The National Zoo, the Smithsonians, & the Monuments at Night

We had to go to the National Zoo to see the pandas! How could we not be just a few blocks away and not go? We also went through four of the Smithsonian Museums (there are 7 all together). Linda's favorite was the Natural Museum because it was displaying the Hope Diamond and other precious pieces of jewelry. (Wow!). We also toured the Bureau of Printing and Engraving, visited the Declaration of Independence and Bill of Rights, then we were off to the Monuments at Night tour. To stand at the base of Abraham Lincoln at the Lincoln Memorial and witness the statues surrounding Teddy Roosevelt's Memorial is something truly special.

We had an amazing time in Washington, DC. We would love to go back again sometime soon. If you get the chance, go and take your kids. They come away with a new perspective of what it means to be free.

The Capitol

We all had been so looking forward to the Capitol tour. Our Congressman and neighbor, Cliff Stearns, arranged for one of his interns to take us on a tour of the Capitol building which included the Supreme Court chambers and the actual House of Representatives floor and the Rotunda.

We got to stand on the "star" which is the exact center of Washington, DC. The artwork in the ceilings and along the walls is breathtaking. Lady Freedom is the highest status in Washington, DC (with the exception of the Washington Monument and the US Postal Tower). The exceptions are permitted because they were constructed before that ordinance went into effect.

Did you know that the Senate and House of Representatives are in different wings of the Capitol? Did you also know that the Rayford and 2 other buildings are where each congressman's office is located? Did you also know that the congressman have their own private subway system and private car so they can make it to the voting floor within 2 to 3 minutes? Did you know that we also got to ride in Congressman Stearns' private subway car? Shhh....that's a secret! :)

Thank you, Congressman Stearns for such a cool tour.