Washington, D.C.

I am not even sure where to begin...This week was amazing in so many ways. I am going to go chronologically and hope I can do justice to the awesome experiences. I have included lots of pictures (excuse the quality. I was carrying Maddy A LOT!)

We flew out early Monday morning. Alex had asked specifically to see the National Cathedral. After a quick stop at the hotel we headed out to the cathedral.

Erin, Alex and Maddy getting ready to leave

The front of the Cathedral

Alex and Bobby (Senior VP of Cook Children's)

Alex asked to pray in the Cathedral. It was the first of many times he brought me to tears this week.

The stained glass was GORGEOUS!

My pictures cannot do justice to the beauty.

Tuesday Morning we started with a breakfast for all of the families attending Family Advocacy Day and Alex had to give a quick interview before we headed to the  Capitol for a private tour. Tuesday afternoon, Alex and I had our first two meetings on the hill with Congressmen Joe Barton and Senator Orrin Hatch. 

The House Side of the Capitol

The Capitol

The Center of all of Washington. It is believed to be good luck to step on it.

Senate Appropriations Room

Looking up at the Ceiling of the Rotunda of the Capitol

On the floor of the Old Senate

Alex and Tucker (Our tour guide and one of Kay Granger's staff members)

Heading to the Hill

Congressmen Joe Barton

Alex at Rep. Barton's desk while he is on the floor of the house!

The view from the office!

Tuesday night we took a ride to visit the memorials. It was so beautiful and we had such a great time!

As we arrived at the Lincoln Memorial, a parade was finishing.

The monument from the top of the Lincoln Memorial

Korean War memorial (Which Alex REALLY wanted to see)

The view of the Lincoln Memorial across the Reflecting Pool

The Monument from the WWII Memorial

The WWII Memorial

Wednesday we spent the whole day on the hill. We met with Representative Kay Granger, Senator Ron Wyden, and Senator Chuck Grasseley.

Alex with Bobby and Mr. Merrill (CEO/President of Cook Children's)

Alex with Kay Granger

Congresswoman Granger was so genuine and really believes in having adequate healthcare for children with medical needs. 

Rep. Granger presented Alex with the flag that was flown over the US Capitol on his birthday!

Thursday morning we went on a tour of the White House and went to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Heading into the White House

Maddy and Mr. Merrill outside the White House

I can tell you what we did, but I cannot put into words what it is like as a Mom to watch your son speak articulately and knowledgeably to legislators in hopes of making a difference for himself and other children like him. To say I am proud is an understatement. I received so many compliments on his maturity and intelligence. He impressed everyone we met. Our meetings on the hill were with Bobby, Mr. Merrill, the President of Children's Hospital Association and one of his right hand men. All of these important people and yet Alex made the biggest impact on the members we met with. This trip was truly a once in a lifetime experience and we are so grateful for this unique opportunity.

Thank you to everyone who prayed for Alex and his health on this trip. He did better then we ever could have hoped.

Ali

PS- Bobby took a lot more pictures then me (and hopefully better). We also had professional photographers with us during our meetings. More to come in the next few weeks.