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Family Friendly Washington DC with Embassy Suites

Being parents of 3 kids makes it hard to squeeze in a getaway.  Rob and I are lucky enough to get some date nights here and there but when it comes to spending a romantic weekend those plans are far and few between. So when the Embassy Suites reached out and invited us for a 2-night stay we jumped at the chance to get away without going far. Washington, DC is less than 2 hours away so it was a great choice.Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Arriving in DC isn’t always the most pleasant event. The traffic even on a Saturday morning can be a nightmare.  Luckily DC is a place where you can park your car for days at a time and never have a need for it. This is what we did.Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Rob and I walked all weekend with just a couple Metro rides to get back and forth to Arlington National Cemetery.  The rest of the weekend we walked to the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, Ford’s Theater and through Federal Triangle.Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel

I took about 400 photos in just the 2 days we were there. I loved all the architecture and grand statues, the manicured lawns and historic buildings.

Washington DC is not your typical getaway. It’s not a relaxing oasis were you sit back and sip drinks on the deck and watch the children play. DC is a tourists destination. If you want to research history, enjoy food of every ethnic flavor, explore museums and marvel at remarkable landmarks and monuments then this is where to go. With over 20 Smithsonian museums, all free, this is definitely an add to the family vacation list. Nestled on the beautiful Potomac River this federal district of land was created to house our federal government.  This gives the entire area rich history that dates back over 200 years.

Washington DC welcomes families with open arms and the Embassy Suites is exactly where you should lay your head to rest.

Embassy Suites offers spacious 2 room suites that easily sleep up to 6 people making it truly family friendly.  With a mini fridge, microwave, sink and updated television channels down time is comfortable for everyone. Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel with Embassy Suites

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel with Embassy Suites

Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel with Embassy Suites

With the included FREE full breakfast with choices like waffles, made to order omelets, pastries, juice, fruit and cereal eating breakfast out each day is an expense families won’t have to worry about that added expense.  A family friendly happy hour is available each night that includes snacks and complimentary drinks both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Family Friendly Washington DC , family travel with Embassy Suites

With over 200 locations available in the US, Canada and Latin America making a reservation is easy. Find out for yourself how Embassy Suites is making families happy each night by putting them first, finally.




Lifelong Driving Lessons from Ford Driving Skills for Life

I spent last weekend in a rainy cold Washington DC airport parking lot.  I wasn’t headed anywhere exotic or special. In fact that’s exactly where I was supposed to be. I was invited to learn all about Ford’s Driving Skills for Life program.

Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) was established in 2003 by Ford Motor Company Fund, the Governors Highway Safety Association, and a panel of safety experts to teach newly licensed teens the necessary skills for safe driving beyond what they learn in standard driver education programs.

Ford Driving Skills For Life Program

What makes DSFL different than a typical Defensive Driving course is the on-road experience that is taught by real experts.  The instructors are TOP NOTCH professional drivers from all around the world. Resumes include professional racers, auto enthusiasts and stunt drivers. These credentials make them ideal to teach inexperienced drivers how to handle not just the road but the car in times of distraction and adverse conditions.

The program focuses on 4 key skill sets that can not only keep drivers safe but keep them and others alive.

Hazard Recognition

  • Approaching and turning left at intersections
  • The point of no return
  • How to scan for trouble
  • Minimizing distractions
  • Safety zones
  • Minimum eye lead time

Vehicle Handling

  • Contact patches and load shifts
  • How acceleration, deceleration, braking and turns affect vehicle balance
  • Shifting loads gradually
  • Adjusting to your vehicle’s size and weight
  • Conventional braking systems versus anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
  • Emergency braking techniques

Space Management

  • Maintaining space around, ahead of and behind your vehicle
  • Learning how to adjust your speed
  • Maintaining a safe following distance
  • How to avoid being rear-ended
  • Avoiding a head-on crash

Speed Management

  • How to stay in contact with the road
  • Driving at a speed that doesn’t impede
  • How to recover from skids in both front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles
  • Using proper signals and covering the brake

During my visit to the program we were given the opportunity to test different courses to try our hands at maneuvering through obstacles with blurred vision goggles, driving while texting and correcting over steering.

