Virginia to Cupcakes!

We started off Monday morning bright and early with a Metro ride over to Virginia to visit the Pentagon. This was some of the strictest security that we have encountered since coming to DC. Our tour guides were pretty talented- they walked backwards during the entire tour. We were able to see plaques that listed all of the Medal of Honor recipients given to those who committed acts of bravery. In the past, it was usually only given to fallen soldiers; however, in recent years, it has been given to soldiers who are still living. We learned that there are more than 25,000 people who work in the Pentagon each day. There are more officers than enlisted, a 4:1 ration, which is very unusual for a military base. When we were leaving the Pentagon today, we got a little lost trying to find the train to head to Arlington National Cemetery.

We then headed to Arlington to explore the grounds. We saw General Robert E. Lee's former home. It was going through a lot of renovations, so there were only posters that showed how the room looks. Interesting fact of the day: Robert E. Lee married a descendent of Martha Washington, George Washington's wife! During the Civil War, the Union army took over the house and turned it into headquarters for the duration of the war. We then watched the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The guard takes 21 steps and waits 21 seconds in commemoration of the 21 salute that is given to the highest ranking soldiers. We just missed the changing of the guards, so we just watched the guard walk back and forth.

Our next stop was at Ray's Hell Burger. These were some of the best and biggest burgers that any of us had ever seen! It was definitely work the mile uphill trek that we took to make it to the little diner. A few of us then headed over the the Holocaust museum. This is always one of the saddest places in DC. When we walked in, we were given a booklet of a person that was alive during the time of the Holocaust. At the end of the museum, you find out if you lived or died during the war. (Spoiler alert: 3 of us lived; Kylie and Alex both were killed) The exhibits were completely saddening. There really aren't words to describe the exhibits. With the deportations, concentration camp photos, medical testing that the Nazi doctors performed, and photos of all the children that were killed, we were all overwhelmed with emotions. We spent two hours in the museum and easily could have spent a few more absorbing all of the exhibits.

Our last stop of the night was DC Cupcakes. It's run by two sisters and is featured on TLC. We all agreed that these cupcakes kicked Cake Boss's butt! There were over 25 types of cupcakes to try. A few of the locals here in DC said we needed to try Baked & Wire. As soon as we finish our dozen cupcakes in the hotel room, us girls are headed to compare one more spot!

Today, we turned a pedometer on when we left the hotel. Final count- over 8.5 miles of walking. We're all taking it easy and putting our feet up for the rest of the night!