Last week while in DC we (my Mom, my daughter, and I) got to go on a White House garden tour and West Wing tour. Daena and Mom also got to view a presidential departure.

I thought you'd like to see the White House grounds close up, particularly since they do belong to us. I'm sure you'll agree they're beautiful. We weren't allowed to take photos of "anything under roof," so no West Wing pictures. Daena took all photos (see the rest on page 2), except the last one.

Oval Office....

Garden Tour

There is a putting green on the South Lawn that security said President Bush uses often.

There is also a tennis court.

Pictures were displayed in front of trees modern day presidents have planted. There were markers on other trees that presidents as far back as Andrew Jackson, that I saw, planted.

President and Mrs. Johnson dedicated a children's garden, and children and grandchildren of presidents ever since have left cast handprints. This is Gov. Jeb Bush's youngest son's, who is now 23. There was an apple tree in the garden with beautifully ripening apples... with a guard standing next to it.

Presidential departure

Workers rolled landing markers on the White House South Lawn. Note dark strip on paved surface, which circles the White House complex. That is a running strip President Clinton had installed.

Presdient Bush waving at my Mom. At least that's her story, and she's sticking to it. That's her hand, closest to the camera.

My Mom and Daena.

Wow! What beautiful pictures!

Okay,
so the three of you are clones?
The grounds are beautiful!
You look like you're 14 in that picture!

Heather, Daena took all of the photos, except the last one, of course... :) I think I should note that in the intro.

Yes, MK, the grounds were so beautiful. As for me... sheesh... :)

Those are gorgeous pictures...and MK took the words out of my mouth! I was going to comment that you look REALLY REALLY young in that picture!! Good grief!

Wow, they keep the grounds really nice. Jill, I must say, you are a cutie!

Oh, Bethany and Jasper!

Those are some great pictures. I wonder how many people are involved in the upkeep of the white house grounds? It seems like a really big place.

No West Wing pics, thats a shame. Security guards are weird about those kind of things, especially in the Accademia and the Sistine Chapel. That didn't stop anybody from snapping away, though, including me. LOL

Beautiful photo's. My good looking gals are as sweet as they look! "Thanks for the memories". Mome

WOW! Beautiful pictures; love the Oval Office one! Thanks for sharing your fun times and precious memories! Can't wait to see you and hear all about your awesome adventure!

Well, thanks, Mome, although in the interest of full disclosure I should note you're my mother and have to say things like that... :)

And Carl Wayne, great to see you here!

And Lin&Shel, great to see you here, too! Ditto!