A Day in D.C.

We started our day with a quick stop at some monuments. Mama and the three older girls hopped out of the van intending to see the World War II memorial and to look up our great grandfather who fought in it. However, 8:00 in the morning is apparently too early a time to do that, so we'll have to come back. 

Our old friend Mr. Lincoln was out on his porch just across the park, so we headed that way to say hello and listen to his fascinating conversation.

Next stop was a tour of the Capitol building. Well, more precisely it was a tour of one third of the Capitol building. We got to see the center section on the tour, including the awe-inspiring rotunda.  

Beneath the incredible dome, is this circular room featuring magnificent paintings of great moments in American history.

This room was very interesting. Originally it served as the room where Congress gathered for joint meetings; however, the arched shape of the ceiling creates some wild acoustics that quickly required a switch. Now this acts as a foyer area housing statues of important, innovative men from each state. We thought it highly fitting that the figure from Florida was the father of air conditioning -- he deserves every honor he can get!

After seeing the center of the Capitol, we went to our respective state representatives' offices to receive admission to the House's chamber. And then we splurged on buying over-priced, but very yummy museum food. Their incredibly fresh salad bar was just too much to resist!

Next stop was the Library of Congress. We expected a lot of books and of course that great room that everyone thinks of when the Library is mentioned. However, we had absolutely no idea what else was awaiting us; what a treat! We wandered through room after room of this majestic marble and painted foyers.

In between certain archways were these paintings and bookish quotations. Most of the quotations were spot on, while a few were ... eh ... not. Just a wee bit of humanism. :)

As we wandered about (with our mouths open, of course) the Library of Congress, we saw the most picturesque dusting of snow fall out the windows. Once we finished there, we visited the National Archives and learned all about the significance of careful documentation. Finally, we went home by way of Georgetown.

Though we were all thoroughly exhausted by the end, our outing to D.C. was fantastic. *sigh* Time is flying so quickly! There's just too much to behold!