Twenty-One Things We Learned While Traveling:

(some of the funny things that happened and bloopers)

1. Always bring a bottle of water - children get very thirsty and may state his/her thirst profusely.

See how happy this child is after a glass of water.

2. Do not wear flip flops-I know this one is tough, you may never learn. But do it even if it means wearing New Balances with a black dress.

3. Keegan's favorite Presidents are Washington, Lincoln and Obama.

4. Obama may not show for Senate vote due to a camping trip.

5. A child's favorite things to do may be but are not limited to, using the key card to enter the doors at the Ivory Tower, Googling things at the Ivory Tower computer lab, a plane ride and inserting the Metro card into the reader.

6. 4 couch cushions pushed into a square work as a bed for only so long.

7. When you want to go to a restaurant in Manhattan, you can't find one for at least 7 blocks.

8. Broadway shows may be the finest form of entertainment.

9. Do not take the China bus if at all can be helped, your feet stick to the floor and it smells like urine.

10. It is illegal to sell designer purses on Canal Street. The signs in the store say it is so but getting a "fake one" is as easy as getting french fries at McDonalds. Keegan shouts, "Mom there are more purses back here behind this hidden door."

11. 7 year olds may be your best navigator.

12. Lack of sleep and not nourishing yourself often enough may cause foul moods.

See exhibit A.

13. According to one security guard you are not allowed to take pictures of any government building unless it is of the sign.

14. When falling over in a water taxi due to waves, follow Keegan's advice, and "literally push yourself up against the wall".

15. The free things are free, but the things that cost are double the price.

16. Even the homeless are educated in DC. I knew this to be true when I walked by a homeless man lying on a sleeping bag under an overhang of a building reading a novel.

17. Some people can be extremely friendly and others can be extremely rude like girls who talk too loud about facebook and jam their feet into the back of your seat on the bus or the lady that walked right next to me pointed to my stomach and said "That girl must be pregnant." If that happens burn the dress you are wearing. JK!

18. Take care of your handbag just as you would a child.

19. When you are away from home, tired and hot from walking, a bus might feel like the next best thing.

20. If you forget something, you can get what you need at the best drug store in the world, Duane Reade.

21. Be thankful to those who made your trip possible. (Thank you to Josh, Mom, Clara, Clara's Roomies, Ben!) Vacation and family are good for the soul.