The Most Recognized House in the United States....

Like all children in the United States, I started learning about our great Nation at an early age.  Most all children, by the time they begin school, can already identify the President of the United States and recognize the White House when they see it. 


When you take American History in school as a child, you are introduced to all the great leaders in history...all the people who had a part in making our wonderful country what it is today....everyone who fought for the rights and freedoms that we have today and, sadly, the privileges that we sometimes take for granted.  Many people fought and gave their lives for our freedom and all the choices we are able to make in our lives today, without fear.  Along with recognizing all the great leaders and heros...people who fought and died to give us the things we have today, we also learned about our Presidents who guided our country.  I remember having to recognize and name all the Presidents of the United States in the order they were serving in office when I was in school.  As an adult, you might not be able to remember everything that you learned in history as a child.  I don't think I could name all the Presidents in order correctly today.  But, one thing that you never forget is that our freedom didn't come easy.  Many people have served our beautiful country to keep it safe and free.  

 

We live in such a great country.  As I get older, my desire to travel to some of the beautiful places that we have in the United States deepens.  I have a list of places that I would love to see in my lifetime.  One of the places on that list is the White House.  I think that everyone that pledges their allegance to our country and flag should see the White House, if possible.  After all the history classes and seeing photos of the White House in books and magazines and on television and in movies, I wanted to see the White House in person.  Recently, I had an opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C., with my husband.  He was going to Washington, D.C., on a business trip and invited me to accompany him.  I was happy to join him on his trip, and we stayed two extra days to explore some of the places we wanted to visit.  At the top of my list was the White House....one of the most recognized houses in the free world.   On our first day of exploring, my husband and I took the metro and, after a short walk, we were standing at the gates of the White House.  I was very excited to finally be standing in this spot.

The gates in front of the White House are ornate with stars and emblems upon them.  

I would have loved to have toured the inside of the White House, but we didn't have a lot of notice before my husband's business trip, and, it takes time to organize a visit to tour the White House.  In order to tour the White House, you need to submit a request for a free tour via a member of Congress up to six months ahead.   I am hoping that the next time we visit Washington, D.C., we can request a tour and see the inside.  On this trip, I was just happy to be able to stand outside the White House gates and make some photos....something I had never done before.

As you near the gates of the White House there is a guard station.  This map is posted for the public to see which tells a bit about the White House and shows a diagram of the  area around 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue....the most famous address in the United States.

Here is a closer view....

After viewing the map and reading the information, my husband and I walked over towards the gates to make a few photos.  After 57 years of only seeing the White House in photos and on television, I was very excited to have my husband take this photo  of me standing in front of the White House. 


The weather was overcast on the day we walked to the White House, so my photos are not as beautiful as they could have been on a nicer day, but, nonetheless, I am happy to have them.   Here is a photo of the front of the White House.  You can see the fountain in front...

Here is a of photo of my husband, Mark, that I made...

I like this photo with the trees framing the view...

Designed by James Hoban and set in an 18-acre park, the sandstone building, known as the White House, has 132 rooms on three floors with a circular portico that is a nod to a Georgian manor.  Eight years after it was begun, in November 1800, John Adams was the first President to move into the White House.  The British set it on fire in August, 1814, during the war of 1812.  Franklin D. Roosevelt built the West Wing and my favorite First Lady, Jacqueline Kennedy, did much redecorating. 

Another photo of me at the gate...

I love the columns in front....

Another photo of my husband, Mark...

You can see a little more of the architectural design around the front doors and windows in this next photo.   The front doors were opened at the time I made this photo, and there were a couple of people standing at the door looking out.

At the time we were making these photos, my husband and I were the only people walking along in front of the White House.   A few minutes after we began making photos, we noticed a couple of young ladies taking turns making photos of each other at the gate.   I walked up to them and asked if I could take a photo of the two of them together in exchange for them making a photo of my husband and I.  Only one of the two ladies spoke English but was very happy to have me take a photo for them.  Then, they happily took our photo.  I am thankful that I got a photo of my husband, Mark, and I together....thanks to these two ladies.

