Saturday - part one

We started out on Saturday with a trip to the White House.  Because of the added security from the Boston bombings, we could only go this close.  You can see the House in the background.  We got to see it.  But, not very close.  We also wanted to walk around to the front.  And AROUND it was!  About 6 blocks I think.  not sure, but it seemed very long.  Once again, Rachel and I had to get out front.  We needed to get to Ford Theatre to get our group tickets.  This was the longest walk we did to just get somewhere.  And there were some sore people back there.  But, kudos to them, they didn't complain.  We left Eric to lead the pack and Rachel and I set off for the Theatre.  Eric did a great job of leading them to it.  There were some nay-sayers that asked him if he knew where he was going.  He is stronger than I am and didn't even respond.  He just kept walking.  I had to make sure we beat them there so I wouldn't let Rachel stop to even take a picture of a bird!  Luckily, she got one later.  We did text the group to see if they were coming.  no one answered.  For a few moments we were afraid the entire group was abducted!  But, we got word they were coming.  Apparently it was a little fast for some as they expressed to the Caboose that we were moving at a marathon pace.  yay us!  Who knew we had that kind of stamina, huh Rachel??  At long last we were directed into the theatre to hear about President Lincoln's last moments.  Across the street was the house where Lincoln actually died.  We had a man in there telling us that the furniture is much smaller and that they needed to place the president diagonal across the bed for him to rest.  he lived for seven hours there and then passed away.  There was a long line to get into Peterson house, so some kids went to the Hard Rock Café to take a peek.  I did not, I waited in line.  There was also a t-shirt kiosk where people bought sweatshirts and other souvenirs.  It was sunny and not a terrible place to wait.  In this picture you can see Syd and Emily posing for a photo while Shawn photo bombed them.  he was very popular in lots of pictures.  people on the street would ask to take pictures with him.  he looks here like he is flying in like a super hero!

After Ford Theatre, we walked over to the Old Post Office for lunch and shopping.  These kids like a Gift Shop more than any kids I've ever known!  Lucky for them there is a shopping opportunity at every corner!  At the Old Post Office there was a tower you could go up to and view the city.  I opted to sit outside in the sun.  we sat next to a place called Seg in the City.  it was a kiosk to rent Seguey scooters.  I implored Eric to let me try it but both he and Lauren were certain I'd end up with abrasions on my face... at the very least!

We lined up for the bus and headed off to see the Smithsonian museums again.  I led my group to the American history museum first, then to the Museum of Natural History.  If I were to do this trip on my own, I would have spent hours just reading the things in the museum.  But, kids aren't that interested.  I have an album on my facebook that shows us trying to imitate the heads of early man.  that was a highlight!  I'll add some here.

When we were done, we had an hour to wait for the bus.  Others went to the Air and Space museum but since we had already been there, done that, we took the opportunity to rest.  The kids really liked just resting on the mall.  After I explained that "The Mall" was NOT a shopping center!  They tried to spell words with their bodies, they jumped and took pictures.  They just had some time to rest and be themselves.  I wanted to go ride the carousel they had.  Eric was appalled.  I believe his actual words were -- do you see all the grubby people and snotty kids here?  you are NOT going to get on that germ infested thing to take a ride!!

After this we went to Union Station for dinner.  They had about 30 places to eat and a ton of shops.  The kids shopped, and shopped, and shopped!  They also ate.  I went to a sit down dinner with Rachel, Eric, Sarah and Juanalee.  it was so nice to just sit and be adults.  We were certain that no one would join us because it wasn't fast food and it wasn't in the middle of the food court! how relaxing!  We then went to the monument tour...

To be continued.....