Day 1

Girls
The bus was crazy and loud, but we had a good time. Levi fell off his seat twice when the bus went around sharp curves in the mountains, and Hayley slept with her feet in the air and kicking people in the face. Gettysburg was beautiful, and the size was overwhelming. It’s hard to believe that the stream ran red with blood and bodies covered that pretty ground. The Devil’s Den is a valley of boulders where the rebels hid with snakes. One of our first sights in DC was from behind a road block for the president’s motorcade to pull into the White House. First, there were twelve motorcycle cops, two limousines, four SUVs, and two large vans. It was AWESOME, and Mrs. Zupin thought that maybe Bo was coming back from the groomer!?! LOL ;>)
We saw street performers on the streets and pretty flowers on the trees. We finally figured out that the National Mall does not have stores. It has a lot of grass and some great military memorials. We liked the Lincoln Memorial and Thomas Jefferson Memorials the best because they are huge, unique, and explained the best things about each president. Our busy day ended with each group inventing a crazy name like the Marshmallows, Hershman’s Peeps, Zupin’s Gangstas, Ransom’s Raiders, and Dowell’s DC Darlings. Singing, while walking to the bus in the dark, was a great ending to our night.
--Samantha L., Ashley M., Lexi M., Kacie Jo S.

Boys
The bus ride was long and lasted forever, but it was okay because we ate snacks, talked to our friends, and built a tent in the back. We watched Remember the Titans and Evan Almighty. Quiet time started at 11:00 p.m., but most of us didn’t go to sleep until hours later. We stopped at Gettysburg first and visited many of the battle monuments, including the monument honoring the Pennsylvania troops. We were able to climb to the top of it and see all the battle sites from a distance. Later that day, when we were in Washington, DC, we survived the crazy crowds at Union Station food court, and watched tons of tourists rush to eat and shop in 45 minutes.
We met our tour guide, Bob, who carries a Spongebob Squarepants umbrella so we can find him, and who tells wild jokes. We saw the actual Declaration of Independence (from National Treasure), the Constitution, and the Louisiana Purchase document. We forgot to get Mr. Lee’s free stuff so we need to work on that tomorrow. Everyone took so many pictures that we have to buy new batteries and charge our cameras. Levi led two great songs on the bus as we ended our day at the awesome five-star hotel.
--Levi B., Jason G., Jesse T., and Brendan H.

Hershman's Daily Trivia--Cannisters, not cannon balls, were often launched from the cannons to cause more damage. Who invented the cannisters that were launched from the cannons at Gettysburg? (tune in tomorrow for the answer)