Photo Gallery 6: Library of Congress

Library of Congress

Thu. March 25, 2010.

The Library of Congress was extremely cool. We were looking forward to it but also surprised about just how cool it was. Two photo-free spaces were Thomas Jefferson's library and original editorial cartoons from the Washington Post. Cool to see the paste up and line drawings on the originals.

Amelia starting her e-Passport.

Congressional Library from the steps of the Capitol.

This is a marble mosaic of the Minerva of Peace. She is the goddess of wisdom.

The Owl is Minerva's symbol. Amelia's second favorite animal after the Panda.

Great Hall (entry). More Minerva's -- as a statue this time.

Incredible architecture.

Amelia's Journal Entry Thu. March 25

Washington DC

Thursday March 25, 2010

Today I woke up and watched TV for 30 minutes. Then I took a shower and we left for DC. We went to the Library of Congress until about 1:30. AFter that we went to the Supreme Court until 2:45. Then we had a late lunch at Capitol City Brewing Company. We were so full we pretty much skipped dinner!

This is the desert we had. It was amazing. First time either of us left desert on our plate!

Photo Gallery 5: Capitol and Supreme Court

Visit to the Supreme Court

Thu. March 25, 2010

Amelia visits Sonia Sotomayor and all those other guys.

Just in case we need a, "Back when she first visited at 11. . ." photo.

As you enter the court, there are lamp posts made of brass. For some reason they have turtles as feet. Kinda cool.

Supreme Court from the Capitol Steps.

And that's it. Sorry folks, no photos inside the chambers. Oddest thing we learned today: There is a basketball court above the chambers. Rule number 1: no basketball during oral arguments.

Vist to the Capitol Building

Wed. March 24, 2010

Media lectern just outside the House side of the Capitol. "Ms. Proudfoot is conferring with close friends and advisors about 2036. Her greatest desire is to serve our country. Though she is not actively considering a run, she is open to how she might best serve her fellow Americans."

Not a great photo but thought this was a cool detail in a Capitol building hallway. Everything is detailed.

Amelia the sponge.

Portrait in the rotunda.

Another portrait in the rotunda.

Part of the artwork that encircles the rotunda just below the windows. There are many scenes of historic moments in American history.

Part of the artwork that encircles the rotunda just below the windows. That's Washington.

Top of the dome of the rotunda. That's George Washington surrounded by 13 muses.

The Statue of Freedom faces East over the front of the Capitol. Most popular photos of the Capitol are of the back of the Capitol. It faces East to greet the rising sun every morning.

Ronald Reagan moved the Inauguration to the back of the capitol to allow for a larger stage. It has been there ever since. The inauguration was set at 11 AM on Jan. 20 so that the Statue of Freedom is facing a rising sun as the President takes the oath of office.

Beautiful spring day.

Photo Gallery 4: Air And Space Museum on the Mall

Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.

Wednesday March 24, 2010

This photo gallery is dedicated to Uncle Ed who loves the Apollo missions. A trip to DC to see it to together some day is in order!

Amelia meets Amelia, finally! Whoo Hoo!

The space race is on. We watched a video about all of the missions that led up to the lunar landing and so lots of cool artifacts.

The Apollo 11 Command Module -- the real deal. It was awesome looking at the tiles underneath that were burned during re-entry.

Apollo Command Module.

Buzz Aldrin's Space Suite. Neil's was on a break.

Lunar Module

Amelia with Amelia's plane. Didn't see Amy Adams anywhere near this exhibit. . . .

The Wright Bros. Planes. Turns out it took a long time to establish that the Wright Bros. were the original inventors of of the Aeroplane - the first free, controlled, sustained flight.

Amelia's Journal Entry Wed. March 24

Washington DC

Wed. March 24, 2010

Today we woke up before the boys left for school. After they left we ate breakfast and got ready. When we got to DC we went to the Air and Space Museum. We ate lunch at McDonald's then rested a bit before we got pictures with Indiana Representative Mike Pence. From 2:00 to 4:00 we got a tour of the Capitol Building. For dinner we met the Ratzlaffs and ate at Union Station.

A long day

A quick update: We had a great day today and it was long. Union Station, Air and Space Museum, US Capitol and visit with Rep. Pence. Dinner with friends and a late return to VA.

Amelia walked in, went downstairs and went to sleep immediately.

We have great photos to post tomorrow!

Amelia is enjoying reading everyone's comments. Thanks for posting!

tp and AWP

Photo Gallery 3: Smithsonian Day

Tuesday March 23, 2010

Washington DC

Great shot of the White House. We saw the President's Motorcade today on Pennsylvania Avenue heading to the Capitol Building.

Decent shot of the Washington Monument from the car.

National Archives. Saw the articles of freedom: Original Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights. Coolest thing though was the first finding of the Supreme Court that limited executive privilege.

Sorry folks. No photos allowed.

American History Museum. Lincoln's hat. Not like his hat. THE hat.

American History Museum. There's no no place like home.

Natural History Museum. Easter Island Statue featured in Night at the Museum.

American History Museum. So they had a great butterfly and moth exhibit. Amelia got some great shots of butterflies (more beautiful than this). Shared this one because that little loop right in front of the eyes is ITS TONGUE!

American History Museum. If you look close you can see Ben Stiller and Ricky Gervais.