JONES FAMILY EXPERIENCE

Washington, DCSpring 2010

SmithsoniansSunday and Monday. We walked in to the Museum of Natural History and Nate breathed an awed, “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was 5.” That, alone, made it worth the visit.

American History MuseumWe’ve waited so long to get here. Of course, then we

had to wait forever to get through security…

Mr. LincolnInaugural Address and Life Mask

Nate and Mr. Lincoln’s HatThe Star Spangled Banner Exhibit

The first thing we saw. It’s amazing the feeling you get when you see Old Glory for the first time. Even the kids mentioned it.

President…Katie?‘The Thinking President’

Katie’s looking pissy… time for lunch

Does it not seem to you as though he’s saying, “What the hell?”

Museum of Natural History

We had a WHALE of a good time.

Nate the Mastodon Whisperer

The Hope Diamond

At the Hirshon Art Gallery

Nate pays homage to the square.

National Air and Space Museum

We didn’t get many pictures here. We did see the Journey to the Stars iMAX. And spent plenty of time, and money, in the very large museum store.

White House and National ArchivesTuesday. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to bring the camera. :0(Katie and I went back later and got some shots. It’s nighttime, so they aren’t the best.

The White House at Night

Capitol Building and Museum of ArtWednesday. Unfortunately, the camera died after the Capitol Tour. However, Patrick and I brought home a LOT of prints when we went last time. So, you can come over and walk through our house – almost as good as pictures, right?

The Capitol Building

Is that (->) not a perfect shot of Freedom?

Plenty of waiting-in-line time to take outside shots

Shots of the Supreme Court Building across the street

On the steps of Justice

E Pluribus Unum

Out of Many, One

Inside the Rotunda

The Apotheosis of Washington

He has ascended to Heaven and is watching the growth of his country – surrounded by angels

Below the dome, is the Frieze ofAmerican History

Lady Liberty and bills

Just like the Schoolhouse Rock song,We’re bills, stuck on Capitol Hill…

Arlington Cemetery and the National ZooThursday. After walking forEVER to get from the Metro station to the zoo, and since we really only wanted to see the Pandas (and all we saw was a slice of panda butt), we didn’t take photos at the zoo.

The Beautiful Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossom Retrospective

The Eternal Flame

Arlington House and Memorial

Tomb of the UnknownsChanging of the Guard

Philadelphia – Independence Hall, Philosopher’s Society, Liberty Bell, Ben Franklin’s GraveFriday. We left the camera in the car and I was too ornery to let Patrick go back and get it. So, you’ll have to just imagine. We also went to the ‘birthplace of the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich’ in South Philly. Trying to decide between Geno’s and Pat’s, we went to Geno’s because Pat’s serves Pepsi products (and you know how my Pat feels about Pepsi). However, they only take cash. So we went to the ATM next to Pat’s and then got our sandwiches there. Meh. It was okay, but not worth a special trip.

BaltimoreSaturday. It was a beautiful day. A really nice way to end a fabulous trip.

Ft McHenry

More Fort McHenry

Firing the CannonMy boys were so PSYCHED

Historic Ships at Baltimore Harbor

Driving the USS ConstellationTake THAT Chesapeake:(I fire my cannon on you!)

Could this be a sign of Ute fans in Baltimore?

THE END