Fall Break on the East Coast, Part 1

It's hard to turn down an offer for a free week in DC/Philadelphia.

I didn't.

I loved every second of this trip. The students were exceptional, and I didn't feel like a "chaperone" while with them. They were well behaved and kind. I'm proud to be associated with the caliber of people they are.

Wren building at the College of William and Mary. I wanted to get my PhD here for a while. Walking the campus turned that academia longing back on inside me, but I've come to accept that I will not be back any time soon.

Lily and her friend--I hope I didn't embarrass her or intrude on her trip too much.

Can you see the platform under construction in front of the Capitol? Don't know if you've heard, but there's an election going on right now.

Lin-Manuel Miranda's hero in the rotunda

We had some hilarious tour guides, and this guy from Delaware used puns to keep the kids engaged.

I've never been in the Library of Congress, but this building rivals anything I've seen in Europe.

We saw the Gutenberg Bible, Thomas Jefferson's book collection, and an original printing of Thomas Paine's Common Sense. I could have spent all day here, easily.

At some of the stops, our principal talked about the Founding Fathers.

Arlington Cemetery--I haven't been there since I attended a funeral there over 20 years ago.

I admire these guards so much. Their dedication to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is incredible.

After a few days in DC, we headed north to Gettysburg.

I've been there twice before, but I love this place. I love Pennsylvania, and it will always hold a corner of my heart.