PING: DC and surrounding area FOFCers

[Suburban Rhythm]

In the beginning stages of planning a short trip to DC, probably mid to late July.

Found this thread-

http://www.osatwork.com/fofc/showthread.php?t=87214

but looking for a little more information.

What we know now-

Me, Mrs SR, Lucy (10) and Sam (7).
Will likely be a Monday and Tuesday. Brother in law is in Baltimore, will drive in that Sunday and hang out with them, drive into DC Monday. Leaving us Monday and Tuesday to wander.

Looking for
Hotel recommendations? Don't want to pay $300+/night to stay right in town. At the same time, don't want an hour+ trip into downtown. Which leads us to...

Getting around? If we stay further out (Arlington, Fairfax), does it make more sense to get a metrocard to pay for the trips into/out of town each morning/evening, but rely on walking and the DC Circulator to get around downtown? Looks like a 1-day metro pass is $14...so up over $100 for 4 passes for 2 days.

Must sees? Mrs SR is by no means a history buff. So merely walking by the monuments, White House, etc will be enough for her. Also plan on hitting the Smithsonian and US Mint (or Bureau of Engraving or whatever they call it now) and Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Anything I'm missing that's an absolute must for a 10 and 7 year old?

[Suburban Rhythm]

Shamless bump for the night crew