Spring Break: Washington D.C. - Day 3

Day 3 began early for John. He was determined to get tickets to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. He really wanted to see them make money. So he woke up at about 6:30am, ran down to the building to wait in the line for tickets and was so excited to find that he was the first one there. Yeah! Tickets were supposed to be handed out starting at 8am Monday - Friday. It was Saturday. Bummer. Oh well, maybe next time.

But lucky for the kids and I, he was able to make it back in time to the hotel before the little tummies started grumbling with breakfast in hand. We packed our suitcases back up and left them at the hotel for pickup later in the evening. And off we went ... on our last day of adventure in Washington D.C.

We took the subway down to the National Capitol. But ended up going into the Library of Congress first. (good thing too, because they have a tunnel to the Capitol Visitor Center and the security line there wasn't long at all)

What an amazing building! The detail was extraordinary.

Lucky for us, there was a special children's library room and a special exhibit going on because of the Cherry Blossom Festival. The kids were able to dress in Kimonos, try their paper folding skills with origami, make fish flags, listen to a book reading, try japanese candy, chopsticks and have their names written in japanese. They had a great time. It was a nice change of pace for them.

Then through the tunnel we went to the Capitol Visitor Center.

The only way to see the building is by taking a guided tour. We were a little leery with the four kids, but it turned out great.

Waiting in line...

Everyone was really excited about their headphones ... at first. By the end both Dallin and Connor were done with them.

Truly an amazing building.

Ronald Reagan ... in honor of Dad.

Connor and John ... touching the "lucky spot."

George Washington was supposed to be buried in that spot. But he requested to be buried at Mt. Vernon with his wife. They tried to have him moved later to this spot, but the family refused. So now... it is just the lucky spot.

The kids in front of the Statue of Freedom

After a long tour and full tummies, we headed back outside to do one last promised activity. Paddle boats in Tidal Basin. We were a little worried we weren't going to make it when we saw the line. We only had a short time before we had to start heading to the train station. But the kids were determined and it all worked out. Good thing.

What a great way to end a great day in Washington D.C.

We quickly headed back to the subway to get back to the hotel to pickup our suitcases and get to the train station.

As we arrived at the station, we saw the subway was stopped on the rail. We were trying to get down the stairs quickly, but the doors shut. But then they opened again. I ran for the doors but as I stuck my hand in they closed. In NYC, this is no big deal, the doors just pop back open. But not in D.C. They clamp down. Tourists on the other side of the door were nervous and tried pushing my hand back out. Connor was screaming. He was terrified. It really was okay. I was fine. The train can't go with an open door. I was able to get my hand out and the doors closed all the way.

We waited but the train did not move and after a minute the doors opened again. So, we seized the opportunity and jumped on (this time everyone made it on). But still the train did not go. Soon the driver was checking all the doors. Obviously this train was having a problem. After a couple of minutes, she asked everyone to exit the train.

So we started filing out with everyone else. Abby and Dallin were just a head of us waiting outside the subway car, when the doors closed again. This time Dallin and Abigail on one side and John, Connor, Owen, and I on the other. Not good. I was trying to tell the kids to stay there. We kept thinking the lady would open the doors. The train jolted forward. Connor was screaming. A man we were with was having the same problem. His kids were on the other side too. He jumped on the emergency speaker... "Let us out. Our kids are out there!" The doors opened again. We quickly got off and waited for another train.

The next train was fine. We arrived at the station we needed to. We were able to get our suitcases and head back to the station. Connor kept referring to the previous subway as a "stinky train." And he seemed okay to get on the next subway for a ride to the train station. However, when we got on it was a bit crowded. Not bad. But with three strollers trying to maneuver, it was not ideal. A couple stops in to the ride, a couple was trying to get off with a stroller and they didn't make it in time. The doors closed on the stroller. Mom was on one side and Dad and baby were on the other with one of Mom's shoes. Crazy! At this point, Connor decided none of these trains were reliable. He wanted off. NOW! Luckily we made it safely to the train station and everything was fine. Connor was traumatized, but we were all okay.

I still think it is amazing that in all our time riding the subway in NYC we have never seen such a problem or experienced anything like that before. The D.C. trains were cleaner, and quieter, but they really need to work on the door problem. NYC doors seem much safer.

Luckily our train ride home was not as eventful.

Two kids slept.

Two kids read and colored.

Daddy slept.

Mommy closed her eyes.

So nice.

After a taxi ride home, it was nice to be back in our own beds.

We hope the kids remember something from the trip. Or maybe at least the pictures will help them remember the amazing things they saw and did. Hopefully.