Washington DC

I had mentioned in a previous post that Jeremy was awarded a scholarship through his work, and we got to go on a trip to Washington DC to receive the award.  I was really, really proud of him before, but after going on this trip, I am even prouder--as if that is possible!  Navy Federal made such a BIG deal about this scholarship!!  They pampered us and made us feel special the entire time!  There aren't many companies out there like Navy Federal...they are even on the list of the top 100 companies to work for and now I see why!

My amazing parents kept BOTH kids for the 4 days we were gone.  I had pumped enough breastmilk for John Thomas so that he wouldn't have to have any formula while I was gone.  I did have to take my pump with me on the trip, and I wound up having to "pump & dump" because there was no way for me to bring it back (no way to keep it cold & couldn't take it on the plane with me).  Those of you who have breastfed know what that might feel like!  It's like pouring liquid gold down the drain!!  But, I must stay it was worth it to go on the trip! :)

So, we flew out of Montgomery on Thursday morning...well, I guess it kind of turned into lunch time because Montgomery airport is AWFUL.  It was a little foggy that morning, but all the fog had burned off by 10am, but there was still no airplane in sight.  Because of this we missed our connecting flight to Atlanta.  Picture this--me and Jeremy literally running through the Atlanta airport--I even took my shoes off so I could run faster (those of you who really know me know that I HATE for my feet to touch unclean floors--yeah, I'm a freak).  We missed boarding our plane by FOUR minutes!!  Insane!  It was okay though.  We got the next flight out and just enjoyed spending time with each other.

We got to DC about 4:00 and took a taxi to our hotel.  We passed by a gas station in downtown DC, and guess how much gas prices were--$5.35--NO LIE!!  I wish I had my camera out and could have taken a picture!!  We checked into our hotel and freshened up a little bit.  We decided to take a little walking tour and grab dinner that night.

 Jeremy at dinner--we have a lot of shots "just by ourselves" since we didn't have anyone to take our picture!

 This is where we wound up eating.  It was fabulous!  We both had steak, and we sat outside.  It was fun to watch the people passing by--most in suits.  We talked about what their jobs might be, etc.  Jeremy is fascinated with politics, so this is the perfect place for us to be!

 Me--looking like I still have some pounds to lose before summer time!!

 This is in front of the White House---you can barely see it in the background.  DC is swarming with police!!  It makes sense.  There was a cop standing right by as we took the picture--do I really look like the crazy person who tried to jump the fence a few months back?? ;)  

Friday morning we got up and went to Navy Federal's Headquarters.  It's actually located in Virgina.  It's a MASSIVE office building.  From start to end it's over a quarter of a mile long--that's a lot of cubicals, y'all!!  We ate a fabulous lunch with all of the top executives of the company.  They are all so friendly and were truly interested in our lives.  It was a bit surprising to me that they really seemed to care so much.  I can imagine that they are all really busy. They gave us a long tour.  The people who work there are super friendly--like I have never seen before!  I kept comparing it to Alfa in my mind because that's the only type of office that I have to compare it to.  They are worlds apart on so many different levels.

 This was the set up of the stage that the awards were presented on.

 Jeremy & the CEO of Navy Federal--Cultler Dawson.  He presented Jeremy his award.  Mr. Dawson is truly such a nice man!!  We had a lot of interaction with him, and he is genuinely kind & gentle. 

 They had a fabulous reception after the ceremony with lots of yummy food.  Everything was set up so nicely!  

After our day, we went back to the hotel and changed clothes.  We walked the streets again and came across a fabulous Italian restaurant.  It reminded me a lot of being in Europe.  

 At dinner....

 The outside of the restaurant.  

 outside of our hotel 

 Hadley loves flowers & loves to pick flowers...we took this picture to show her all of the pretty flowers. 

Jeremy and I have both been to DC before, so we've done most of the "big" sites except for the Holocaust Museum.  I know it sounds crazy that this is at the top of my list to see, but as a History teacher, I really, really wanted to go.  I don't understand how massive amounts of people followed such an evil man and agreed to these horrific killings of innocent people.  I believe that history repeats itself, and it's essential to educate ourselves to prevent something like this from happening again!

Saturday night Navy Federal Hosted a big Gala to honor the recipients of the awards that had been given.  There were 1800 people there--no joke!!  It's the biggest event I've ever seen!!

 My hubby's name under the Marle Miller Scholarship Award!!

 Jeremy in front of the sign with all of the awards listed.

 This was the lobby inside of the hotel.  That thing in the middle is supposed to replicate the Washington Monument.  There were so many people there!

 My place setting at the dinner.

 Our table number---we had an excellent table & view!!

 The only picture I got of both of us on my camera--we do have some more with the professional photographer, but I don't have those pics yet!  :(

This is what I looked at while we waited for our flight--see the Capitol in the background?? :)  Not a bad sight.  I'm PROUD to be an American!!

This view was pretty good too!!

Jeremy, I love you so much, and I'm so proud of all of your accomplishments!  Thank you for working so hard for our family!