This weekend, we decided to go to the National Zoo in DC. Neither of us had ever been there and Ellie wanted to see a panda, so we figured why not? It is technically free after all, if you don't count the $20 for parking (seriously?) and the fact that we, you know, pay taxes.
Then, Husband had a brilliant beyond brilliant idea: lets stay overnight and use some of those gazillion Hilton points he's earned traveling the country! So we did. And it was so fun!
We went to the zoo and the aquarium, the Natural History Museum, saw the Washington Monument and the White House and walked along the Mall. (Which thoroughly confused Ellie. "I thought you said this was the mall?")
The hotel we stayed at was amazing. I'm 90% sure that our suite was as big as our first apartment and had a view of the capital building and the monument to boot. The hotel was, of course, the "most funnest part" due to the pool, elevators and huge tray of fresh Krispy Kremes at breakfast. Seriously – if you go to DC, stay here. The Krispy Kremes alone are worth it. Mmmmm….
It was great to get away – just the five of us – even if it was just for a day. We had a great time on our "Family Fun Weekend." No laundry, no Blackberries, no yardwork, no schedule – just spending time together. Our kids were great – they were so excited just to be there and were thrilled to get to go on a trip.
If you can, I highly recommend running away from home!
About Melissa
Oh so fun! GOOD for you!
fun stuff. LOVE embassy suites
and great weather this past weekend too!! 
HOW FUN!! What a truly awesome family fun weekend!!! Good for you guys!
I LOVE DC! We never stay over night, but we always go every year. (This year we’re waiting for it to not be 1000 degrees outside) BTW, did you find that the Philly zoo was better? Luke and I went to the DC zoo about 2 years ago and were so unimpressed that we decided just to stick with the Philly zoo from now on. It is, after all, closer!
the zoo was NOT impressive. except for the panda, it really was poorly laid out and the kids were pretty bored.
Philly zoo is MUCH better.
I love DC….want to go again. I agree…Philly zoo is better. But you have to go see the Pandas.
Would it be bad if I ran away from home by myself? Sometimes, a weekend alone sounds wonderful!
Obviously I need to run away considering I haven’t been to visit in almost four days! It looks like you all had a blast in DC. We enjoy going to visit for the day, but I haven’t spent the night before. My parents live about an hour away so we usually hop on the metro and get there in about a half hour. It has been forever since we have went to the zoo so maybe we’ll have to make a weekend trip there soon. Thanks for inspiring me to get away!!