Lincoln!

Pretty easy one to guess...the kids were super excited about seeing this one. It's in Night of the Museum Smithsonian...and Lincoln is in the Lego Movie too. (Me eye roll)
The photo of them staring down is the marker for Martin Luther King, Jr spot for his famous 'I have a Dream' speech.

Take Off Day One

SK launched and we walked over the little park bridge to watch take off. SJ immediately told SK the exciting story of being hit in the face by a bat on the walk over. Unclear if that is good luck!
After sending daddy off, we hopped in the rental car! The nearest Metro station. Rode in it until Foggy Bottom in the heart of Georgetown. SJ had to snack it out. We walked a little...

Grand Total

382 sharks teeth were found! Two trips, but all by us!

Sharks Teeth!

Wednesday August 10, 2016
We had a good crowd follow us to the beach to look for sharks teeth. Even SK showed up for a bit to look!

Parking

Tuesday August 9, 2016
In the deck of the Ronald Reagan building, each floor has a theme. We parked in Egypt south. The kids cracked me up by walking from the elevator to the car like Egyptians!
Then crashed. They awakened at the campground! I'd say a good day...

Archives!

Tuesday August 9, 2016
On the way back to the car parked in the Ronald Reagan Building, we stopped in the Archives. We took our turn at viewing the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and Bill of Rights. They were very faded. So faint, you can barely make out the signatures!
We passed a street musician, and SJ said 'he plays well, can I give him a dollar?'...well couldn't argue with him.
There is art all over the town. The big flower called to us.

Exterior LOC

I was directed to take these shots...cracking me up.
"Why is the turtle spitting at the naked lady?" 😳 because it's art.
Love the exterior architecture...my new favorite building in DC.

LOC Lunch

Tuesday August 9, 2016
We ate in the Madison building cafeteria for lunch. Good food, reasonable prices.
We used the underground tunnels that connect the buildings...so cool.
After lunch, we returned for one last look. Yep. Still amazed.

The Main Reading Room LOC

Tuesday August 9, 2016
The main reading room is breathtaking to see...and we had the privilege of walking on the floor of it!! It was incredible. We walked the carpet from the door to the circulation desk and down through a hidden door!!! It was so cool!!! The kids were just overwhelmed by the experience. SJ was afraid to enter the door first! Straight out of a movie...
We saw the Jefferson book collection. The original books that survived the second fire. Jefferson would want us to be more impressed with the contents and knowledge between the pages...I was in awe that he had held them! Lol
Loved the library of congress, I could have spent an entire day sitting in the reading room looking around being amazed by the details. Maybe next time...definite wow.

Entryway LOC

Tuesday August 9, 2016
Our wonderful guide explained the nuances of the architecture surrounding us. The "who" this library is built for is answered in the putto on the stairway railing. Also, over the door. There is a young men on the left of the arch, old man on the right. The putto represent all professions. "Where" is answered in the larger putto show different nations. "Why" is answered with the inlay compass on the center of the floor, knowledge can take you anywhere. Beautiful symbolism that probably goes without notice.
Large glass mural of Minerva, goddess of knowledge and war, guards it all.

Next Stop...Library of Congress

Tuesday August 9, 2016
After the White House Tour, Steve went back to the marina where he docked his bass boat for a few hours to continue practice fishing for the event. We hopped a a metro train to Capitol South to meet a friend of a friend.
We met him at dinner Sunday, and Sophia said she wanted to go to the Library of Congress. Surprised by that answer, our friend took Sophia to meet someone at the other end of the table. Sophia returned with a business card, and said, "we have to call Mr. Bill when we go".
Oh. Ok.
So, we did. He works in the Madison Building. (LOC has three buildings actually. Jefferson, Madison, and Adams). After meeting his colleague, we strolled across the street to the Jefferson and entered through the front. Seeing the fountain of Neptune. Our guide explained the significance of Neptune guarding Minerva. We were soaking up all the stories.
Inside he explained they have the best "OOOOH" and "AHHHH" moments of all the monuments and buildings in the Capitol. He was correct! When it was built, it came in on time and under budget. With the extra appropriated funds, they did a little decorating...lol amazing.