Saturday, August 25, 2012

Road trip 2012 - Day 1 in Washington D.C.

Smithsonian Museum day!
 
 
 
Once we figured out the Metro (ugh!) we were off to the National Mall.
 

Princess just got her first sight of the Washington Monument that we'd been learning about.
 
 


The kids insisted on standing as much as possible, even when it wasn't crowded.


 
We stepped out of the Metro station literally right onto the Mall! 


 
So thrilling to finally be here!
 

 
If there was one thing that surprised me, it was the poor condition of the grass and grounds in this area.  Luckily we only found it that to be true right here.  It must be the most high traffic area of the Mall and the place where most visitors enter.  The rest of it was nicer.
 
 

 
Museum of National History
 
 

 
 
 
Just like in the movies!
 
 


 
I love these two shots of Rosebud checking out the bear and then imitating him.
 

 
Great Blue Whale
 
 
 
 
When we finished downstairs we headed upstairs to the Hope Diamond and the Insect Zoo.
 

 
A scientist was there with information and demonstrations. 
 

 
Jedi and Potter took turns holding a Madagascar Hissing Cockroach.
 
 


Bugs said NO thank you :)
 
 
 
 
Looking down from the upper floor.  She was starting to really tire out.
 
 

 
Time to break for lunch on the lawn.  We brought a blanket in the backpack and had snacks and plenty of water.  Have I mentioned the humidity?
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Potter's job was to refill the bottles so we could make our next stop, the Museum of American History.
 
 
The neatest thing here is the Star Spangled Banner, which can't be photographed.  But I will sum it up by saying it was one of the profound memories of the trip for me.  I will never again sing the national anthem without thinking of this exhibit. 
 

 
 

Future President?




Ruby slippers from the Wizard of Oz
 
 
 
 
Nauvoo Temple sunstone
 
 

 
The girls had run out of energy.  We quickly walked up to the Washington Monument before leaving.  If you looked far to the north you could see the White House!

 
The monument is so cool.  I loved being able to see it from whereever we were. 

 

 
Back to the hotel, and Aunt Wendy was waiting for us!  She flew in to join us for part of the D.C. adventure. 
 


Do you think Princess is excited about it?!
 
 
 
We've seen so much and it's only the first day.  We love it here!

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