Blog #HMSDC15
Day 4 - Friday - Day 4 is always the toughest. It near the end, we are all tired, and it is usually hot and we have to go to Arlington National Cemetery. For whatever reasons, it is just rough up there, and I have seen my share of people pass out and throw up on the trip up.
We started by making our kids drink water and more water before we headed up. We saw the changing of the guard, two Presidents, a life funeral, and many other people.
After that, we headed for lunch, and then the National Archives. The kids seemed to really like the Declaration and Constitution as they learned about them all year. Only 1,000 or so National Treasure, let's steal the D.O.I. comments. We then saw Embassy row, and then the beautiful National Cathedral. It is so big, you could lay the Washington monument down inside of it.
Then we hit the FDR, and MLK memorials. After that, dinner, and then we are separated to a few more things. Cupcakes in Georgetown, Lincoln Memorial at night, Washington Monument and more.
1 more day. Making memories.
Day 3 Thursday - First off, about 300 people either laughed at our shirt, wanted it, or took pictures with it. It was just a great one to wear to the capitol.
We woke up and after a good night sleep, we headed to the Capitol for our group photo. We thought it was going to be in front of the Lincoln, but they moved us back. We then headed inside the Capitol, and we got to look around the old House and Senate chambers. The kids seemed to really enjoy being up on "the hill" We then booked it to the Library of Congress, and then to Ford's Theatre. Our Ranger who talked was AWESOME and gave a pretty good account of Lincoln's Assassination. We then immediately loaded into the buses to go to Fort McHenry. Most Forts don't live to the hype, but this one does. Just amazing. This is where the Battle of Fort McHenry happened and it gave us our Star Spangled Banner. Even cooler, the kids got to help take down the old stars and stripes. After that, we went to see the Baltimore Orioles vs. Red Soxs play. The kids had a great time, got a shout out on TV, and were on the Jumbo tron like 4 times. The O's pulled out a big victory too. Great day. Tomorrow. Arlington National Cemetery, Archives, and more. Our pictures are loaded on Facebook and #HMSDC15.
Day 2 Wednesday: After a busy first day, we wake up and grab breakfast and pack all our stuff to go to D.C. But not without checking out a little more Philadelphia. We load up and head out. We start by checking out the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. Depending on which park ranger you had, the tour was either good or loud. J
After checking out those big check lists, we checked out the 2nd Bank of The US, (in our Andrew Jackson shirts no less, giggle) and also saw Ben Franklin’s gift shop, Carpenter’s Hall, and lots of other small little shops and buildings around Philly. Also, if the question is ever who did this, or who is it named after, just say Ben Franklin. After a GREAT lunch full of Cheesesteaks, Pretzels, and other goodies at Reading Market Terminal, we ran up the Rocky stairs, and then peaced out to go to D.C.
After a short drive and a shorter nap, we arrived in D.C. We checked out the Einstein monument, then hit Vietnam, Korea, and Lincoln. I just love Lincoln and the reflecting pool. After all of that, we headed to dinner at Buca Di Bepppos, and had great Chicken Parmesan and then Mr. Shelton bought everyone Cheesecake for dessert. What a real hero. After that, we headed to Congressional Cemetery for a quick Ghost tour, involving John Adams, William Wirt, and the Crypt of 4 former Presidents and Dolly Madison. We headed back to the hotel and finally got everyone to bed. What a great Day 2.
Also, a quick shout out to our guides, Tim, Clift, and Mike. They get 8th graders which isn’t easy and they make our tours fun. We are lucky to have them.
Day 1 Tuesday: The kids were fantastic today. Friendships and memories being made left and right. We got everyone on both flights through security pretty fast and the planes both landed so early, they didn’t have a spot for us to unload and we had to wait. Even the flight attendants and other passengers said how great HMS did their tour.
Both groups did a lot of walking. We also had some good food for lunch at several different locations.
Groups saw, Independence hall, Liberty Bell, Christ’s church, The Franklin Institute, Everything Ben Franklin, Played some kickball, dinner at Hardrock, and saw the Rocky Statue. Also, when you get a chance, google Eastern State Penitentiary. It was the highlight of the day. It was just AMAZING! It is a partially preserved, destroyed, and returned to nature Prison. Just awesome and the kids loved it. It looks like a giant castle.
I’m tired. And need to get ready for a big day tomorrow. DC, here we come!
We started by making our kids drink water and more water before we headed up. We saw the changing of the guard, two Presidents, a life funeral, and many other people.
After that, we headed for lunch, and then the National Archives. The kids seemed to really like the Declaration and Constitution as they learned about them all year. Only 1,000 or so National Treasure, let's steal the D.O.I. comments. We then saw Embassy row, and then the beautiful National Cathedral. It is so big, you could lay the Washington monument down inside of it.
Then we hit the FDR, and MLK memorials. After that, dinner, and then we are separated to a few more things. Cupcakes in Georgetown, Lincoln Memorial at night, Washington Monument and more.
1 more day. Making memories.
Day 3 Thursday - First off, about 300 people either laughed at our shirt, wanted it, or took pictures with it. It was just a great one to wear to the capitol.
