June 30 = Day 4

Synopsis:  66.2 miles driven; 2 hours on the road; Stafford, VA to Washington, DC; Visited Mount Vernon, Iwo Jima Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, Ford's Theatre, Old Post Office Tower, National Archives, 56 Signers of Declaration Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial, World War II Memorial, White House

Hot breakfast again at our hotel before hitting the road. We ran into DC traffic right before Mount Vernon - it took us 7 minutes to go a half a mile. We finally got to Mount Vernon and were still one of the first one's there. This is one place that not only haven't the kids been to before, but I have never been here. What a beautiful estate and so educational. The extra benefit of seeing Washington's grave.

We then went into DC and experienced the problem of our GPS not knowing of a new street (maybe more than one but at least one). We eventually got to the Marine Memorial - more commonly recognized as the Iwo Jima Memorial. From the Memorial, you can see a lot of the National Mall.

We left the Marine Memorial and went to Arlington National Cemetery. They are literally right next to each other but given DC roads, we had to drive 2 miles and on 4-5 roads just to get there. At Arlington, we visited President Kennedy's grave, the graves or memorials to the Challenger and Columbia Space shuttle disasters, the memorial to the USS Maine, and the tomb of the unknown soldier including the changing of the guard.

We then drove into DC and drove around and around the area near Ford's theater looking for a parking garage with space. Finally found on on g Street and then walked over to Ford's Theatre. We were over an hour early so we walked down to the Old Post Office Tower and took the tour to the top. What a great hidden treasure of DC. We then had lunch from a hot dog vendor ($18 for 7 hot dogs and 2 drinks). Ford's Theatre is not to be missed! The Park Rangers give a great recounting of Lincoln's assassination. The basement is a great museum to Lincoln's presidency and the Civil War.

We walked to the National Archives...OK we ran there because we were running late because of Jariah and Jedi's Junior Ranger program at Ford's Theatre. We got in and then got to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The other items are interesting but not quite as compelling as those 3 documents. I wish I had the time to do some genealogical research in the research department but that will have to wait for another time.

We had about 90 minutes before our tour of the Washington Monument (got out tickets on-line before coming to DC - absolutely the best way to go). So, we went down the Mall and visited some of the other memorials: 56 Signers of the Declaration of Independence, Vietnam War, and Lincoln Memorials. We then raced back to the Washington Memorial and got to ride the elevator to the top (70 seconds - originally it took 10-12 minutes).

After the Washington Memorial, we visited the World War II Memorial and then took a walk by the White House (for some photos). We then had the adventure of trying to drive out of DC (some roads are limited at different times of day as are turns). We finally got to our hotel and surprise, surprise, we got a one-bed room (no other rooms available). OK, so maybe a free night wasn't the best deal (can't complain too much to get a better room that isn't available when you got the room for free). Burger King next to the hotel was supper and now a late bedtime. See you tomorrow!

Hotel Deal of the Day: 1 night at a Days Inn for $0 by using Tim's Delta frequent flyer miles.

June 29 = Day 3

Synopsis:  281 miles driven; 5 hours on the road; Richmond, VA to Stafford, VA; Visited Jamestown, Yorktown and Chancellorsville

We had another good hot breakfast at our hotel before starting the day. We left Richmond and headed for Jamestown. We considered going to Williamsburg and the price wasn't bad but the time commitment would have made our three weeks become more like four weeks (decisions we had to make for some places). Here's a hint for those of you looking to visit Jamestown. The Visitor Center is a commercial endeavor that includes a museum and replicas of boats from that time. It would have cost our family about $100 to visit. The Visitor Center is not at the site of Jamestown. We showed up there first but then got directed to Historic Jamestowne (which is a National Park). {Picture is of the old fort site.}

We went on a 45-60 minute Ranger tour and went through the museum and watched a 15 minute movie while there. We spent about 2.5 hours there and could have spent 4 hours or more investigating more of the new town and taking a drive around the island. We then went to drive from Jamestown to Yorktown on the Colonial Parkway but a portion of it was closed for repairs so we only got to drive on a part of it - very nice and shouldn't be missed. {Picture is of monument at Jamestown.}

At Yorktown, we watched the 20 minute movie, went through the museum (including a great walk-through replica of a ship), and then took our own auto tour of the battlefield. We also took a short walk into the historic town including the victory monument (see picture). We spent about 2 hours at Yorktown and wished we had another 1-2 hours for it - there is a lot more to do and see than you would think. Once again, Jariah and Jedi completed the Junior Ranger programs (at all three national parks we visited today).

From Yorktown, we went to the Chancellorsville battlefield park. We watched the 22 minute movie about the battle (which was an additional cost but was well worth it for understanding the events and timeline of the battle). We visited the museum and then visited the memorial to the site of Stonewall Jackson's wounding.

We got to our hotel (after going to the wrong one - Dad wrote down the wrong address for our map directions but we did have a reservation at the correct hotel. We got some pizza from Papa John's for supper and the kids got into a pool for the first time on the trip. All in all a very good day.

