sacredheartdcadventure

A 7 am wake up call, a morning breakfast on the second floor of the Crowne Plaza in Old Town Alexandria (Good Morning Geraldine).

Note: Pictures used without permission of student.

A picture stop of the White House.

The introduction of a friendly photo contest (an entry for Most Political below)

Back on the bus.

The MLK Jr. and FDR Memorials (these were really cool, I'd never seen them before).

A Smithsonian exploration that had some at the Museum of Modern Art, others at the African Art Museum, and the rest at the Air & Space Museum (Below: Kathy creating her own art).

Onto the Capital. A hike up the hill, security, and then lunch, a video, and an abridged version of the typical Capital Tour because the “9 million ton” rotunda was under operation, which left us at the mercy of the badge-wearing redcoats who quickly pushed visitors, young and old, through the crowded former Supreme Court room, then to the end and a myriad of resounding, “is that it?”

Through the tunnel underneath the capital (most of us, Mr. Kinman and 4 “selfie-taking” stragglers were left behind with the futile navigation skills, which sent them on the above route and back through security upon arrival).

Reunited with the other group, Jefferson’s personal 6,000 book collection, the original Guttenberg Bible, and the overlook were taken in.

Next, the Supreme Court building beckoned for some still excited and enthusiastic sightseers; for others the enormous columns topped with the marble justice team loomed as a shadowy reminder that their feet were tired and there was still much more walking to be done.

Group photos!!

A short "nature" hike around the opposite end of the capital had us back on the bus just as the rain began. This made the Thomas Jefferson Memorial a venture for 9 somewhat well prepared (multiple girls were wearing Uggs), but very brave girls, instead of the typical 22. For those who went, it was wet, memorable, and wet.

Then, dinner. A delicious spread of Italian, followed by large chocolate-cookie sundaes that I was able to only get a single picture of because they had been devoured by the time I thought about the picture opportunity.

The rest of the night sent us to the location of Lincoln’s assassination, Ford’s Theatre, but not to explore the theatre or relive the night “the Great Emancipator” was shot. No, we went to shop. The gift shop across from the theatre became the official sponsor of our trip as the girls gobbled up items I didn’t even know existed for the tourist world until I’d explored the two-story gem for an hour.

Upon our return to the hotel the student’s were greeted by their last night nemesis, a new security guard. She ensured the 1030 enforced curfew was maintained with regimented accuracy, and the “mandated” no room visiting policy she strictly enforced. Upon room visitations to deliver water, Gatorade, blankets, and Advil to ailing students, Ms. A and myself were greeted by the pleas of the healthy room occupants, “Mr. Kinman, is this for real? Ms. A, it’s our last night.” Many of them producing their most sincere, and most sullen sad face to conjure up a shift of heart in their last hope, their chaperones turned deliveryman and woman. Our minds, both set on a good night’s sleep, were comforted by the presence of the drill sergeant patrolling the hallway sniffing out noise and shutting down any movement on her 100 foot perimeter of the third floor. Sleep!

After a good’s night sleep we were awakened again at 7, off to breakfast, and then to Georgetown University.

We were escorted around by Jacob, a friend of a friend of a friend who agreed to be our tour guide for the morning. The grandeur of the place was impressive, but Georgetown also offers other educational opportunities, so after the tour it was off to Georgetown (DC) Cupcakes (or whatever it's called)

. I was fortunate to at that point to run into a friend from Philadelphia who was visiting DC, and he agreed to become the “Cupcake Escort,” as the line (which would take us an hour to get through) went out the door and up the block.

So the girls placed their orders, and they headed for the zoo with Ms. A and team. Myself, and my good friend the newly hired trip “Cupcake Escort,” waited (cupcake escort below on left).

When we finally entered the cacophony of pink and cupcakes screamed at us, and told us to buy everything. We bought 30 cupcakes. We delivered them to the Smithsonian National Zoo where the girls were busy discovering cheetahs, Asian elephants, bear sloth, and PANDAS!!!

At our meeting point at 115, the boxes were finally opened, and the cupcakes were melted!!! But not to be dissuaded, they were not melted too badly, and the imperfect cupcakes were consumed with perfect haste. Back to the bus, back to the airport, back through security, back to Gate D, back to a plane, back to the west coast and back to LA!

Oh… And in the airport we announced the winners of the photography contest. Here were the final winners.

Most Humorous – Julia (“The Dream Team”)

Most political – Geraldine (slogans outside the white house) & Genesis (The man in Yellow thinking like Thomas Jefferson)

Most original – Neida (Facetiming Dad at the Lincoln Memorial for his favorite surprise of the day!)

Most creative - Alexis (Babe please it was one time – An FDR affair)

Oh... And Ms. A left her bag on the bus, which was very upsetting for her, but she was a great sport about it!

DC was a great experience!! A special thanks to all who supported!! Also, a special thanks to all of you who encouraged the students to be a part of the trip!!! And a very special thanks to all the students for making the trip such an amazingly fun and hilariously memorable adventure!!!