Washington DC

Dennis had his annual Medical Devise Manufacturing Association in Washington DC this past week.  Now that I'm officially an empty nester, I went along. It's been about 15 or so years since I've been there and in previous visits, we always went with at least a couple of kids. This time I was able to pick and choose the things I wanted to see and do. It was nice. I walked a ton!! (I had my first 25,000 step day.)

 It was National Police Week in DC so there were thousands of police and their families in the city. At National Law Enforcement Officials Memorial Park there was a set up for the officers killed in the line of duty. It was very sobering and touching. The poster for officer Cory Rider who was recently killed here in Utah was very easy to spot. It was the one with a beautiful bride and a happy groom in front of a temple. Their family did a really good job on the poster showing what kinds of things were important to Officer Ride; his family, his church, his friends and his fellow officers.



Dennis had to go to meetings but I stayed out and watched the police officer parade. There were police battalions from all over the US and some from Canada. It was very touching.

It

I kind of wish police cars still looked like this. 

At least you could spot them and recognize them long before they start flashing their lights at you!

Needless to say, I felt very safe walking around the city all week.

 I love sidewalk cafes like this one. It was a bit to cold for this one to be busy yet but I'm sure on a warm summers day this place is a very welcome oasis for tired tourists. If I remember correctly, it is not far from the White House.

 One of the places I wanted to see was the National Cathedral. I love going into the great cathedrals of Europe. They are always so beautiful and have so much history to share. I was curious to see how our cathedral compared. I have to admit I was disappointed. I don't know if it was the slightly overcast day or what but the stained glass windows were okay but not spectacular. I know that there have been special events held here but if there were plaques, statues or tapestry marking the event, I didn't see them.

I think I found the embassy of the Netherlands on embassy row.

 I needed Dennis with me on that little tour since he is a wealth of knowledge 

when it comes to country flags.

Me and Abe

Andrew worked with Devin Wiser to get me a tour of the Capitol Building. Devin was busy so I got a personal tour by a new intern from Ogden. It was still very interesting and fun to get to have a one on one discussion about the things that make the capitol so special. After we got back from the Capitol, Devin was at able to come out visit for a bit. It was so great to see him being all grown up.

I'm so glad I was able to go. It was a great trip. Thanks Dear.