Thankful Thursday & The Blue Line Train

Cooper didn't have school on Monday. I promised him that we'd do something fun and planned a quick trip to DC. Since my parents are safely back on US soil, I asked whether they wanted to meet us.

They took the train down for the day and we met at Union Station.



I love a good reunion!!

I'm thankful for being able to spend such quality time with Cooper and my parents!


My dad is HUGE into history....and never misses a teaching moment.



And my mom...she's just thrilled to spend time with her grandson and find out what's happening in that little head of his.



I am thankful that my parents are so invested in Cooper. They shower him not only with love but with stories, experiences, wisdom and memories that can only come from grandparents.

We had the best time touring the city. We saw the Capitol..



The Lincoln Memorial...


(Thanks Dad for capturing proof that I was there!!)

The view from the Washington Monument...



And perhaps the most unexpected sight....an old friend!



I am thankful that we live in such close proximity to this wonderful city- and that I had the opportunity to experience each of these places all over again with Cooper.

While we were waiting to take the tour of the Washington Monument, there were lots of people milling about. There was one family talking between themselves in another language and they seemed concerned. Finally, the dad went to talk to the Park Ranger. He was asking about tickets to take the tour....and how much they cost.

The Range said, "Oh, there is no cost- the tickets are free."
And the man looked at him and said, "But we aren't American citizens."

The Ranger smiled and said this,
"Sir, the tickets are free for everybody. We're happy to have you here"

I wanted to hug that Ranger.



I am thankful to live in this country- where tickets to our national treasures are free and where we celebrate our freedom daily.



This was the view as we walked towards the Lincoln Memorial.

I am thankful for the incredible colors of fall...and the way the air smells at this time of year. I love the crisp air and the sound of leaves crunching under my feet

At the end of the day, we took my parents back to Union Station and started on the trip back to our car. We needed to take the Blue Line Train. And we did.

The train was packed because it was rush hour and people were everywhere. Cooper had a seat, but I stood. And as we rolled along, I listened to the stops and thought it a little odd that they didn't seem familiar.

There was a reason for that. We were on the right train- we were going the wrong direction. Ughh.

No worries- it was just an additional 60 minute ride to our actual destination. Cooper had his nose in a book....and found it thrilling to be the only ones on the Blue Line Train.



And really, we had no schedule and Jon knew we were safe....so we sat back and enjoyed the ride.

We had a fantastic day! But when it comes down to it....there's no place like home!



I'm thankful for our home- and for the changes to our living room made with Layla's talented guidance. I was blown away with the response to her post and to the kind bloggers who stopped by to visit and left such thoughtful words. Many thanks to all of you!

What are you thankful for?