On Sunday morning, the kids begged to eat the continental breakfast in the hotel. Since I promised Steve that I could plan, and execute, this vacation on a budget, I was thrilled to be raising children who fight for free food! We crowded around the lobby tables sipping our OJ and spreading our croissants with packets of marmalade.
We rushed to a Maryland sacrament meeting to hear a speaker tell a story of a Tongan family who lived in one of our former neighborhoods, Sugar House. What a small world! We then headed into D.C. for another day of exploring. This day began with a visit to Arlington National Cemetery. We enjoyed yet another spring walk through cherry trees blossoming in pinks and whites and brilliant green grasses that we had traded, so many months back, for snow and ice.
We had an opportunity to discuss with the kids our freedoms and those who have made the American dream a reality. We were particularity impressed with the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at the Kennedy grave site.
We then made our way to the Tidal Basin for another picnic overlooking the monuments. The highlight of the day was a paddle boat ride on the water.
Just as we headed over to the Jefferson Monument for a different perspective, a pair of ducks jumped right onto Steve's boat, which carried Annelise, Sophia and Ezra. We realized, that nothing in Washington D.C. would be as exciting as this moment for our little ones! They shrieked with joy as the duck couple enjoyed their ride for the remainder of Steve's paddling.
Emilie, Jonathan and I ended our ride early so we could make it to the National Holocaust Museum. The kids had learned quite a bit about this horrifying period of history, but visiting the museum helped them understand the effect of hatred, propaganda, and evil leadership. Thanks to the shields placed in front of some of the displays that were too graphic for children, I was able to discuss this dark time in history without traumatizing them.
We stopped at the Washington Monument before we met Steve for the remainder of the afternoon.
As soon as we were all loaded in the car, we headed over to the Portrait Museum. We especially loved exploring the Presidents of the United States gallery and finding Joseph Smith and Brigham Young's portraits.
After a Mexican dinner, we returned to the hotel for a night of swimming. (I pointed out to Steve that at eight months pregnant, I am exempt from public pools. Once again, Steve is always a great sport!)
We had an opportunity to discuss with the kids our freedoms and those who have made the American dream a reality. We were particularity impressed with the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame at the Kennedy grave site. 
We then made our way to the Tidal Basin for another picnic overlooking the monuments. The highlight of the day was a paddle boat ride on the water.
Just as we headed over to the Jefferson Monument for a different perspective, a pair of ducks jumped right onto Steve's boat, which carried Annelise, Sophia and Ezra. We realized, that nothing in Washington D.C. would be as exciting as this moment for our little ones! They shrieked with joy as the duck couple enjoyed their ride for the remainder of Steve's paddling. 
Emilie, Jonathan and I ended our ride early so we could make it to the National Holocaust Museum. The kids had learned quite a bit about this horrifying period of history, but visiting the museum helped them understand the effect of hatred, propaganda, and evil leadership. Thanks to the shields placed in front of some of the displays that were too graphic for children, I was able to discuss this dark time in history without traumatizing them. 
We stopped at the Washington Monument before we met Steve for the remainder of the afternoon.
As soon as we were all loaded in the car, we headed over to the Portrait Museum. We especially loved exploring the Presidents of the United States gallery and finding Joseph Smith and Brigham Young's portraits. 
After a Mexican dinner, we returned to the hotel for a night of swimming. (I pointed out to Steve that at eight months pregnant, I am exempt from public pools. Once again, Steve is always a great sport!)
3 comments:
Sounds like you guys had a great time in Washington DC! I have always wanted to see it while the cherry blossoms are in bloom, that must have been amazing.
What beautiful, artistic photographs! I especially like the photo of the soldier at Arlington, with the sharp diagonal gun, and the photo of the children at the Washington Monument, with the spire coming down the center of the picture, but assymetrical sides. And what fun places you visited! Love, Mom
Once again, your posts never fail to entertain. Tanner and I are checking them out together and it reminds us of our trip there forever ago. We loved the Portrait Gallery and Arlington is so compelling.
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