14 July 2011

A Weekend Getaway Full of Firsts

Well my friends, this is my last post for a little bit. My bags are packed, my stretchy pants are soon to be on, and the car is fully stocked for a red-eye drive to Virginia tonight. I'm going up for a long weekend with my husband to visit his our family, and it will be a weekend full of firsts...

Via

 The first time I've visited Charlottesville, Virginia in the summer.

The first time John and I have done a major road-trip together.

The first time I've had to drive through the night to get somewhere.

The first time I'll get to spend three consecutive days together with my favorite little siblings and nephew .


My adorable nephew, Zeb.


My favorite little siblings, Mei Leigh and Jin Tao

 The first time all of John's brothers and sisters have been together under the same roof since our wedding back in October.

And the first time I get to go here...


Via

That's right folks, I'm heading to D.C.! Words cannot express my excitement. I have never been there, and that fact has become an embarrassment I can't live with much longer, and won't have to come Saturday!Since I'm a capital noob, I need your help (see bottom of post.)

We're day tripping with my sister-in-law (Chelsea) and her husband (Justin) to see all that we can see. Justin works for a Senator and has gotten us a private tour of the capital building. (*jumps up and down*) Thank God we just got the new zoom lens for our d-slr because I'll need it to capture such a beautiful city. I can't wait to share my pics with you guys.


Via

I've really been keeping my fingers crossed that I'll get to cross paths with Mr. Obama. That would really round out my trip and knock another "first" of my list..."shake hands with president or presidential candidate." He's a big fan of the "thumbs up," so I would even settle for exchanging one of those if need be.

So, this is it until next Tuesday. My apologies for the radio silence. But I will be thinking of you all every time I snap a shot, and hope to be able to put some of your recommendations to good use...



If you've visited or live in or around D.C. do you have any tips on things we must do or places we must eat?
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37 comments:

  1. AmYaroundthecornerJuly 14, 2011 at 9:53 AM

    Actually, I've never been to D.C., either *hangs head in shame*... so I don't have any recommendations. Have a wonderful time on your trip, and I look forward to hearing about all your adventures when you come back :)

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  2. Elizabeth @ Love Is the AdventureJuly 14, 2011 at 9:54 AM

    I haven't been to D.C. in a long time but make sure you see at least ONE of the major Smithsonian museums! Not only are they FREE, they're probably some of the most well-curated museums in the world. My favorite is probably the National Museum of American History (highlights: Dorothy's ruby slippers from the film, the Stephen Colbert portrait, an exhibition on the history of lasers, and the HUGE dollhouse with over 800 tiny furnishings made to replicate the early 1900's). Okay, pretty much everything is awesome at the Smithsonian so don't miss it!!

    I hope you have a blast!

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  3. RebeccaJuly 14, 2011 at 10:11 AM

    Try to get to Georgetown. Or do a twilight tour of the monuments...it doesn't have to be an official "tour" but walk around in the evening. They're beautiful!! Hope you have a wonderful extended weekend trip! :)

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  4. Leslie *Fresh Out of Lemons*July 14, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    I went on a fieldtrip to DC in the 7th grade, but the experience was a whirlwind of being away from home and hanging out with friends. I didn't really taken in any of the signifigance. I hope that you have a great time!

    You may also want to try a fist bump with the President. He likes those too. ;)

    And be careful driving overnight! Watch out for signs of getting too sleepy.

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  5. christinelovestotravelJuly 14, 2011 at 11:12 AM

    Have a great time!!!

    I visited D.C. a long long time ago and I cannot remember where my family and I ate. All I know is the White House!

    Have a safe journey :)

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  6. sherri lynnJuly 14, 2011 at 11:23 AM

    It sounds like such a fun weekend!! Charlottesville is a cute place, and I love visiting DC! All of the monuments are fun to look at. And how amazing that you have a private tour of the Capitol building!! can't wait to see pictures of your trip when you get back! :)

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  7. Rachel - Notes from my closetJuly 14, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    I have never been, have a great time! I hope you have glorious weather :)

    Love, Vanilla

    http://notesfrommycloset.blogspot.com/

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  8. Ren- Lady Of The ArtsJuly 14, 2011 at 12:05 PM

    that does sound exciting- have a great time.

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  9. SiennaJuly 14, 2011 at 12:39 PM

    ive never been either and id love to go! enjoy it, it should be amazing, i cant wait to read all about it from you!

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  10. The Olive Tree BlogJuly 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM

    Have a safe trip! I love road trip...don't forget to play some good tunes :)

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  11. Silvia NegrettiJuly 14, 2011 at 1:08 PM

    Have a nice trip!!!
    These kids are sooo cute!^^
    Enjoy your days!
    xoxo
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com

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  12. TexaGermaFinlaNadianJuly 14, 2011 at 1:11 PM

    So fun! You will have a great time. That first town looks beautiful! Can't wait to hear stories and see pics :)

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  13. Hannah {Culture Connoisseur}July 14, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    theolivetree- Yeah...the radio is burned out on the car we are taking. It's gonna be a LONG trip. But John knows I'd love to be the soundtrack for the trip...I've got wicked nose guitar skillz.