We woke up and after a good night sleep, we headed to the Capitol for our group photo. We thought it was going to be in front of the Lincoln, but they moved us back. We then headed inside the Capitol, and we got to look around the old House and Senate chambers. The kids seemed to really enjoy being up on "the hill" We then booked it to the Library of Congress, and then to Ford's Theatre. Our Ranger who talked was AWESOME and gave a pretty good account of Lincoln's Assassination. We then immediately loaded into the buses to go to Fort McHenry. Most Forts don't live to the hype, but this one does. Just amazing. This is where the Battle of Fort McHenry happened and it gave us our Star Spangled Banner. Even cooler, the kids got to help take down the old stars and stripes. After that, we went to see the Baltimore Orioles vs. Red Soxs play. The kids had a great time, got a shout out on TV, and were on the Jumbo tron like 4 times. The O's pulled out a big victory too. Great day. Tomorrow. Arlington National Cemetery, Archives, and more. Our pictures are loaded on Facebook and #HMSDC15.
Day 2 Wednesday: After a busy first day, we wake up and grab breakfast and pack all our stuff to go to D.C. But not without checking out a little more Philadelphia. We load up and head out. We start by checking out the Liberty Bell, and Independence Hall. Depending on which park ranger you had, the tour was either good or loud. J
After checking out those big check lists, we checked out the 2nd Bank of The US, (in our Andrew Jackson shirts no less, giggle) and also saw Ben Franklin’s gift shop, Carpenter’s Hall, and lots of other small little shops and buildings around Philly. Also, if the question is ever who did this, or who is it named after, just say Ben Franklin. After a GREAT lunch full of Cheesesteaks, Pretzels, and other goodies at Reading Market Terminal, we ran up the Rocky stairs, and then peaced out to go to D.C.
After a short drive and a shorter nap, we arrived in D.C. We checked out the Einstein monument, then hit Vietnam, Korea, and Lincoln. I just love Lincoln and the reflecting pool. After all of that, we headed to dinner at Buca Di Bepppos, and had great Chicken Parmesan and then Mr. Shelton bought everyone Cheesecake for dessert. What a real hero. After that, we headed to Congressional Cemetery for a quick Ghost tour, involving John Adams, William Wirt, and the Crypt of 4 former Presidents and Dolly Madison. We headed back to the hotel and finally got everyone to bed. What a great Day 2.
Also, a quick shout out to our guides, Tim, Clift, and Mike. They get 8th graders which isn’t easy and they make our tours fun. We are lucky to have them.
Day 1 Tuesday: The kids were fantastic today. Friendships and memories being made left and right. We got everyone on both flights through security pretty fast and the planes both landed so early, they didn’t have a spot for us to unload and we had to wait. Even the flight attendants and other passengers said how great HMS did their tour.
Both groups did a lot of walking. We also had some good food for lunch at several different locations.
Groups saw, Independence hall, Liberty Bell, Christ’s church, The Franklin Institute, Everything Ben Franklin, Played some kickball, dinner at Hardrock, and saw the Rocky Statue. Also, when you get a chance, google Eastern State Penitentiary. It was the highlight of the day. It was just AMAZING! It is a partially preserved, destroyed, and returned to nature Prison. Just awesome and the kids loved it. It looks like a giant castle.
I’m tired. And need to get ready for a big day tomorrow. DC, here we come!
2015 Washington D.C. Trip
Dc shirts
There is a $65 fee for 5 shirts, a subway ticket,and all their tip money for our bus drivers and tour guides. We have matching shirts each day for looks, and mostly safety reasons. That money is not due until March 4th. Checks are made out to Brian Ketcham. Please put DC shirts in the memo.
Social Media
Payment Dates:
1ST
DEPOSIT DUE: 10/1/2014 1ST
DEPOSIT: $300 per person
2ND DEPOSIT DUE: 12/1/2014 2ND DEPOSIT: $300 per person
3RD DEPOSIT DUE: 2/1/2015 3RD DEPOSIT: $300 per person
BALANCE DUE: 4/9/2015 BALANCE: $595 - quad occupancy
Shirt and Tip Money Due: March 4. Check for $65 made out the Brian Ketcham
2ND DEPOSIT DUE: 12/1/2014 2ND DEPOSIT: $300 per person
3RD DEPOSIT DUE: 2/1/2015 3RD DEPOSIT: $300 per person
BALANCE DUE: 4/9/2015 BALANCE: $595 - quad occupancy
Shirt and Tip Money Due: March 4. Check for $65 made out the Brian Ketcham
Trip Dates:
June 9th-13th 2015
Forms You may Need:
Flights
| dc_flights_3.0.pdf |
Itinerary
| hillwood_pdc_15-04-23.pdf |
Meeting Powerpoint
| dc_trip_packing_2015.pdf |
Registration Form
| hillwood_dc_registration_form_2015.pdf |
Medical and White House Form
| dc_medical_and_white_house_form.pdf |
Shirt Order Form
| hillwood_d.c._trip_shirts_2015_2.0.pdf |
