Once again, this will be an abbreviated post of quick notes due to timing and overall exhaustion. This morning started off with an 8:45 tour at the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Very cool experience, and quick too. The best part is tours start here long before the other museums open at ten. So if you like to maximize your time like me, this one is for you.
I estimate we walked between five and ten miles today and a lot of that was in freezing temperatures with the wind blowing, albeit lightly. We are not conditioned for any of this but whenever we start to feel sorry for our sensation-less toes, I remind us both that this is NOT a winter in Valley Forge - we do have shoes for goodness sake! Oh, and God bless all those tough, brave men who fought for our independence. Good lord! With all I've (re)learned about American history in the last several months I'm beginning to think we've grown quite soft.
Per the kid's request, Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History. Of all our planned stops this was actually the one I was least excited about. Strange to admit that now because it really was incredible in so many ways.
I know - right?!? I totally want one of each too!! You are looking at a Chinese Water Deer above, and a Pink Fairy Armadillo below!
I loved the human origins section. We had fun with an interactive photo booth that showed what we would have looked like as Neanderthal. (No, I will not be posting those.) Above I'm standing with my favorite - Homo floresiensis - and yes, her head is at actual height!
The room of bones. Clearly an older exhibit but one of my favorites! Hundreds of skeletons displayed on a gorgeous color palette made more of an artful statement to me than anything else.
Need. This. Rock.
My little birder loved the incredible collection of native DC birds we discovered while walking down a quiet hallway... looking for the elevators... after leaving the basement cafe. :-/
We visited with family tonight in DC and after cooking us a wonder dinner they toured us all around the city for a taste of DC at night. Light or dark, rain or shine, Lincoln's Memorial never disappoints.
Meet three of my all-time favorite people: Mr. Noodle, Miss Frijoles and The 8 year old.
