Day 12 -- Family day in Washington D.C.

We began our day doing something we've never done before -- taking the Metro (subway) into Washington D.C. This was definitely an adventure and my boys' hands will likely be bruised for a few days from my squeezing them so hard as we shot through tunnels very quickly. It was a blessing to not have to worry about parking, but My Goodness! I'm not sure it is worth it!?

We came out of the tunnel right next to the National Museum of Art and so decided to make a quick trip inside to see some of the great works -- including this massive picture of Daniel in the Lion's Den and this self-portrait original of Rembrandt. It is quite surreal to be this close to such famous paintings.

The interior of the museum was very beautiful with fountains and hushed silences amidst rooms filled with artwork.

We then walked across the mall to the National Air and Space Museum. On the way, we needed to take advantage of the view in the background of our nation's Capitol.

Although we've been in this museum a handful of times already, it really is quite a spectacular sight to see airplanes of historical significance hanging by the dozens from the ceiling.

We have studied in depth the lives and works of the Wright brothers (with the help and service of their sister!), so it is always breathtaking to stand right next to the first Wright flyer. We have been privileged in years past to even visit Kitty Hawk, North Carolina where they flew ... walking the rails that they used to launch their first airplane.

After getting lunch surrounded my more people than I've been with in a LONG time (ugh, the crowds -- they are here every season), we traversed down toward the Capitol and enjoyed going into the National Botanical Gardens for the first time. It was a relative jungle in there complete with rooms of various temperatures and humidity to simulate different vegetative portions of our country.

There was one whole room filled with medicinal plants that was absolutely fascinating. I saw the plant from which curry comes from as well as quinine and cinnamon. I could have easily spent more time here but it was very warm inside as you can imagine.

I have never seen a pineapple growing and just had to show you this adorable fruit and plant!

There were more orchids here than anywhere I have ever seen and of varieties and colors I did not know were possible. The hydrangeas were also massive and in unique colors. Fountains were throughout. It was quite beautiful.

It is no longer possible to just walk into the Capitol without being a part of a tour. Because the line was long and for Isabelle's sake, we opted to forego an indoor tour and just admired the building from the outside. The inside is marble and quite spectacular (I have been inside in year's past) -- particularly the circular room looking up to the dome. If you ever have a chance to go inside, it is really a magnificent sight.

Behind the Capitol is the sight Joe was most excited to show us -- a place that only he had visited before --- the Library of Congress. This building is so ornate, it is stunning both inside and out.

We don't often think of our country having buildings like this, but here is one of them. Joe was right, it is the most beautiful building in all of Washington, D.C. -- both inside and out. This is the museum which houses the Guternburg Bible (no pictures allowed). Unfortunately we were not allowed to take pictures of the library itself but we did get a short view of it through plexiglass windows from an upper story. It was amazing!

We finished our time in D.C. in the National Museum of American History. This was a short visit as everyone was hot (82 and humid outside) and tired from all of our walking. But we did enjoy a few of the exhibits.

This is the world's largest dollhouse. I loved it even more than Isabelle. There were even tiny chess pieces on a chess board and a miniature fish tank!

We enjoyed our stop into the musical instrument exhibit and admired the ornate Strativarius violins.

We made it out early enough to avoid the Washington, D.C. traffic, but not the Baltimore traffic so it was a long way home :-( We opted to stop in our old town of Bel Air for a nostalgia tour of parks and bakeries, old stores we frequented, as well as our old neighborhood and home. There's a tremendous story behind this which I'd love to tell someday .... but let's just suffice it to say that our buying this townhouse was a first rate miracle from the Lord (we've had a few of these!). We have fond memories of our years here at 1848 Oxford Square ....