Our First Day of Sightseeing

A great start to the morning (6:00 am Alaska time).  Our first goal, master the Metro!  And with just a few clicks of the heel were were transported to...

 From the Star-Spangled Banner: The Flag that Inspired the National Anthem to Abraham Lincoln: An Extraordinary Life to The Price of Freedom: Americans at War.  From the Presidents to the First Ladies and their inaugural gowns.

And from the Muppet's to Michael Jackson (His hat is in the case to the left of James).  The things that defined us as a nation.

Now a few thoughts from our intellectuals:

Kelsea:  The whole museum was FILLED with so much to learn about but, my favorite/least favorite was the section about slaves. It stuns me every time I find out more about the slave trade and how the slaves were treated. I found this saying: "One mornin' a couple married, an' de next mornin' de boss sell de wife." by Susan Hamilton, a former slave. I can't imagine the cruelty of the slave owners! I learned about one of the punishments slaves received for disobedience. In 1825 city officials at the local jail installed a treadmill with steps that the slaves would have to climb for hours. This provided power for the jail's gristmill. Finally, by the 1840's the treadmill was banned, being seen as "cruel and unusual punishment", even for slaves. That is so sad. I hope that wing of the Smithsonian can stir the feelings of anyone who enter it. Hopefully, it makes people thankful for their freedom.

James: History was everywhere (who knew)! Some sad, some happy. There are so many great memories in American History stored in the Smithsonian. Going into the dark room with an enormous American Flag reminded me of what this country went through to be what it is today. It was a great reminder, and one that will stick with me.

Dad:  Besides the brief moment of feeling important standing behind the podium, I was overwhelmed by everything.  The original flag in the Star-Spangled Banner room was humbling and the Abraham Lincoln was inspiring.  I enjoyed the exhibit with the Presidents but the room with all the inaugural gown made me cringe as I think about Kelsea looking for her prom dress.

Tina - Look at this doll house. You could spend hours playing and trying to rearrange each room and still have rooms to go.  Greg - you could watch all your favorite movies at one time. 

After hours in the museum we sat near George Washington (first national monument unveiled in 1841)to rest our weary legs.  After being slightly rejuvenated, we decided to brave the sun and humid weather outside (which actually wasn't bad as the we did have some cloud cover and a good breeze).

While starring up at the the Washington Monument and the view...is that a bird or a plane no it looks like Marine One or maybe Two.










So with sore feet it was off with the shoes to feel the cool blades of green grass between the toes and back to the hotel!