Day 3

Today, we began our day with a tour of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. While Grace and the boys weren't very into the tour, Chris, Ruth and I really thought it was interesting. I couldn't really take photos there (I might steal trade secrets, you know), so there isn't much to see there. Then, we had the kids walk down to the Lincoln Memorial. We stopped at the World War II Memorial and the kids ran down the reflecting pool. Well, they weren't in the pool, though, since it was empty I guess they could have. But, we stuck to the paths. Anyway....by the time we finished at the Lincoln Memorial, it had begun to sprinkle lightly, so we hoofed it back to the Natural History Museum for some more time there. It was coming down right nicely as we were just a few blocks away, but we dried out in no time. We had lunch at the cafe in the museum, then spent a ridiculous amount of time in the gift shop looking for something for the kids to buy with their money. We were meeting Chris' aunt and uncle for dinner, so we had to keep to a time schedule, but we did manage to see the Bones exhibit (really awesome-Chris had to drag me out of there) and the ocean animals. I could easily spend another few days in the museum. We caught the Metro just after 5 and boy, oh boy, was it crowded. :) But, the kids did well (as in I don't think they annoyed too many commuters today) and we made it to dinner just a little late.

I guess this one goes without saying. ;)

Ruth at the WWII Memorial

Stopping for a break on the long walk from the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to the Lincoln Memorial

The ever popular "funny faces" photo

Lincoln and the kids

Walking back to the Natural History Museum

Back to the Natural History Museum

We spent ages watching the coral reef fish. The kids kept shouting, "It's Nemo! It's Dory!"

This fish was so quick it was next to impossible for me to catch it. It would just dart here and there...very cute, but very hard to photograph!

Ruth, comparing her leg to the elephant leg bone

And Dave, just because he's so cute.

The kids were really pumped to get their picture taken with the sword fish-and Grace strikes another pose.

Mom, this one is for you! Your new knee replacement. ;)

Dinner with Uncle Mark and Aunt Teasa

This picture was so staged. He just sat there like that until I took the shot. Then, he asked me, "Mama, was it funny how my tongue was out like that?!"

That was not staged. There was pure joy on that boy's face when he saw the size of his Kid's pizza.

The group shot-and the kids