We woke the next morning well rested and ready to conquer DC yet again...this time with Auntie Joan.
We drove to the Metro station in Vienna and took the subway to the Smithsonian stop (Amelia's first subway ride) just in time for lunch at the same cafe at the National Gallery. Then off to the Air and Space Museum. Some of the fun was just getting there.
Perhaps it was due to the clearing weather or that it was a Sunday, but being one of the most popular museums, there was surprisingly not as many people as the Natural History on the very rainy day before. Yeah for us.
Lots and lots of hands on exhibits.
and spectacular displays of aviation pioneers...
including the one with a name we chose ...
I took this picture of the donation box that I found very amusing with all the world currencies. Hope they enjoyed the museum and our great country as much as we did/do. :)
After a few hours of gawking...it was time to venture to see a few monuments. Wait! Someone spies a carousel. (Note: I noticed this the day prior and whispered to Janelle...if you don't want to ride a carousel again, let's not cross the street). Today we were on the other side and there was no avoiding the glance in that direction. Sorry Joan...or hmmm...maybe not sorry as you seem to enjoy it too :) Something about a carousel brings out the kid in all of us.
After a plead to ride again, I conjured up something about not having enough time to see everything if we ride carousels all day. It worked...off to the Washington Monument. Where a much needed cartwheel was in order.
Onto the World War II Memorial where we rested our feet.
and found home.
Put our walking shoes back on and headed for the Lincoln Memorial.
It was as grand as I imagined it would be. Story: I was about 8 or 9 when I received a metal bank that was of this memorial. I still have it and display it on my book shelf ... I love it and behold...still have the key to open it. Since then, I have always wanted to see it in person. Approximately 40 years later...I got my chance.
I will tell you, standing here and admiring the view, you get a deep appreciation for this country we live in and all the sacrifice and strength that have been laid down for us to be able to see the view at all.
On our way back to the Metro we visited the Korean War Memorial. Very eerie, very beautiful and thought provoking.
It was time to head back and meet Uncle Mike for a delicious Italian dinner at Tuscani Italian Grill. Tomorrow we would be visiting the home of one of the greatest leaders ... ever... and probably one of the most loved and respected as well.
When asked what historical person would you want to meet ... I always answer "I could not choose between Queen Elizabeth I (the renaissance Elizabeth that is) and George Washington.
I even spoked some awe in Amelia as I said to her while touring the house and given the ok to touch the stair banister (the only thing you can in the whole tour), "Amelia...GEORGE WASHINGTON touched this railing!!!" Her eyes brightened as she gracefully slid her hand up with each step. :P
Upon our arrival we quickly found the horses.
and found wonderful things on our walk along the plantation and forest walks including the Slave Memorial and the Vault of George himself (Martha was along side him).
This time Uncle Mike got to join in the adventure...
We took in George's views:
and Amelia was asked a question: "Which view do you prefer? George Washington's or the one at home?" She answered...."home".
There you have it. After a fabulous dinner at the Mt. Vernon Inn Restaurant, we took a short scenic drive back to Alexandria to spend the night back at Janelle's for an early train departure to NY.
First a much needed rest on the train...
and a spirited morning walk with Hercules back at my sisters the following day.
More fun for our final week of vacation...including July 4th where all the cousins meet again.
We were getting ever so close to that favorite view we call home.
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