Day one of vacation down. And we're ready to sleep all day.

We had carefully planned our day to take advantage of as many freebies as possible. Free parking included. The only unfortunate part was that the amazing free parking that we found near the mall in DC was in the exact opposite direction that we wanted to go for the day. So in DC style we walked. And walked. And then walked some more.

We were extremely thankful for the beautiful 65 degree weather that was such a contrast to our last trip up here (which was over a hundred degrees). But we didn't expect to get just as tired.

Our favorite part of the day was the free zoo. That's the wonderful thing about DC: so many things to do for free (you just have to work for the free parking). The zoo started out a bit disappointing: the animals were no where to be found. But then we had some luck with the Giant Pandas. One came into his little indoor area and cooled off in the pool right as we walked by.

Then we lucked out with a few other animals moving around just as we came by. And finally we saw two adorable families. The first were the Apes. One little guy was just a troublemaker that was determined to pick on his older brothers as well as his big hungry papa. The cool weather also led a pride of lions to pursue all kinds of antics. From the head of the pride pacing the pool to the 7 cubs tackling and biting each other and the lionesses.

By the time we were finished looking at all the animals, we thought we had a quick shortcut back to the metro station, but instead found ourselves on a very long hiking trail through the woods (yes, in the middle of the city). Good thing Ryan and I love each other so much, because otherwise we would have been very upset at whichever one of us decided to take the so-called shortcut (I won't name any names).

Now we're on to our next adventure.