Day 42: Marines Memorial, Mt. Vernon, Arlington National Cemetary

 Today we checked out of our Air BnB in Arlington and headed to a few more sites.  We first visited the U.S. Marine Corps Memorial.  This memorial is an iconic image and was powerful to see so large in person.

 From there we headed to Mt. Vernon where we were able to meet up with the Gramlings again!  It was SO fun to be able to spend time with them twice on this trip.  I love the relationship that the girls have together, and I loved seeing my cousin too.  It was kind of a warm muggy day at Mt. Vernon, but thankfully clouds made it bearable, and the grounds were beautiful.

 My cousin is the coolest.  Full on willing to race with the kids across the lawn at Mt. Vernon.  She probably would have won, except for her purse.

 President Washington and his wife, Martha, are buried here.  Washington wanted to be buried at his home.  Other family members are buried in the crypt behind.

 The kids really had a great time participating in the fife and drum exhibit while we waited for our turn to tour the home.

 Unfortunately, no photography is allowed inside the home.  It is so interesting to see inside and actually be where these people experienced life and founded our country so long ago.  Joey decided to provide entertainment at the water fountain after.  Mt. Vernon is set on such a beautiful spot along the river, it is no wonder he felt such a connection to his land.

 Lunch part two? Early dinner? Not totally sure.  But, thankful for Costco for some quick, cheap eats before heading to Arlington National Cemetery.  Even more thankful for the company!

 We hustled to see the changing of the guard. It was an amazing site to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the ceremony that takes place on the half hour during summer, and on the hour during the rest of the year.  There is so much history here, even in the land.  The land of Arlington Cemetery belonged to members of the Lee family prior to the Civil War.  George Washington's granddaughter (maybe great granddaughter) married Robert E. Lee.  I feel like sometimes the Civil War feels so distant.  But being here, no the intimacy of the relationships between the founding fathers and the leaders of the Civil War, makes it more personal.

 We had to race to get to Kennedy's tomb.  The cemetery had technically already closed, but Joey needed a bathroom and Chris finally found the tomb, in search of the bathroom.  The home in the background is the Lee home.  Eventually the bathroom was found back at the visitors center.

 Saying goodbye was hard.  But, we're making plans for next year!