Ford Driving Skills for Life

Impaired Driving Simulation

The program was an eye-opener to say the least. I consider myself an experienced driver, a cautious driver but what I didn’t know was that Vehicle crashes are the No. 1 killer of teenagers in America. 4 million new teen drivers are licensed every year, and half of them will be involved in a crash before they turn 20.

That news is devastating but I know that by the time I was 20 I was already in 3-4 accidents, none of them serious thankfully. Unfortunately Sabreena wasn’t able to go with me as she’s working hard to finish her senior year of high school but I’m going to be on the lookout for the next DSFL tour in our area.  While I believe she is a safe driver I know there is so much more she can learn to better her skills.

Find out more information about the entire program and how to take part in a tour in your area.




We’re Going to Six Flags America plus discount code

Shae’s birthday is coming up and she’s asked to go do rides.  We think she meant rides on the boardwalk in Ocean City, NJ but we flipped it on her and are instead going to Six Flags America in Washington DC.

Six Flags America has rides and attractions for everyone for every age. This summer guests are introduced to Hurricane Harbor’s Bonzai Pipelines; a free-falling 250-foot plus enclosed water slide for 6 riders.

I’m expecting to have an awesome time. Shae is at a stage where she enjoys rides and a little bit of scary stuff and Shaun and Sabreena are down for just about anything.

six flags america

If you are in the Baltimore/Washington DC area don’t miss this deal.

Save $15 per online ticket!

Use USFG promo code “MOMMY” and your ticket price is discounted from $59.99 to $44.99 – That’s a savings of $15 per online ticket! Not to be combined with other offers.




Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Arlington Cemetery

In honor of Memorial Day I thought I’d share a few things about the Soldiers that guard The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. If you’ve never been to Arlington National Cemetery before it really is an extraordinary site to see. I realize it’s not the most glamourous place to visit but it a beautiful and majestic site to experience for people of all ages.

arlington cemetery washinton dc tomb of the unknown soldier

  • The soldiers that guard the tomb are called Sentinels
  • The Tomb of the Unknowns is Arlington’s most popular tourist site.
  • The Sentinels are dedicated to their duty and guard the tomb through some of the most extreme weather. The welfare of the soldiers are never in jeopardy.
  • The Sentinels wear standard issue military dress shoes that have been modified so they stand straighter, taller and perpendicular to the ground.
  • The Sentinels are taught to glide across the ground rather than march, you will not see their heads or rifle bob up and down.
  • The Tomb has been guarded 24-hours a day, 7 days a week,everyday of the year since July 2, 1937.
  • The Sentinel walks 21 steps, turns to face the tomb for 21 seconds, turns to face down the mat again, waits 21 seconds and begins his 21 steps in the other direction again. This is repeated over and over until his shift is over.
  • The 21 steps and seconds the Sentinel follows for his watch alludes to the 21 gun salute, the highest honor given to any military or foreign dignitary.
  • Sentinel changes happen every 30 minutes during summer months, every hour during winter months and every 2 hours the rest of the year.
  • It takes an average of 8 hours for a Sentinel to prepare for their next shift.
  • During a Sentinel’s 24 hour shift they stay in living quarters under the tomb.
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc
tomb of the unknown soldier, guard change, arlington cemetery, washington dc

On your next visit to Arlington or Washington, DC be sure to visit the dedicated soldiers that guard the Tomb of the Unknowns and take with you a little bit of knowledge.




Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic

It’s that time of year again, Disney on Ice Produced by Feld Entertainment is coming to your neighborhood. This time the Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC areas are celebrating 100 Years of Magic.

100 Years of Magic combines Disney’s most unforgettable stories and enthralling characters. The production features the largest cast ever assembled of lovable Disney stars on ice – from Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket to Stitch, Nemo and the Incredibles – plus exciting moments from Disney’s Mulan and The Lion King

disney on ice, 100 years of magic, feld entertainment

Baltimore Mariner Arena, Baltimore, Md
Thursday, February 8- Sunday, February 12 2012

Verizon Center, Washington, D.C.
Wednesday, February 15 – Monday, February 20, 2012

Be sure to get your discounted $15 tickets by using code BLOG12. Redeem offer at Ticketmaster.com, Verizon Center or 1st Mariner Arena Box Offices, or call 1-800-551-SEAT.







I Disclose