Hugging the President and headed to FL!

We had a great time in Washington DC.

Tuesday we first went to Ford's Theater where President Lincoln was shot and then to the house next door where he died. They had a great audio program that was for kids and the kids really enjoyed it as they went through the museum.

Sitting in Ford's Theater

Looking into the area Lincoln was sitting in when he was shot.

In the bedroom that Lincoln was taken to and over 8 hrs later died.

Spencer, Luke, Logan

At lunchtime Chiccos brought jewelry and other goodies for all the mom's to choose from to take home with them. What a really nice thing to do for all of us moms.

We decided to stop by the Old Post Office first and go up in the tower to see Washington DC. We have National Park Pass Books were you place stamps in the books when you go to a certain National Park designated area. This was one place we were able to receive a stamp at.

Up on the top of the tower (right before a severe thunderstorm).

Coming down the elevator.

In front of the Old Post Office.

Then we headed to the Museum of American History. We made it just in time as a Tornado Warning was posted and a very bad rain storm hit!

Luke in front of Roberto Clemente's jersey.

Logan in front of a Apache Helicopter (?... I may be making the type up!)

Carline, Logan and Luke in front of steel beams from the World Trade Center from 9/11/01.

As you can see Luke was totally wiped out by now and fell asleep.

Went to go see the Washington Monument but it was being repaired from the earthquake that happened in DC in the past year. Logan and Carline are holding it up the Monument.

That night we went to the pool and had a fun night swimming. Many of the other Champion families and their children were there as well. 

Wednesday AM we had to get everything packed up and downstairs to load onto the trucks taking the suitcases to the airport. We then ate brunch at the Corner Bakery and before lunchtime headed over to the White House (just a block and a half away from us). 

After security clearance we finally made it in. 

Carline, Luke and Logan in the White House.

Because Luke was in his chair (from being so wiped out from the past few days) we got to see some interesting parts of the White House so we could get to where others took steps. 

Waiting to see President Obama with all the families and Laura (AKA Miss America 2012).

Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures while President Obama was in the room. We will get some pictures from the White House Photographer (and I have some coming via email from family members who did get some cell phone photos). We were split into 2 groups with each group having the children who were Champions in the front row then the families in the back rows. First Bo the First Dog came in and sat for pictures with the groups. Then President Obama came in and he and Laura (Miss America) took pictures with the two groups after he said a few words to the group. Our group was first and he shook a few hands/high fived a few kids then took the picture and went onto the other group next to us. He did high fives with all the children and some of the parents in that group and took the picture with them as well. To his credit he realized not all the children in Luke's group got to give him a high five so he came back for high fives. He went up to each of the children and gave them and some of the parents high fives. When he got in front of Luke, Luke decided a high five just wasn't enough so he gave him a big Bear Hug! You can see the meeting here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9_9LLuN7mH4

at 4:40 is when the meeting starts until 5:15. Then go to 5:30 and you will see the big hug! I'm just glad the Secret Service didn't tackle him!

Out front after our tour of the White House.

With their Presidential Boxes of M&Ms (which were promptly emptied!!).

We headed back to the hotel and then off to the airport for our Private Delta flight called Champions 1.

Bridget (from Maryland) and Luke. Luke loved Bridget since she reminded him a his little sister Kyara who is also 4 years old. Though he said Bridget was much nicer!!

Here it is Champions1. We actually rode out onto the Tarmac in our buses and after a security check right there we boarded the plane. All the Delta staff was so awesome. One of the Pilots helped Luke get settled in his seat and welcomed him onto the plane. Delta really did such a fantastic job making this a trip of the lifetime for the children and their families. I had the pleasure of speaking with Greg and LaSondra (I think I have her name right.. I am so bad with names) from Delta and they are such great people. 

Before take off we got a Water Gun Salute from the fire engines at the airport in Washington DC... then when we landed the Orlando airport fire engines did it as well.. that was really cool.

Getting some homework done on the plane. Squeezing it in was challenging at times but since the kids were missing many days of school we needed to find time when we could.

Relaxing and watching some TV. We all got first class meals on the plane... Delta really went over the top!

Coming soon... Orlando, Florida with CMN 2012!