Exploring Washington DC: A Memorable (and Sometimes Funny) Adventure

Our trip to Washington DC was one for the books—literally and figuratively. It all started with my husband’s “once-a-year sickness,” as he proudly calls it. Unfortunately for my mom and me, he decided to share it with us. As my husband stated he only gets sick for a day, while my mom and I had the cold for the week. So, there my Mom and I were, both sniffling our way through the capital, determined not to let a few germs keep us from exploring.

One of our first stops was the Capitol Building. Walking into the grand space filled with towering statues from every corner of the country was awe-inspiring. Each one seemed to tell a story, standing tall in a room that radiated history and importance. Even feeling under the weather, it was hard not to be impressed by the sheer scale and symbolism of it all. It was much different than I remembered from my 8th grade trip to DC.

The Capitol Building

Next, we made our way to the Library of Congress—a highlight for my husband, who is the ultimate book nerd. For him, stepping inside felt like visiting a holy site. The architecture alone was stunning, but the real treat was signing up for our very own Library of Congress library cards. Something about holding those cards felt magical, like we had suddenly joined a secret society of readers. Even better, we had the chance to see the Gutenberg Bible, a breathtaking piece of history that made us all pause in wonder.

A stunning view inside the Library of Congress

From there, we stopped by the Supreme Court, though instead of the majestic steps open for visitors, the area was completely barricaded. The aftermath of the Roe v. Wade overturning had left the building closed off and under heavy security, which was sobering to see in person.

The Supreme Court with no visitors at it

We also made time to visit Arlington National Cemetery, one of the most moving parts of our trip. Standing before Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s grave was powerful, especially for my mom and me. But the most profound moment came at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We stood in silence as the guard changed, and I noticed my husband quietly paying tribute. It was deeply personal for him, as he remembered some of his own comrades who had given the ultimate sacrifice. That moment of stillness and reflection was something none of us will ever forget.

Arlington National Cemetery - such a humbling place for all those who sacrificed everything to keep us all safe.

Of course, our visit had its lighter, funnier side too. At one point, while walking several blocks, we kept hearing a sharp whistle sound. None of us could figure out where it was coming from—we looked around, checked our phones, and even thought maybe it was an alarm nearby. Finally, we discovered the culprit: my mom’s rape whistle, which had been accidentally going off in her purse the entire time. You might ask why my mom had a rape whistle, and for that, my husband and I are still unsure. We laughed so hard once we realized it, the kind of belly laugh that makes your eyes water.

Another highlight was checking out the International Spy Museum, where the exhibits and stories of espionage completely enthralled my mom and me. We even got assigned our own code names as part of the interactive experience. Mine was Sandpiper… but don’t tell anyone (just kidding!).

Even with sniffles, barricades, and mystery whistles, Washington DC gave us moments of history, humor, and connection. It’s a trip we’ll never forget—one that reminded us how travel is rarely perfect, but those very imperfections are what make the stories last forever.