Smithsonian Museums

Okay, this was my favorite day. After visiting the White House, we were taken to the Washington Mall and dropped off for the next 6 1/2 hours to do whatever we wanted. This was our only free day here and Cole and I truly enjoyed getting away from the group that we'd spent every minute with just to explore on our own terms. This was the best time the two of us had together the entire trip. Being around his friends non-stop had put him in a bit of a grumpy mood for a lot of the trip. It was good to get him all to myself for a little while. He was a much happier and easier going kid to be around with just the two of us. Our first stop was the information center to find out what all museums we had to choose from in the area that we were at.

Smithsonian Information Center.

We went to the Hirshorn Museum of Art, but neither one of us could appreciate the art. In my opinion, art is a very subjective thing. Apparently I don't have an eye for it. See, in my opinion, a wall painted all black with nothing else on it is art, it's simply a black wall. But they see things differently. Afterwards, we went to the National Air and Space Museum to eat lunch. We didn't tour this museum even though I really really wanted too. We were on a time crunch. Cole wanted to see an IMAX film at the Museum of Natural History, and since this was his trip, I couldn't deny him that. So, I snapped pictures of whatever I could while in there before heading to the next building.

This is the Museum of Natural History.

We had so much fun on this trip and arrived home totally worn out and exhausted. I have a few years to rest up before Kelsey goes, and then a few more after that before Ella goes. I'm looking forward to going again and spending that time with my girls.

The White House

Our much anticipated day, we finally got to visit the White House. I wish I could say they let us tour it, but NO. Regardless, it was neat to see in person.

I think out of all the pictures that we took or had taken, this one is my absolute favorite.

Look closely, can you see the sharp shooter on the roof? He's there! In fact, there was one for each corner of the home.

Washington Monument

After visiting the WWII Memorial, we walked across the street to see the Washington Monument up close and personal. We didn't get to go inside because ticket sales for the day were closed. It was probably around 5pm or so. We were just glad to finally get to see it. We had been teased our entire time in DC driving by it and trying to get moving photos.

It was very windy and cold this day, thus the look on Cole's face.

Finally, a climbing tree we could climb. I joined Cole for this one.

We could get a full view of the capital here, unlike when we visited it. It's hard to get a full shot when you're up close.

WWII Memorial

The states were divided up by Pacific or Atlantic.

This fountain was at the WWII Memorial. Funny story, one of the kids in our group lost their hat from the wind and it was blown into this frigid water. Our principal took off his socks and shoes, rolled up his pant legs and waded in to get the hat. He's a big time rule-follower and he broke the rules with this one because there were signs asking people to stay out of the water. One of the mom's in our group got photograph evidence of him doing this, but I missed most of it. It was fun teasing him about it later.

The Famous Ford Theater

After the cathedral, we got to take in a little souvenir shopping before heading over to the Ford Theater for a little story telling on the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. Our shopping took place across the street from the theater, and we also got to enjoy some drum beats by these two fellas.

National Cathedral

This was by far my favorite attraction. I never knew how massive a church this building was. It seats 3000 in it's main hall and has several smaller gathering rooms, if you will. The stained glass windows were absolutely amazing and my camera just didn't do any of it justice. Sorry for the quality of pictures here, but my camera was on it's last leg and wasn't holding up too well for interior pictures.

This one is rather interesting. I can't remember what they call this window, but in the center of the top circle is an actual moon rock from the first moon landing.

This was the alter in the main hall. This was only one side and it was huge!

Off the main sanctuary is this sanctuary. There was a kneeling board that ran the distance of the room's width in front of this altar.

This was a rather interesting scultpure. If you look close enough, you see Jesus seated on the throne holding the world in His left hand and holding up the "peace" sign with his right hand. It's good to mention here that this church is non-denominational and hold services for multiple religions from protestant, to catholic, to muslim, to buddhist. This may be the only church in the world that does such things. At least I hope so.

Same sculpture, just a zoomed out view so you could see the entire thing.

Where we came in from.

In this hall, instead of stained glass windows, their were paintings. This one depicts Jesus being prepared for His burial.

I found this quite interesting, as well. Helen Keller, who is an Alabama native was buried here in the cathedral with her teacher, Anne Sullivan. They are the only 2 people buried in the cathedral.

Hard to see, but back behind the iron bars is their graves.

This is a drawing of the cathedral.

Too massive to get in multiple shots, but here is my attempt to try to give you a good idea of how large this building is. It easily took up one city block, if not more.

Iwo Jima Memorial

The bell tower. Up close this was amazing at how many bells were on here.

I'm tired of looking pudgy in these shots. I think it's time to begin a new workout rouine.