DC: The National Mall Tour

This was hands down the BEST experience of the trip.  Grandma Lynn scheduled us an evening bike tour of the entire National Mall. Even better?  We all got E-bikes to make the pedalling even easier......well all of us except Bob.  He got to ride tandem with Evie with no E in his bike.

Our first stop was the Jefferson Memorial.  I have been to all of these places before, but each time I see them I am blown away at there grandeur.  The attention to detail is amazing.

Our next stop on the tour was the expansive FDR Memorial which was our favorite by far. The Memorial is broken up into 4 different sections representing his 4 terms. 

We had to do yoga of course.

Grandmas choice of helmet directions made us giggle.

Evie read books about both FDR and Eleanor.  We learned about the Fireside Chats and his entire history.  Evie loved it.

Our next stop was the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.  Such an incredible man. The monument is cut right out of the stone.  There is so much symbolism here and honestly, I could have stayed here all evening.

We also made a family pact to bring the girls back in 50 years to check out this time capsule.  I will most likely be a Grandma then. WOW.

Lincoln was the next on the list.  This place always gives me goosebumps.  It was quite busy when we arrived, but still every bit as magical.

I especially love the view from the steps of Lincoln.  Its just spectacular and seeing the Washington Memorial across the water is pretty awe inspiring.

The Korean, Vietnam, and World War II Memorials were next and all I can say is that while amazing and heart wrenching, they are solemn places.  Full of beauty and symmetry, mixed with loss and a reminder of suffering.  I do love that the places are full of people sitting, laughing, kids running, and joy.  Its a blaring contrast and I love that Lily and Evie got to experience it.

 The tour finished at the Washington Memorial.  Although all of us were exhausted and ready to turn in for the night, the experience was perfect and I love that we got to experience all of these places in one spectacular bike tour.