Hotel Deal of the Day: 1 night at a Marriott for $0 by using Marriott points given for signing up for a no fee credit card,

June 28 = Day 2

Synopsis:  451 miles driven; 7 hours on the road; Mount Pleasant, SC to Richmond, VA; Visited Fort Sumter, Fort Moultrie and "South of the Border"

We got up this morning and had a hot breakfast at the hotel. We then drove back into Charleston to visit the Fort Sumter Visitor's Center. Fort Sumter is a national park so we could get in free with out national pass (a great deal if your going on a family vacation). BUT...Fort Sumter is an island and the National Park Service does not provide transportation to the island. The ferry to the island would have run us about $100 so we decided (before we got here) not to take the tour (which also would have taken about 3 hours out of our schedule). The visitor's center was very informative and Jariah and Jedi (the North and South fighting again) were able to become Junior Rangers.

From the visitor center, we drove over to Sullivan Island to visit Fort Moultrie (also a National Park). Fort Moultrie is the primary battery that the Confederate forces used to attack Fort Sumter and it is far closer to Fort Sumter than the Fort Sumter Visitor Center is. Again, Jariah and Jedi were able to become Junior Rangers (a program at every National Park - with a different badge at every park). God's blessing to us today - it is South Carolina Day and so they had some special events at the Fort including a live musket drill and firing (later that day, after we left, they were going to fire some of the cannons). The kids loved it and so did mom and dad.

We got onto the road for another long drive (about 7 hours). We stopped at the tourist trap "South of the Border" but how couldn't you after seeing the 52 billboards we passed on the way there. We took some pictures of people in crazy hats and then made lunch (still had sandwich supplies in the cooler) and then got back on the road. Our bad point of the day (trip so far) was Jedi getting sick and throwing up in the van. He's fine and we got it mainly contained in mom's prepared for an emergency bags.

Got to our hotel in Richmond (after driving through another pouring rain storm) and ate at a little Chinese restaurant around the corner - no customers at 6:30 pm when we got there and they seemed to appreciate a party of 7. Now comes the nightly routine, clean out the van, get ready for bed, write postcards, update blog, etc.

Hotel Deal of the Day: 1 night at a La Quinta Inn for $0 by using Makenzie's frequent flyer miles (11,901) from Delta.

June 27 = Day 1

Synopsis: 478.7 miles driven; 8 hours on the road; Saint Petersburg, FL to Mount Pleasant, SC

After a great morning at Northside Baptist Church, we got home, got the van packed, got the house closed up, and then got on the road. We pulled out around 1:15pm to begin our trip North. The only "event" of our trip today was driving. We had our longest single journey of the trip today (we have one day where we drive more than today but that day is broken up into different segments around visiting different sites). So, there are no real pictures from the trip and we have nothing really to report.

Our in-transport movies today were Star Wars Episode 1, Get Smart, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and 4 episodes of the Muppets season 2. We went through 3 driving rain storms where you could barely see in front of you but God enabled and protected.

I always tell people to travel with a GPS and printed directions - here's why. Our GPS went "out" on us in Charleston and seemed to indicate taking an exit. We didn't verify with our printed directions. Do you remember that scene in the first Vacation movie where they end up in a "rough" neighborhood? Well, we repeated it. Worse, our GPS kept resetting and taking us in circles for about 10-15 minutes. What an adventure!

We got to our hotel around 9:15pm and are in the midst of eating a late dinner, getting showers, getting on pajamas, and getting into bed. Tonight's stay at the Sleep Inn cost us $0 - we used 11,782 frequent flyer miles from Makaylah's Delta account (using almost all of her miles from flights over the years - they add up).

5 Days before trip

We got bad news today. Our congressman was not able to get us tickets for a White House Tour - seems that the week of July 4th is very busy. So, we will be able to go by the White House but not in it. Perhaps I'll make a large campaign contribution - those people never seem to have trouble getting into the White House.

Plans continue to be made and adjusted. Many things to do and miles to go before I sleep!

7 Days before trip

It's hard to believe but this time next week we will be getting ready to go to church (just like this morning) but also finishing our packing of the mini-van to start our trip after church. I'm sure it is going to be a busy week with lot's of last minute things to do.

We already have our pet arrangements (thank you to those who will be watching our dog, our rabbit, and our 4 ducks) made. We have already made all of our hotel arrangements (15 nights in hotels for a total of $109.63) and our family arrangements (1 night with Uncle Scott and Aunt Weezie, 2 nights with Grandpa and Grandma Friend, 2 night with Great-Uncle Tony and Great-Aunt Shirley, and 2 night with Papa and Nana Kroll).

We have made almost all of our reservations for attractions but are still waiting on our reservations for a White House Tour (pray that we hear sooner rather than later - it makes the planning easier). We have most of our plans set although we keep making adjustments to see another "you got to see that when you are so close" place.

We had the van inspected and brakes worked on this past Friday so that can be checked off the list. So...plans are coming together well and excitement is building around the house.

Happy Father's Day to all our Dad friends and especially to Grandpa Friend and Grandpa Kroll!

10 days before trip

Well, we are 10 days before our trip north going up the east coast of America to visit family, friends and to see some of America's history. As a preview, we are going to go through 17 (possibly 18) states on our trip and see such wonderful places as Washington DC, Philadelphia, New York City, Boston, and such wonderful people  like Grandma and Grandpa Friend, Nana and Papa Kroll, and a multitude of aunts, uncles and cousins.