The National Mall - Washington, D.C.

Dear Diary,
After our tour of the U.S. Capital, we explored more of the city and the National Mall. We didn't have time to venture into any of the Smithsonian institutions, which presents a good reason to return.

Just across from the Capital building stood the Supreme Court. We were not allowed inside.

So we headed towards the Mall, stopping first to eat at a delicious Mexican restaurant located near the White House, MXDC Cocina Mexicana. The margaritas hit the spot and our lunch was divine!

The Washington Monument 

The World War II Memorial with the reflection pond and Lincoln Memorial in the background 

In addition to the WWII Memorial, we also took in the Vietnam Memorial. And while the WWII Memorial seemed to pay tribute to the world at war and the states' contributions, the Vietnam Memorial was much more personal.

The kids and I walked the expanse of the wall, observing the vast number of names etched into the slabs. At our feet were small tributes left by families, some of which included the names, ages, causes of death and locations served. To read that, and then locate the name and rub our fingers across the etching, made the experience so haunting that I will never forget it.

 MLK, Jr. Memorial

The kids' learned about the significance of those immortalized by these monuments in school. To have had the opportunity to bring them to these places, and watch them connect their lessons to a physical, personal experience was impactful. Their eyes lit up, and it made it that much more real.

The Jefferson Memorial was closed for restoration 

A cool tree we passed while exploring 

View of the Capital building from our hotel rooftop

Another site I'd like to tour when we return, because I have a morbid fascination, is Ford's Theater. We also ran out of time to pay our respects at Arlington. Though I'm grateful to have had these experiences in D.C., I know I've just barely scratched the surface.

The U.S. Capital - Washington, D.C.

Dear Diary,
A national lacrosse tournament brought us to the East Coast (where the boys placed in the Top 5!), and we had some time to explore the D.C. area.

Our first stop was a free tour of the Capital. Public passes are available on a "first come first serve" basis, and we arrived early enough to secure some.

The tour granted us access to three rooms in the building, one of which being the iconic rotunda. This is the room where former Presidents lie in state for the public to pay their respect - the last of whom, was President George H.W. Bush.

The story of our nation is told through the priceless paintings, sculptures and reliefs that adorn the walls. You cannot help but feel a sense of pride as you absorb your surroundings. I also felt a little sad, standing there - I feel as though our current administration abandoned the very principles and ideals that make this country so unique and spectacular. Out of many, one - out of so many different people and perspectives, one nation arises. It is my hope that soon, we can return to those ideals.

Washington, D.C. was built on the backs of slave laborers, another fact our tour guide said repeatedly.

Another room we were able to tour, is a crypt. It's original intent was to serve as George Washington's tomb, but it took 33 years to build! Descendants of Washington aren't too keen on moving the remains from Mount Vernon to the Capital building, so for now, the crypt remains empty.

We passed the offices of the Speaker of the House to see the third and final room - the Hall of Statues. Here, each state is able to vote to send two statues of iconic figures that shaped their history. I am officially on a mission to petition Minnesota to send a statue of Prince.

The U.S. Capital is certainly a symbol of our government, and an awe-inspiring marvel of art and craftsmanship.

A Texas-Sized Lazy River - Houston

Dear Diary,
The last leg of our Spring Break travels brought us to Houston, Texas.

We splurged on an overnight stay at the downtown Marriott Marquis, and our room overlooked Minute Maid Park - home of the Astros.

My sports-enthusiast child marveled at the proximity.

(The oil refineries could be seen at the edge of the horizon.)

(It was crazy to think that so much of this city was so devastated by Hurricane Harvey.)

While my son took in the stadium, I honed in on the one old Victorian home that seemed so out of place amongst the sleek, modern skyscrapers.

It's the Cohn House, and I can only imagine the grand splendor it once boasted.

Built in 1905, the home was originally located on Rusk. The city purchased the landmark in 2003 and moved it to its current location.

From what I gather, it was the home of Arthur Benjamin Cohn, a businessman who helped found Rice University in 1912. A few years later he sold the house and the surrounding land. As downtown spread outward and upward, the home cycled through various owners and fell into disrepair.

The city plans to one day turn it into a visitor's center at the cost of over $80 million. There was the hope that it would be completed by the 2017 Super Bowl, but for some reason, the plans fell through.

The property remains in its abandoned state as it has for years. I believe the city still intends to restore the home as a visitor's center, but it is not known when it will move forward.

I hope it does soon. I'd hate to hear of this piece of history being torn down.

The rest of the day was spent at the hotel's Texas-shaped lazy river and infinity pool. At a maximum depth of 3-foot, we were able to relax poolside while the kids expelled their energy before dinner.

Where we ate - Ninfa's, 2704 Navigation Blvd.
... And the fact that I have zero pictures should tell you how delicious the traditional Mexican cuisine was. Get a table on the outdoor patio!

The Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ

Dear Diary,
There are few words I can use to describe the majesty and the magic of the Red Rocks that surround Sedona.

Founded in 1902, the city sits at an elevation of over 4,000 feet. The vibe of the downtown area is artistic - explorative, even. Alongside the galleries are small shops that offer aura photography, psychic readings, tarot card readings, and fortune telling. Plenty more sell crystals.

It's all inspired by the numerous vortexes in and around Sedona.

Should we ever find ourselves with more than a half hour to spare, I'd love to explore the mystery and spirituality that spirals everywhere you turn.

My first impression of Sedona, as you can see, was of its stunning horizon. But enough talk - the pictures are enough to convey.

(The trail we hiked ...) 

I cannot wait to explore and discover more.