click here for Chapter 2 activity

When we crossed the Potomac River and saw the Washington Monument surrounded by the colorful cherry blossoms, I felt a lump in my throat!

Hi, fellow Americans!  Let me start at the beginning. Mom, dad, Chloe and I bid farewell to our brothers and sisters, climbed in our dependable, old Woody Bus and left our Shepherdsville, Kentucky home early this morning to travel east to our nation’s capital.

We had only gone about, oh, three miles before I said, “Are we there yet?” Chloe and mom smirked, but dad didn’t think it was all that funny. “Woody, this is going to be a long trip, the longest you have ever taken. It will be at least eight hours before we get there – nine if we have to stop every hour just so you can eat.  Please don’t ask every five miles if we are there yet – and please don’t tell me how hungry you are. You just ate!”

I was thankful I hadn’t opened my big mouth to express my concern over my rumbling tummy and was even more thankful for my stash of Scooby snacks. I knew my favorite picture books would keep me occupied, not to mention coloring in my favorite Washington D.C. coloring book, but eight hours was a long time!  “I’ve got it!” said Chloe. “How about we sing some patriotic songs?” “That’s a terrific idea!” I said, clearing my throat. “I love to sing. What’s a patriotic song?”  Everyone laughed, and then Chloe explained that a patriotic song is about our country. “You know, Woody, like “The Star Spangled Banner” or “You’re a Grand Old Flag!” My sister is so smart! So, as we journeyed along, we sang, “This Land is Your Land”, “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful.” Mom taught us songs about Johnny marching home, the land of cotton called Dixie, and my new favorite about the Yankee with a feather in his cap.  (That song makes me giggle every time!)

The time flew by!  Before I knew it, we were crossing over the Potomac River!  I had colored the Potomac in my coloring book. I had learned that it was called the “Nation’s River” because it travels through our nation’s capital. Mom said that George Washington spent lots of time around the Potomac. In fact, George Washington chose the location of the nation’s capital because of the Potomac, and because at the time it was in the center of the country! Mom also told us that Washington, D.C. gets its name from George Washington, our country’s first president, and D.C. stands for the District of Columbia. Dad said that it was originally called Federal City or Washington City before it became Washington D.C. Today, many people call our nation’s capital “The District” or simply “D.C.” since they don’t want to confuse it with the state of Washington. We also learned that D.C. is located between Virginia and Maryland. In fact, part of the District is in Virginia, the other part Maryland. While Dad was driving, Chloe and I were soaking up all the information Mom was giving us. “Wow!” My mommy sounded like an official Washington D.C. tour guide! I always knew my mommy was the smartest mommy in the world, but how did she learn all of that information?  “It’s amazing what you learn when you spend time reading, Woody!” mom said. (I made a mental note to self to read more books!)  “Besides, while you and Chloe have been working in your coloring books, I have been researching and learning as many facts as possible so I could pass the information on to you!”  I really did have the greatest parents in the world!

It was amazing how much I had already learned, and to think we hadn’t even gotten out of the Woody Bus! It was then dad suggested we stop and eat dinner, find a hotel room and get a good night’s sleep. “We have many things to see and do while we’re here,” Dad said. “You will want to be rested when we start sightseeing tomorrow!” I didn’t feel tired at all.  I guess it was all the excitement.

With those instructions, I better say goodnight.  Chloe and I are so excited.  We can’t wait to hit the streets of our Capital City!  Where will we go first?  Will it be the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, or the White House? So many decisions, so until next time, work and dream like a big dog!

Woody, a k a Mr. Dogwood

Thanks to LG&E/KU both E.ON companies and KPA for making this project possible. Thanks to the Kentucky Secretary of State for sponsoring the new podcast. For podcast and questions and activities go online to www.kypress.com.