One of the many things that I hope to accomplish this year is to explore more.  SO many places I have never been, so many things I have not seen.  My first journey of the year was to Washington, DC last Saturday.  I have been up to DC many times but never to walk around or site see.  Almost always I was there for a concert and only had time for the concert.  My good friend Katherine agreed to come along for the fun and we set out for a full day of metro riding, museum visiting and city walking.

Right after we jumped off the metro into DC we ran across Ford's Theatre.  It was crazy to not only see the place where Lincoln was shot but to see the house across the street where he died.  Its a cool thing to see these places and have all the stories from the history books come popping in my head.  On a another note, I really want to see Lincoln!

I just thought it was funny to have this historical site right next to a Hard Rock Cafe...

Our only real plans for the day were to visit the National Portrait Gallery and the Spy Museum.  Unfortunately didn't find time to go in the Spy Museum....but it is a must for next time!!

But we did make it inside here...

Loved, loved, loved looking at all the portraits.  The collection spanned hundreds of years and included just about every important figure in American history.  They had a separate Civil War section, an Amelia Earhart room and of course The Presidential Portrait gallery.

And this guy...

Of course I had to take a photo of TJ....

And there was no question from first glance that this was a Chuck Close....which I thought was super awesome to be chosen as Clinton's portrait.

We were advised by some friends to check out Capital City Brewing Company while we were there and to get the nachos.  

Bad advise! Service was pretty terrible until we were about to leave and a Steelers fan started bartending.  We made quick friends (and quick free drinks) before heading out.  He was the only thing that saved that place from the complete bad review.

Here Katherine is using her IPHONE to get us directions and this guy going for the photobomb.  He was super proud of himself so I thought he should make the blog.

Just because I always have to take my photo in a reflection to prove I was there...

After nachos the sun had set and so we headed towards the Lincoln Memorial (which neither one of us had ever been to).

The Washington Monument from an overpass...

Katherine humored me by posing for this picture...I love that she will do anything fun.

I loved this.  One man and his tripod. (I sooo wished I had one with me that night)

Can't wait for the new adventure!