When I was in the 8th grade, I got to go to Washington DC with my history teacher. The trip was fantastic and I now have a much greater appreciation for the work he did to make it happen.
I took a group of 18 to DC this past week. There were 4 adults and 14 kids. We returned with the same number, which was an accomplishment.
This is my friend Vicki. She joined us for a ghost tour in Old Town Alexandria and braved not only a crew of 8th graders hopped up on late night sugar, but a thunder and lightening storm. What a woman! 
The cherry blossoms were in bloom all around town. The tidal basin was phenomenal and I don't think the kids realized how lucky they were to see it that way. Next spring marks the trees 100th year (they were gifted from Japan) and our guide says she's fleeing the city until the hoards of looky-lous are gone. 
This is the interior of the lobby of the Library of Congress. I don't remember ever seeing it before and was duly impressed by the architecture and decor. So were the kids! 
Here's our crew, almost all of whom are wearing their newly purchased DC sweatshirts. We really did have a great time. The only major snafu was our return trip (thanks, Delta) which resulted in an unplanned overnight in Minneapolis and a return time 15+ hours later than scheduled. However, it was a success all in all and I think I'll brave it again in March 2013. 
