Ahhh where to begin. First let me say that traveling with a 1 year old seemed as though it would be the most daunting task anyone could undertake. The packing, the planning, the organizing, the worrying: would her ears handle the pressure changes on the plane? what if she cries the whole flight? what will the other passengers think? what if we lose her luggage? what if something terrible happens to our plane? what if she gets sunburned while sight seeing? what if she gets heat exhaustion? what if she doesn't have enough snacks? what if she doesn't sleep well? what if she gets sick and we have to find a doctor? what if? what if? what if?
Let me just say now - Marie, you were unbelievable and all those "what ifs" were silly.
We started our trip with a drive to the Omaha Airport - Marie slept the whole way. We made it through security, ate our sack lunches, and we were off! Marie handled the first flight with sleep again and no tears from the pressure change. We had a quick stop in Milwaukee where Marie had some time to burn energy at a play place. We landed in D.C. with no problems and were picked up by Katie at the airport.
Day 1: Touring the National MallIt was hot, hot, hot, but we stayed in the shade as much as possible. We started with a picnic lunch near the Washington Monument. We moved on to WWII Memorial, Lincoln, Vietnam, and The White House. Marie was a little sleepy, but she held on tough. We ended the evening with a trip to the splash pad near Katie's apartment. Marie was timid at first, but she got the hang of it soon. Notice how Marie is choosing to break the rules?
Aunt Tina and Hunter joined us for the day. We hit up the National Zoo first with Aunt Katie, then we moved onto the Museum of Natural History. Marie really liked seeing the larger than life animals.
We saw a whale, dinosaurs (from South Dakota), and live butterflies fluttering around us too. Once again we ended with frozen yogurt and the splash pad. There's something about playing in the water and cooling down with a frozen treat that makes that hot day of walking worth it.
Day 3: Air & Space Museum/Museum of American History
We were joined by Tina and Hunter again as we toured some more museums. It was very hot so we decided to do indoor activities with the good ol' AC. Marie loved looking up at the planes hanging from the ceiling.
Also, we toured the exhibit featuring our very own Harold Neumann, father of Uncle Denis Neumann, one of the greatest American pilots.
We couldn't leave D.C. without taking Marie to the Carousel on the Mall. She wasn't so sure of it at first, but when it ended she was clapping for more!
Day 4: Union Station/Capitol
This was our final day of sight-seeing. We started with a trip on the metro to Union Station. Marie picked up a souvenir panda and enjoyed a strawberry malt. Again, it was very hot out, so we decided to take a lap around the capitol and head back to the AC. Marie was pretty tuckered out from all the sight-seeing, so she took a nice nap in the stroller while we walked. We got home just in time as a thunderstorm rolled in.
Another night at the splash pad rounded out another great day. While we were at the splash pad, Marie saw a black lab - she was sure it was Charlie and seemed confused as to why we were leaving him behind.
We woke up bright and early to make it to the airport for our flight home. We must have looked suspicious with all those sippy cups because we were chosen for some extra security searching. We passed (phew!) and made it to our flight just in time. Marie slept the entire flight to Milwaukee and quietly listened to stories during our final flight to Omaha. What a trooper.
It felt great to be back on land with our family safe from all our travels. Marie was such a big girl for the trip and we were so happy to take her on the adventure. I can't even imagine what she was thinking with all the new things she was able to experience. That being said, it was great to be back home! 
We all missed Charlie, especially Marie. The two of them spent the rest of the day cuddling. I am sure she was busy telling him all about her adventures in Washington D.C. and his adventures at "summer camp" kennel.
