Walking Around DC, Day 3

Once again, the day began on the hotel shuttle. Shuttle service is 24/7; a very nice benefit.

We entered the Metro system at the end of the Yellow Line, the Huntington Station. 

And then it was to the train.

 Our first stop of the day was the Newseum -- a museum about news. It wouldn't sound like it was too interesting, but there was material for kids and adults alike. We spent the majority of our day at the Newseum.

 There is a front page from every state in the USA on display outside and inside the Newseum. Every paper included the CO movie theater shooting.

Brie found her kind of place -- somewhere to use the phone. 

We found a section of the Berlin Wall. 

One COOOOL feature of the Newseum is the 6th floor terrace. It overlooks Pennsylvania Ave, giving a great view of the Capitol.

My kind of town -- hot dog carts everywhere.

Great! Brie is running for office!

I remember this ... the first day of USA Today. The experts said a national paper could not last.

A reporter's truck from Bosnia. Notice the bullet holes all down the side. 

After we left the Newseum, we went for a walk. Chinatown was on the path.

The Verizon Center, home of the NHL Caps, the NBA Wizards, etc. 

Weather began to act up, so we went to an upscale shop to buy sweatshirts. Honest Abe's caters to the tourists with $5 t-shirts and all the other "stuff" one could want.

Our mid-afternoon meal was at Johnny Rockets, an old-style soda shop. Burgers were great.

It is a zamboni for the street. This thing is about the size of a SmartCar. I want one!

We found the Big House.

We also found the Dept. of the Treasury.

And then it was time to head back toward the hotel. We made a couple of minor, short stops on the way. Relax, sleep, prepare for Sunday and then head back to PA sometime Sunday.

Walking Around DC, Day 2

Today started back at Pentagon City Mall.

Brianna had been having iPod issues. God blessed and Apple simply replaced the device --- sweeeet!

From the mall we headed to the Library of Congress. It had started to sprinkle, but nothing bad.

Inside, the architecture and design are incredible. It is also great to see the two Bibles, the Great Bible and the Gutenberg. 

As we walked from the LOC to the SCOTUS, there is a great view of the Capitol. 

The SCOTUS is under renovation. They are whitening the marble.

Lunch was at Shophouse. It is the little brother of Chipotle Mexican Grill. There is only one location -- it is in DC. The food was pretty tasty.

On the way back from lunch, we stopped at the Navy Memorial. It is a pretty cool place.

We then went to the National Archives. Among other documents, we were able to see pages from the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights.

After the Archives, we walked the length of the Mall. At the Academy of Science, we found Einstein just sitting around.

Finally, we returned to the hotel. we came back early, but it was nice to relax.

Walking Around DC, Day 1

Some of this may be a repeat. Oh well.

We arrived in Alexandria and checked in to the hotel. Everything originated there for the next couple of days.

Our first stop was Arlington National Cemetery. It is always a sobering visit. Today was HOT, maybe 120 degrees (at least it felt that way).

The highlight at Arlington is the Changing of the Guard. At some point I may add some video, but until then, enjoy the stills.

Memorial to the USS Maine.

Memorials to the Challenger, would-be rescuers of the Iranian hostages, and to the Columbia.

 One part of the Kennedy Memorial.

After Arlington, it was a Metro ride to the Smithsonian station so we could quickly visit the American History  museum. 

The reason we visited the NMAH was to see the Star-Spangled Banner. We had not had the chance to see it the last time we visited.

Dinner was at Union Station. The food court is wonderful.

Johnny & Justin

Brianna

Becky -- Really?!

 We stopped at the Pentagon City mall on the way back so we could walk and see the shops. Also, we needed to make an appt at the Apple store.

Walking Down a New Path

The president of Maranatha Baptist Bible College, Dr. Marty Marriott, was at Emmanuel Sunday. He spoke to the teen boys and preached in both morning services. The family and I had the privilege to take him and his wife out to eat before they left to head to WV. It was a great blessing. What made it a new path? My son and daughter are asking college-related questions. I am used to helping other kids with these decisions; now it is my kids.

Now the family is in DC for a couple of days. We really look forward to the time away. Today's big event was the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. I just need to get the guards to teach my kids how to press their clothes and clean their rooms.