adventure *day 14*

Oh, how I loved Washington D.C.



I have always wanted to visit and it exceeded every expectation.

It is so rich with history and it was surreal to actually be there. It was marvelous.

We started our day at the Museum of American History.

It was enormous. My favorite exhibit was the First Ladies at the Smithsonian. There were gowns, White House china, portraits, and personal belongings dating back to Martha Washington. I loved all the dresses that more current first ladies wore to the Inauguration. I didn't know if I was allowed to take pictures because there were such fragile artifacts but I kinda wish I would have snuck one of Michelle Obama's ensemble. It was exquisite.

We then walked through an exhibit that spotlighted the Star Spangled Banner. It was pretty incredible. As you walk down a dimly lit hallway you read about the Battle of Baltimore in 1812 while you hear gunshots in the distance. As you round the corner, you come to a beautiful display of the original flag that was flying over Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor inspiring Francis Scott Key to write his most famous lyrics.

After that, the younger boys were done with American History. There was a ton of information and most of it the little ones couldn't understand. I do want to go through again--without kids--to see the entire museum.

We then headed over to the Museum of Natural History. This had more visually interesting displays and we spent a good amount of time here.

The animal exhibits were a big hit.



We were able to explore the evolution of man. I can't remember what period this skull is from but it was Andrew's favorite.

While we were walking through there were quite a few sculptures of naked women and children. Luke would blush and giggle hysterically when he would point out an uncovered body part. We finally got through that section and he calmed down but then he decided he had to use the restroom. Unfortunately, the only way to the restroom was through the naked section and it started a whole new cascade of laughter. Boys. Sheesh.



As we wound around the museum we came across the space section. Liam exclaimed: "Finally, something that I like!"



The Hope Diamond.




It was time for a treat after we crammed all that information into our noggins so we stopped at the ice cream stand outside the museum. I got a double caramel Magnum bar and it was amazing. A little bit of the chocolate dropped on the ground and I am not ashamed to say that I picked it up and ate it. Yes, it was that good.

We left the comfort of the air conditioned halls to brave the sweltering heat as we visited the monuments.

Washington Monument.





World War II Memorial.







Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.




Then the Lincoln Memorial. I got chills when I saw it.


I commented to Justin that I had waited all my life to see this. He answered back with "I don't think you have been waiting your whole life..." but I truly think I have. I have always loved learning about and listening to stories featuring this wonderful President.






It is so crazy that I am standing here on this spot where MLK's famous speech was given. The exact spot.


I was a little sad the reflection pool was torn up. Good thing I have an unbelievable imagination.


Korean War Memorial.


The Jefferson Memorial. We didn't walk all the way over there. I guess I am a wimp.
We did catch a glimpse of Mr. Jefferson standing inside. Pretty amazing.


Nothing warms my heart more than seeing my boys be kind to one another.