Christmas overview

New Orleans, Hattiesburg, Jackson, Washington DC.  12 days.  Over 3000 miles traveled.  8 states and the District of Columbia.

Overall, we considered the trip a full success.  We didn't get to see and do everything that we would have liked and could easily have spent a few more days in Washington DC, but we hit all the highlights that were on our list.  It will most likely be on our list to go back someday for Chris and I  in our future Jeep travels.  

The kids did really good.  They were not adequately impressed with all that Washington DC represents and significance of our history but I think that it is something that comes with age and even more maturity.  I am very grateful that we could begin to show them and set that little foundation for them that I hope will grow in the future and I am confident they will look back with very good memories of this trip.  

With all the crazy things that are going on in our country today and the sometimes many bad choices that people make, I felt a huge sense of American pride in the number of people visiting our nations capital and learning about and visiting all the places that have defined and make up what our country was founded on and how it shapes our world today.  We stood in line outside in 40 degree weather in the pouring rain with hundreds of others waiting to get into the capitol and bundled up walking thousands of steps everyday to visit and see in person all the memorials that make sure we never forget the sacrifices that so many thousands of people before us sacrificed for what we have today.  Everyone was kind, and everyone was respectful and patient as so many people tried to get in to see all that is available in the DC area. 

It is a short 20 hour drive to get back home.  Our Jeep has been good to us on yet another wonderful trip.  Ready to begin a New Year as 2019 begins and see where our travels take us this year!