DC Trip - Day Two

Dear Children,

Today Dad and I did some more wandering around Downtown DC, but this time we attempted using the Metro-an underground train transportation system. It is a confusing system to understand but we managed to get where we needed to go.

Our first stop was the Capital Building.

We went on a tour of the inside of the Capital Building and it started out with us meeting our tour guide by this awesome statue of the First King of Hawaii.


This next statue is the plaster mold that was used to make the statue that is on top of the Capital. It is the Statue of Freedom and she faces East so that the sun never sets on her face.


Inside the Capital, Dad and I stood on this star which is the center of DC. It is from this point that all the streets in the city are based. Similar to how Temple Square is the center of the Salt Lake Valley.


The Rotunda is one of the most awesome places within the Capitol. This is the picture painted on the top of the domed ceiling. I can't even begin to explain everything it represents but it has to do with George Washington and different events early on in our nation's history.


Right below that picture is a mural that circles the dome that looks like it is in 3D. It is a mural painted with plaster so that it has more depth to it.

In the Rotunda there are also huge paintings of important events in the early years of our Country. Like I said it is an AWESOME room.


Our next stop was the Air and Space Museum, where there were lots of HUGE old airplanes, and warplanes hanging from the ceiling.


And also a lot of artifacts from the different trips into space our country has taken. This space suit is from when Armstrong first stepped on the moon.


In the evening, just before the sun began to set, we went to see the Washington Monument.


And the Lincoln Memorial. Which is a very respectful, peaceful place which made me reflect on what a big responsibility and honor it is to be the President of the United States.


On our walk back to our hotel, we saw the Washington Monument all lit up and reflecting off this pond. A beautiful sight.


And a nice end to our day.

I hope you are all enjoying your time with Cindy and Grandma. Your Dad and I talked today about hopefully one day bringing you all here to show you all these wonderful places.

I am grateful for the chance to be able to learn more and see more about our Country's history and to be able to share it with you each night.

Sleep well. I will blog some more tomorrow.

Love,

Mom

DC Trip - Day One

Dear Children,

Early this morning as we started to land in Atlanta this was the view outside my window. Pretty FANTASTIC I must say!


When we arrived in DC we explored downtown for a little while and look what we found - The White House.

You know where the President lives and where he does his Presidential Work.


The next place we visited had a few items that you might recognize.



Lots of fun Pop Culture items. Do you know where we went to find these?

It was the National Museum of American History. There were a lot of interesting facts and pictures and items to look at.

My favorite part of the museum was the early American History Artifacts like this one.


The original desk which was used to write one of the MOST important documents in our History - The Declaration of Independence.

I also really enjoyed learning more about one of my favorite American Heroes - Mr. George Washington.


Our last stop for the day was this place, recognize it?

I didn't think you would.
This is the National Archives Building.

Now here is your history quiz question of the day. This building contains the Original Documents of the three papers that make up what is known as the Charters of Freedom. What are the names of these three documents?

Children, remember I love you and I miss you and now I must get some sleep because traveling on the red-eye flight with a lay-over and flight transfer doesn't allow me much opportunity to do so.

PS - The answer to the question is...

The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution of the United States
The Bill of Rights

Can you believe that we saw these actual documents that helped form our country. Amazing to think about what it would have been like back then when these documents were written. Unfortunately, no picture taking was allowed inside the Archives Building.

Good night.
I'll write to you again tomorrow.

Love,

Mom

A Celebration

We celebrated our little girl's third year with us.
I cannot believe she is growing up so much.
I thought she was my baby.

Lots of presents were given - fit for a "princess",
and some non-traditional desserts were devoured like
a yummy fruit pizza and this creation that was a big hit.

I guess we will have to do it all again next year
but I would rather not.

I don't want her to grow up anymore.

Red, White and Blue

The other Red, White and Blue
I LOVE to see this time of year.

Blue Water and Skies,
White Clouds,
Red Rock.

It doesn't get much better than this!