There were some vehicles and vans parked at the White House the day we were there.  It appeared that they were preparing for some type of event.  A few days after we returned home to Seattle, we saw on television that some entertainers had performed at the White House.   Perhaps, some preparations were being made for that event while we were there making photos that day.  In the next couple of photos, you can see some of the police/guards that were on the property that day....

Another photo of the White House framed with trees...

Another gate with a guard station....

There are some pretty trees around the White House.  One tree that was growing near the iron fence had this metal marker attached to it letting those passing by know that the tree is a "Red Ash."

As we were preparing to leave the area, a side door opened and, suddenly, a man carrying an umbrella walked out with the "First Dog."   The man took the dog out towards the back of the property. 

Flags flying proudly attached to all the light posts...

On the day my husband and I were viewing the White House, there were a group of people holding signs and chanting loudly in protest across the street from the White House.  They did not bother us, but these protesters were there the entire time we were making our photos, and we did kind of keep our eye on them as, I am sure, the staff and security at the White House were doing as well.  As we left the area, we were kind of happy to be following closely behind this guy....


One of the most recognized addresses....1600 Pennsylvania Avenue street sign...

It was late in the day when we left the White House.  We were looking for a place to have dinner, when I spotted a restaurant that my husband's cousin, who lives in the Washington, D.C., area, had recommended to us....."Old Ebbitt Grill."   The restaurant is located at 675 15th and G Streets...just two blocks from the White House.  My husband, Mark, and I did not have reservations, but it did not take too long to be seated.  

I loved the atmosphere of the Old Ebbitt Grill.   It is said that Theodore Roosevelt used to dine at this restaurant which is decorated with mallard ducks and sailing artifacts.  I wish I had made a few more photos of the restaurant.  Our food was very good, and we both said we would love to go back again.  When you enter the restaurant, these large vases of flowers welcome you...

This painting is near the front of the Old Ebbitt Grill...

My husband made this photo of me at our table...

Relaxing and enjoying a glass of Merlot...

My husband and I had a delicious dinner at Old Ebbitt Grill.  If you live in the Washington, D.C., area or have a chance to visit, I recommend the restaurant.  Thank you to Mark's cousin, Mike, for suggesting we try the restaurant.  

While we were dining at the Old Ebbitt Grill, my husband and I talked about how much privacy you give up when you are part of the First Family.   Just enjoying a nice private dinner would be a luxury.   As all of us know, when you take office and make the White House your home, you are always surrounded by security and  staff which, of course, is necessary to ensure the safety of the President and his family.   While we were having dinner, we imagined what our lives would be like if we were living in the White House....

Hmmm........... Mark looks pretty good behind that desk!

 What would my life be like as a First Lady?.... 

But, why not dream about being President?  In today's world, little girls can dream of becoming anything....

 

Actually, I am very happy and blessed with the life I have.  But, isn't it nice to have the freedom of choice?   After our dinner, we were so close to the White House, that I decided to walk back over and make a few pictures of the White House at night.  I wanted to see what it looked like with the lights on....

I made a few photos without my flash....

As it began to get dark, the lights came on around the property.  You can see the fountain illuminated in some of these photos. 

The White House is very pretty at dark, too...

My husband and I made a few more photos....

and then we said goodbye to the White House and began walking a few blocks before grabbing a taxi to head back to our hotel.   We had such a beautiful day in Washington, D.C., and I was so happy to have my photos to share with you.

 

I hope you enjoyed visiting the White House with us today and hope that each of you have an opportunity to visit Washington, D.C., someday and see the White House in person, too.  Have a beautiful day! xoxo Kim

Comments

[Sandy]

Wow Kim! These photos are great! Thanks for the tour of the white house. I love the evening shots of the white house. Did you and Mark tour the inside? Are photos allowed inside the white house. We definitely need go back to D.C. We only spent one day there several years ago and one day is not enough. There is so much to see! I love the restaurant where you had dinner. Both Mark and You look great in front of that podium. I could just imagine you giving your speaches. Was the press room and the oval office part of the Ebbitt Grill?

