Day 2 began at the National Archives. However, by the time we got there the line stretched around the corner and down the side of the building. Bummer. So while John waited in line, the kids and I headed across the street to the Natural History Museum.
I am still amazed that all of the Smithsonian Museums were free. Amazing.
The Natural History Museum was a lot like the one we have been to many times in NYC, but who can pass up seeing some amazing fossils of dinosaurs?? And Abigail wanted to make sure we saw some gems. Our pictures didn't come out well - the lighting was too dim. I still haven't figured out how to take pictures in low light. Some day.
"Hope Diamond"
The diamond is actually a really deep blue color. Beautiful. Crazy to think that the original diamond was more than twice that size.
Once John made it within 15 minutes of getting into the building he called us and we headed over to finish the wait with him. Good thing I remembered to bring Spot It.
No photography is allowed in the archives, because of the nature of the displays.
It was hard to explain to the children the significance of what they were seeing.
The Magna Carta
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution
The Bill of Rights
What a neat experience. There is such a reverence and awe as you view these documents and ponder their significance in our history.
I am truly grateful.
Connor didn't quite make it.
Next stop - The Museum of American History
A couple of our favorites:
Early Locomotive
Abraham Lincoln's Top Hat
The actual hat that he wore to Ford's theater the night of his assassination.
Pretty neat.
We decided we had had enough museums for the day. So, we headed outside to enjoy the beautiful weather. Of course, we had to fly our kite once more at the Washington Monument. After a bit of relaxation, we began a pleasant walk along the Tidal Basin to see some of the memorials up close and personal. So far we had only seem then in the distance.
Walking around Tidal Basin on our way to the Jefferson Memorial
Cherry Blossoms
Originally we thought we were going to be able to see the cherry trees in full bloom, but not this year. With the warmer winter they bloomed about 2 weeks early this year. These were the only cherry blossoms left for us :). Some day we will time it just right.
John was a trooper - carrying Owen in his stroller up all the stairs at the memorials.
What a Dad.
Jefferson Memorial
"Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia ... By these, as testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered." - Thomas Jefferson
Interesting that President of the United States was not one of the things that he listed.
We then walked around the other side of the Tidal Basin toward the Abraham Lincoln Memorial and passing through the Martin Luther King Memorial.
"Out of the mountain of despair, A stone of hope"
I loved the quote on the side of this huge stone with MLK carved into it. It was perfect.
Abraham Lincoln Memorial
Saved the Union. Ended Slavery. What a man.
Two out of the four. Owen was sleeping and Abby was off reading the walls.
Last stop: The Vietnam Memorial
I found it interesting to learn that the park saves all of the notes, cards, and things left in honor of those that fought in this war. How special.
It was especially neat to watch different people doing rubbings of family names. Sharing touching stories about the names on the wall. Really putting a person with the name.
Once again we walked home after a long, fun-filled day.
We all slept like babies.
Lights were out at 9pm ... for everyone.
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