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  14. Try Anything Once TerriJuly 14, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    I wrote a whole long comment, and I'm not sure it posted. I love DC and used to live there.

    Anyway, here are some picks from me:
    Ben's Chili Bowl - DC institution, chili dogs..yummm
    Good Stuff Eatery - great burgers. Get the milkshakes! The toasted marshmallow is awesome! Get the child sizes though 'cause it's huge.
    I love the brunch at Cashion's in Adam's Morgan.
    Tryst is a cute coffee shop/restaurant.
    DC has a large Ethiopian population so you should try to see if you can get some while you are there. Try U Street (not far from Ben's)
    I enjoy walking through Georgetown. It's very neighborhood-y.
    14th Street has some nice newer places that have cropped up since I left.

    Have a great time!

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  15. Hannah {Culture Connoisseur}July 14, 2011 at 1:50 PM

    Thanks Terri! What a big help. I will be writing these down and on the look for them. :) I LOVE chili dogs.

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  16. Try Anything Once TerriJuly 14, 2011 at 1:51 PM

    Oooh..if you are looking for some nicer places too, I tend to like Zola (fabulous lobster mac & cheese!) and I've heard great thing about Jaleo. Okay, enough from me!

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  17. kJuly 14, 2011 at 3:57 PM

    i think my friends might be moving near there, that is fun to see it here!

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  18. Tony Van HelsingJuly 14, 2011 at 4:42 PM

    Good luck with the road trip. My friends and I recently drove overnight from the north of England to Belgium. It's hard going but we kept each other awake by talking absolute rubbish. Good fun, enjoy yourselves.

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  19. UnknownJuly 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    A private tour? That is so cool! Wow, this sounds like an awesome trip. I'm also ashamed to say that I've never been to DC before. One day though!

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  20. GloriaJuly 14, 2011 at 6:38 PM

    Sounds like you have a super fun trip planned :-) Have a wonderful time!!

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  21. Tamra {ever swoon}July 15, 2011 at 1:18 AM

    Have so much fun!!! I visited DC for the first time just a few months ago and it is such an incredibly beautiful city. You will love it!

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  22. jaclyn @ thelateafternoonJuly 15, 2011 at 2:23 AM

    "firsts" are always a good thing! it sounds like you have a great adventure ahead of you! have a wonderful time with your family and visiting DC! roadtrips are the best :)

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  23. Selma @ Crazy Little World Of MineJuly 15, 2011 at 3:49 AM

    Oh wow, I'm soooooo excited for you. Jealous too a little. ;) Never been to DC myself so you need to take as many photos as even possible!! :) Hehe!!

    Have a blast!!!!

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  24. AnonymousJuly 15, 2011 at 9:11 AM

    Have a great trip and take lots of photos!

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  25. Stephanie @ henry happenedJuly 15, 2011 at 10:47 AM

    Have an awesome trip!! DC is just a fun town. Can't wait to see photos!

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  26. Vanisha @ Vanisha's Life In...FijiJuly 15, 2011 at 6:53 PM

    How lovely! I would strongly recommend Georgetown, it's beautiful, I loved the architecture in the area. It's one of my favorite places in DC. Enjoy your trip Hannah, I can't wait to hear about it!

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  27. amy graceJuly 15, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Have fun! I hope you get to take a thumbs up pic with the prez ;) I just booked Josh & I's next road trip. We've done only one since the honeymoon, and SO MUCH FUN. I love traveling with my hunny!

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  28. Lady GreyJuly 16, 2011 at 11:58 AM

    Have a wonderful trip! Enjoy your time in DC (I've never been there either) and with the family.
    xo

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  29. Mrs PancakesJuly 16, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    Anywhere in downtown Dc is nice! Check out Good Stuff Burger in Capitol hill!

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  30. ValJuly 17, 2011 at 12:10 AM

    I hope you have a wonderful time and I can't wait to see your pics.

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  31. MeeshJuly 17, 2011 at 9:16 AM

    Wow, hope you're having a great trip!

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  32. fashion provocateurJuly 17, 2011 at 12:25 PM

    wow thats amazing!!1
    ive never been to dc and i would love to go.. have a good time with john and congrats on all your firsts !!!

    xx

    fashion provocateur

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  33. bon bonJuly 17, 2011 at 12:29 PM

    eeeeeee!! i can picture it already! a self-portrait of you and the prez, cheek-to-cheek, grinning stupidly (make that, awesomely) into the camera!

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  34. Carole Poirot July 17, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    I hope you have a great time and the trip is all you want it to be. Enjoy! Love from London xo

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  35. Bird Bug PugJuly 18, 2011 at 3:36 AM

    have fun in DC, it's a great world capitol! far, far, far better than australia's. far better.

    my tip in DC is contacting your representatives and senators in congress for great behind the scenes tours of the capital building and the hallways underneath. a lot of times if their on committees you may get to see that area of the capital as well

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  36. nooneJuly 18, 2011 at 11:01 AM

    hope you have a great time in DC!! I've never been but from what I saw the pics it looks really pretty

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  37. Erin LianJuly 18, 2011 at 6:01 PM

    Oh my goodness have a lovely time!!! I hope you get to see the Pres!!!
    <3

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