming such a powerful person. These are ideals that seem to have become lost in our country today; most people want to have all the power and control. They could care less about their words, actions, or how they achieve that goal.

These are some of the reasons we are so glad to have found our little piece of heaven. In the country, a person's word and hand shake still mean something. People are willing to inconvenience themselves to help one another because it is the neighborly and right thing to do. These are God fearing, honest, hard working people who just want a good life for their family and friends; very similar to what one section listed as the original view for running this fledgling country. A government that stayed out of your affairs, let the family run it's land, and came together to decide things of importance like dealing with foreign nations.

The questions for Americans today are:

How far from the ideal do you think we have strayed?

Our Forefathers fought hard for us to have the freedom to pursue "the good life",

How would they view our world today?