Day 26

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Washington, DC to Denver

OOPS! Forgot to upload the pictures of the monuments...here they are. Also, yet another cousin visit with Cousin Richard.

Smithsonian Museums...First the museum of Air and Space. From the Wright brothers to the space programs to asteroids, what a journey. There was even a Ford Tri-motor plane like the one John's father used in his airline, Pickwick Airways, in the 1920's.

Next, on Monica's recommendation (thank you Monica), and because it got us out of the rain, we ducked into the National Art Museum. Oh, poor us...surrounded by paintings and sculture, including Leonardo da Vinci's only oil painting in the Western Hemishpere and the Chester Dale Collection of Impressionist paintings. And it was lunch time: we discovered the wonderful Cafe Francaise in the lower lever, by the Impressionists of course, and a fabulous lunch buffet.

Full of art, science, and French food, we wandered out into the rain and headed towards the National Archives. In the hushed, quiet, and cool rotunda, there they were: all of the documents that made us into the United States. The Acts of Federation, The Declaration of Independence, The Constitution, and The Bill of Rights. I don't use this word often, but it was awesome!

Last on our very full day, The Smithsonian Museum of American History. An emotional roller coaster: the huge flag, in tatters, that inspired the National Anthem; a wonderful display on Abraham Lincoln; the First Ladies exhibit of personal belongings and inuagural gowns--including Martha Washington's gown, she was so tiny. Julia Child's Kitchen (some of you will recognize that it is painted the same color as ours), Dorothy's ruby slippers, Archie Bunker's chair, and an interactive sing along in front of the student sit in at a lunch counter.

Tonight is the laborious process of packing for a flight to Denver.

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Photos

Vietnam War Memorial Wall
This was especially chilling...

Ford Tri-motor airplane
John's father used this type plane in his airline, Pickwick Airways, in the 1920's.

Mercury
At the Museum of Art

Martha Washington's Inaugural Gown
She could only have been about five feet tall.

Comments

[Richard]

Great pictures!
What great pictures (except maybe half of one)! The bright monuments against the dark background are really stunning. It appears that you did actually make the evening tour. We're so relieved.