Day One - DC to Iceland

We have a relaxing day in DC before our flight tonight and I decided to start at 4:30 am so I could get in one last run before the trip. I sneakily took the dogs out for a walk and then bundled up to go for my 4.5 mile run. It was 45 degrees outside which was a good indicator for what the weather in Iceland will be like, because the high for each day will likely be 46 degrees or so. About 10 min. into the run I decided I needed to rethink some gear space for the trip because I definitely didn’t need quite as many layers for running as I thought…

I snuck back into the apartment to get changed and wait for the rest of the gang to wake up. I put together an avocado toast bar for breakfast and we had a relaxing morning in while we thought through some packing choices. We had time for a quick run to CVS for some last minute necessities, then a quick stop by the Propper Topper for some gifts before heading to the National Cathedral for our visit.

We got to do a little construction on the lego cathedral before touring the real thing! The cathedral is always so beautiful and getting to see it when the light is streaming through the stained glass is always special. We walked through the chapels and then through the crypt to see the older chapels and artwork there. The 7th floor was closed for a private event, so we decided to head out for a bit to drop by AU (since I had forgotten an essential charging cord...fail).

I got the cord and showed everyone my office and then we did a loop around the quad before heading back to the cathedral for a bit of lunch at Open City. I had a grilled cheese and tomato soup, mom got a tuna sandwich, and Aunt Janet and Aunt Vickie split an enormous BLT. I love getting to visit the herb cottage. It's just so cute :)

The private tour ended at 2 pm so we headed up to the 7th floor and got to see the view from the top of the Cathedral (I can see my house from here!). Everyone got to see exactly how far they walked yesterday, since you can see all the way to the Washington Monument. We headed back down and out to the Bishop's Garden for a quick look at the secret garden, then it was back to the apartment for the very serious work of last minute packing decisions. When you have to pack for Iceland and you can only fit a carry on and a personal item, every single thing is a decision...

We got all our bags packed and I checked everyone in...but mom. I had written her name correctly on the ticket (DeWitt - no space) but the U.S. State Dept. passport office put a space between De and Witt (De Witt - with a space) and that, apparently, is enough to throw off the entire check in system. So we'll have to get mom checked in online, unfortunately. We got our bags together and then I took care of the dogs so that Meredith and Kayden (thank you!!!) can check in on them for the next few days.

We have a lyft coming at 4:30 pm, so our goal is to be fully packed and set by then.