We took advantage of a deal on "Travel Zoo" and scheduled a weekend in Washington, D.C., at the Virginian Suites. Without realizing it, we were in D.C. for the opening day of the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Kite Festival. Saturday was a gorgeous, bright, clear, sunny day. It was nice to get away for a brief time and just relax and enjoy.
Looking out of our hotel room window upon our arrival Friday evening.
Early Saturday morning we headed for the outdoor farmers market in Old Town Alexandria. Rich found fresh made pasta, a jar of home made tomato sauce with pancetta and leeks, a baguette, and some fruit from which to create our evening meal. The hotel suite was a bedroom, living room, and kitchen - perfect!
We returned our car to the hotel and then walked to the Metro to get to the National Mall. Once there we walked around the entire tidal basin, visiting memorials, watching people of all ages fly their kites, and taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms. We ate lunch at the Smithsonian Café and even spent a brief time in the National Museum of Art.
Along the walk to the Jefferson Memorial 
Kites on the Mall
Inside the Jefferson Memorial
Rich at the World War II Memorial
Kites everywhere - and so pretty!
Before leaving for home on Sunday we stopped at the Iwo Jima Memorial
just around the corner from our hotel.
