Day 3 - The Farm (not the CIA)

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Gretchen getting bouncy at the Capitol Today we took the Metro downtown and saw Smithsonian #1 - American History. Seeing the Star Spangled Banner was a highlight for me. I was surprised to find that in the 1800s, the owner cut pieces off of it and gave them as mementos to their friends. We also walked over to the White House and did a bunch of reading at the White House visitor center. Gretchen asked me if I thought we'd see any Secret Service guys. I pointed out three black cars that drove past over the next 10 minutes and informed her that THOSE guys were Secret Service.

After taking the train back out to Alexandria, we drove out to Warrenton VA - where Tracey's uncle and aunt live. On the train M&G bickered about whether or not DC was part of the US or not. Gretchen took the negative position mostly because it annoyed Melinda. In VA, we had dinner with Tom (aka Tuck, Tommy) and then went to see his farm. The girls had never seen the house that Gramma Kendall (nee Greene) grew up in. Bonus, he's raising beef cattle so we got to see some cows.

Spot, Spots and 'Stampede'When Gretchen realized that they were beef cows, not petting zoo cows she said, "Awww..." Ironic given her quarter pound burger for dinner. Thus I replied, "What did you think he would do with them 'Hamburger Girl'?" He showed us eight or so 6-8month olds. "Do you ever name them?" asked Daughter number 2. Surpsied that he does not, she christened them, "Spot", "Spots" and "Stampede." Melinda's favorite part of the farm was the cats, which at times she claimed liked, or did not like her.

For those keeping track at home, it's been over 48 hours since Melinda had a chance to swim. Today was mostly rainy - not good swimming weather. Tomorrow's looking a bit better. Certainly by the weekend we ought to be able to rehydrate our fish.

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