• US Capitol
• Library of Congress
• National Mall
• National Air & Space Museum
• National Gallery of Art – Sculpture Garden
• National History Museum
• Washington Monument
• Ford’s Theatre
• White House

We began the day at 9:15 with a 2 hr tour of the US Capitol which I arranged through Congresswoman Jean Schmidt.  Our tour guide was her assistant, Sam Grossman.  We began the tour in the Cannon House Office Building where Congresswoman Schmidt has her office.  The other 2 buildings are Raybourn, and Longworth.

We then went to the Library of Congress – Jefferson Building and then grabbed a quick bite at Subway.

We walked down the National Mall to the National Air & Space Museum.  We then grabbed a frozen lemonade snack and walked through the National Gallery of Art sculpture garden.  There was a really neat water fountain there.

We then went to the National History Museum.  Then walked to the Washington Monument for a few pictures.  We then proceeded to the south side of the White House.  We were not able to get as close as we wanted because the police had it blocked off about 100 ft before the gate.  I joked with the officer that “somebody” must be moving about.  He responded “something like that, but I can’t confirm or deny”. Too bad our White House tour was cancelled.

We then went to the north side of the White House and was able to get right up to the fence in the front yard.  Some pretty good pictures of the kids there.

We then had dinner at the Old Ebbitt Grill.  It was absolutely packed!

We then walked back about 1 mile to our hotel.  However, something very funny took place then.  About 4 blocks from our hotel, it is not the best part to walk as a family at night.  We walked by a group of “street people”, and they were screaming profanities at each other.  Coincidentally we were also walking by the US Tax Office.  Trevor (not realizing the element surrounding him), shouted out, “hey dad, this is where they steal all your money”.  Of course, he was referring to the US Tax office, but stated that as we were walking by all the “street people”.  I could have died.  Heather was in uncontrollable laughter the remainder of our walk back.

Gotta love kids, and their wholesome outlook on life.

More tomorrow…