We live less than an hour from Washington, D.C. In our twenties, we'd occasionally go for the nightlife. With three kids, we've mostly avoided it like the plague.
But today, we ripped off the Band-Aid, piled into the car, and headed for what I assumed would be an obligatory day of family fun in D.C.
Admittedly, I dreaded it. Bathroom breaks. Sibling squabbles. Motion sickness. I actually tossed a grocery bag to my son before we left in case he got sick during my husband's NASCAR-style drive into the city.
Thankfully, no one got sick. Even better, we all had a genuinely good time.
We started at Gordon Ramsay Fish & Chips at The Wharf. My older two children get a kick out of Gordon's gruffness on television, so, surprisingly, they were excited to try fish. Well, at my least my daughter was. The boys are still picky. Then of course, Kilwins was right next door, so we followed lunch with scoops of ice cream.
Next, my husband kindly eased off the gas pedal and drove us into the historic heart of the city. We began at the Reflecting Pool and eventually made our way to the Lincoln Memorial. The kids were seriously impressed by its size.
After that, we headed to the fountain at the World War II Memorial—a welcome reprieve from both the walking and the heat. The wind blew through the fountain, sending welcome spray all over us. By then, I think everyone was coming down from their sugar high. The kids had a wonderful time watching the ducks and cooling off.
Rather than push our luck, we meandered through the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Seeing all those names etched in stone is a visceral experience, one that gave even my young children pause.
Eventually, we found ourselves back at the car.
My daughter declared it "the best day of my life."
Holy smokes. A miracle.
She throws the phrase around a couple times a year. But it really was a good day. The kids got along. They had a genuinely great time. The entire day felt like a serious parenting win.
Why?
Part of it was D.C., of course. It's new and exciting. Historic. Monumental.
But I think the weather deserves some credit too.
The sun peeked through the clouds throughout the afternoon, the breeze felt almost beach-like, and the temperature hovered around a tolerable eighty-three degrees. Weather can make or break a day of sightseeing—I don't care what anyone says.
So, what began as a family obligation somehow became family fun.
But, I'd love to hear from you. Have you taken any memorable family trips lately, or do you have one planned for this summer?
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