I wouldn't want the life of a president or the first lady. You sure have to have thick skin and you live your life in a bubble. Actually, I don't like politics much because there is too much negativity. Each president blames the other guy for all of the current issues. I have to say that I do like listening to Obama. He seems like the most intelligent president that we've had in a long time. He actually gets the issues. It's sad to see the country so divided. It would be interesting and fun to go to one of the white house balls. One of the doctors I work with, the co-director of our program, was offered a position years ago as the chief white house surgeon. He and his wife lived in Washington for awhile. He said he loved it but decided to leave that life when they found out they were having twins.

Like you said though, it's great to live in this country and to enjoy the freedom that our soldiers fought so hard for. I loved history in school. I couldn't remember all the presidents and when they served. Our son was a history major and he teaches special education in Delaware. His classes are interesting because he tells both sides of the story about the making of America. I have to say that I don't think I would want to live in any other country except maybe Canada. Thanks for the tour! Are you going to show us more? I loved the tour of Arlington Cemetery.

I wrote a posting about my first blogging anniversary and mentioned you as one of the people who have inspired me and supported this journey.

That is awesome that you are going to the book signing of Joy the Baker. I love her blog! Are you going to do some postings of you at your new stove baking something? Let me know how you like the book. I'm sure you will take lots of pictures. Is there another Washington tour coming? I love this series!

Love and hugs,

Sandy

[Red Rose Alley]

Kim,
These pictures of the White House are just beautiful. What a special time that was for you and your husband visiting there. The trees and the grounds look so pretty. I loved the picture of you behind the stand. Everything looks so dazzling at night. Your pictures are always so much fun to look at, and they are getting prettier and prettier every time I see them. I'm glad you enjoyed your time there, and thank you for sharing this memorable day with us.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

[Trish Rowley]

Oh my Gosh!!! thanks for taking me to the White house today Kim what wonderful photos as I was reading through I was thinking I wonder if Kim will see Bo somewhere on the grounds (He is such a QT) and then there he was I was sooo excited to see this pic lol. I don't think I would ever get the chance to see the White house in person so thanks for that Kim it is such a Beautiful Building I hope you get the chance to go back and do the tour one day. I just visited Canberra here in Australia which is our Capitol city and where our Parliament House is. I went with my two sisters and 3 nieces a girls weekend. While we were there we visited the Art Gallery to see the Renaissance paintings from Italy wow they blew me away the colours were amazing and soooo old most of them were painted on wood just beautiful. Thanks again Kim have a great day!!! Trish xox ;)

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

Hi Trish,
Always so nice to see you on my blog. I hope that you are doing well and all your friends at patchwork as well. I bet your quilt is really coming along! I am sure the Parliament House is beautiful. I know you all had fun visiting Canberra on your "girl's weekend." Would be a great thing to do together. My husband and I had a great time in Washington, D.C. I hope to, indeed, go back sometime and maybe see the inside of the White House which takes some notice ahead to be able to tour. I really enjoyed touring the National Art Gallery in Washington, D.C. I will be posting some photos from my visit very soon on my blog. At the White House, I was very excited to see the "First Dog" stroll out of the White House. Beautiful dog who seems to get "VIP" treatment, too! :) Have a beautiful day, Trish! Thank you for spending time with me today. xoxo Kim

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

Hi Sheri,
Thank you soooo much for your visit today and for the very nice comments. You are doing a great job with your blog, Red Rose Alley, too. I enjoy every visit that I make to your blog to see what you and the girls have been up to. So happy you liked the posting I did on the White House....definitely the most recognized address and house in the USA. Have a great day! xoxo Kim

[Bluebirds and Butterflies]

My dear Sandy,
Thank you, my dear friend, for your sweet comments as always. I have really enjoyed seeing your own blog evolve through the past year. YOU are a jewel in the blogging world and beyond. I absolutely consider you a true friend. I love all the changes you have recently made to your kitchen. You have a real knack for decorating! I know you feel so warm and cozy in that beautiful environment at home. I loved coming along with you on your blog recently when you found a new piece of Fire King which you love. I felt your excitement, too! Love you and thank you, Sandy, for all the love and support you have given me on my blog over the past year or so. We have learned together. Have a beautiful day! xoxo Kim

[Lavender Dreams]

What a memorable trip! It really makes the history of our nation come to life to see things like this in person. Wonderful photos as always! And Happy Birthday to your hubby! ♥♥♥