We stood in a line where we had to show our ID and they had to confirm our reservation. We were told it was a self-guided tour and it could take anywhere from 10 minutes to 45 minutes depending on how much time we spent walking through the rooms. They also told us that if we had any questions, to ask the secret service agents standing around the rooms.
So, we headed into the White House taking our time. The first area we entered was a hallway with portraits of various Presidents and First Families on one side and the other side with glass windows facing the south lawn. As we approached the end of the hallway, we encountered the first secret service agent. He was dressed in black from head to toe and was carrying a very large black duffle bag filled with what we believed to be weapons. As we were looking around some more in that area...two more heavily armed secret service members rushed to the area. They did NOT seem as though they were going to entertain any of our questions regarding the White House. In fact, they seemed to not even notice us or care about us. They looked as though they were about to exit the french doors facing the south lawn. It kind of dawned on us and some of the people around us, that something was about to happen. However, we just went about our business and entered the first room on the tour. It was the green room. Matt Lauer recently did an interview with President Obama in that room.
James was particularly friendly with, let's just say HALF of DC, while we were on our trip. He went up to any and everybody and said, "hi, I'm James" and "nice to meetchya!" Upon entering the green room, we saw the first of the secret service agents that was more likely the ones we were told to ask questions. This lady was dressed in a more police officer looking uniform, rather than swat team-ish uniform. James went straight over to her and did his whole friendly act. He chatted as we looked around. The lady was getting such a kick out of him, that she called me over and whispered, "If you stand right here in this window, you can see Marine One land soon." Ahhh...THAT'S what was up with the "men in black" act we had seen earlier.
So, we did just that. We lingered and waited in that window until we saw Marine One approach. It was such a sight. From this particular window, you could see the Washington Monument directly ahead in the distance and to the right, you could see the side of the Jefferson Memorial. It was such a beautiful day too. As the helicopter approached, it passed over the White House. That's because there are actually three Marine One helicopters. Only one lands. So, you never know which one the President is in. A second Marine One approached and then ever so slowly landed in a seemingly tiny space between the trees on the South Lawn. It looked as though it was going to be just out of view because of the pillars on the front of the White House, but sure enough, it moved forward just before landing and we had the best view of it! And it wasn't nearly as far away from the White House as it seems when you see it land on television. Once the rotors stopped, the door opened and we had a straight-lined view of the open door! First a Marine exited. Then some other person...don't know who it was...and then the PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES! He walked out, waved to some people in the area where we had ID's checked, and then walked across the lawn to the White House!!! It was by far, the coolest thing we got to witness while on our trip. The boys were both in awe that they got to see the PRESIDENT and the helicopter!
Just to show what window we were standing in...I'm adding this picture I got from the internet. The window you can see best on the floor where the pillars begin, is the window where we were standing!
We completed the rest of our tour on such a high. We were able to take pictures once we exited the north side of the White House and once we got passed the pillars. So, we snapped a couple of pictures with our iPhones.
After our White House tour, we headed over to the Capitol as quickly as we could to catch our tour there. The last time we did the tour, there were some renovations being done and it wasn't the full tour. They have completed a visitors center section that was very well done. We also got to see a movie to start out the tour this time. They also provided everyone with headphones so we could hear the tour guide whether we were near her or far from her. The tour was great! Even the boys didn't mind it.
We didn't have enough time to go back to the hotel to get our camera for Capitol pictures, so again, we snapped a few with the iPhone.
Below. If you stand on that circle on the floor, you're standing in four different zipcodes of Washington DC.
Jack listening to our tour guide.
Once we wrapped up the Capitol tour, we headed to Union Station. We ate a late lunch, got dessert, and walked around. It was kind of like a mall. It had shops and eateries and a Barnes & Noble.
We wrapped up our day and headed back to our hotel via Metro from Union Station. I must say, James was a HUGE fan of the Metro....and the people on the Metro. He cozied himself right up next to a young guy that was sleeping. I told James that that man is taking his nap, to not disturb him. He could hardly contain himself though, and gave the guy a tap on the arm. He woke up and James said, "see Mom, he's not napping!" Good thing the guy was a good sport about it.
I honestly believe James made friends with half of DC! Our next day, the rally day, was his heaven on the Metro!
so cool Jen! What a neat experience for the boys! I loved catching up the other day. I miss ya girl.
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