Schofields to the Smithsonian(s)

Our hotel may not have been a museum, but it sure felt like it. The Mayflower Renaissance Hotel was worth our price-line deal! We felt a little like royalty, which is rare. Here are a few of our views in the hotel:

This is the first Smithsonian we walked into (it was for a bathroom break on the Segways). It reminded me of my dad and Lyle's Grandpa Schofield. So this pic are for them! There were gigantic planes hanging from the ceiling in every direction. There was even a cockpit. This is a 5 year old boy's dream come true. If we have boys (ok girls too), we are coming back HERE first.

Then it was off to the national museum of natural history. We heard it was better than ours in NYC. The verdict? NOT better, some cool architecture things and ideas, but not better as a whole. Still very very good. Plus it's free!

What the what is this? It's crazy what used to be out there and the new things they are discovering everyday. Let's face it. Lyle is like a 5 year old boy in these museums. What can I say? He loves learning.

He got some study time in even on vacation.

These photos are award winners (literally). I thought they were pretty amazing and they were my favorites (but I can't help loving photography).

Pictured is the hope diamond. I can't believe it used to be twice as big as that! It's journey through life has been quite amazing. It was lost, then found, passed from King George IV, then to the Hope family where it acquired its name, sold to Pierre Cartier, given to a socialite, then sold to Harry Winston, then he donated it to the Smithsonian? Wow!

Yikes. Dentists and medicine sure have evolved.

The Smithsonian Castle. We didn't have time to go inside. Oh well, next time.

The US Capitol in the large National Mall field

These next exhibits were at the National Museum of the American Indian. Notice what each of the pieces of art are made of. So very interesting, especially considering athletics are such a big part of their culture.

The Lincoln Memorial was one of my top three favorite experiences. I am so SO glad we figured it out. Here is the key, ready? Go at night, on a Sunday after dark. There will almost be no crowd at all. I think the curfew is 11pm. Take constitution avenue west. Turn left on 23rd street. Turn right at the Lincoln Memorial Circle (you have no other choice). This will force you across the Arlington Memorial Bridge. Take it and follow the round about to make a U turn after you cross the bridge. Continue crossing the bridge back and continue right onto Independence Avenue SW. Make an immediate right onto Ohio Drive SW. Et voila! Park on the side of the road (free because it's Sunday) and much much less crowded.

Washington Monument - it's such an extraordinary view at night with the reflecting water.

Here is Abraham Lincoln in all his glory. Honestly, reading the Gettysburg Address written on the walls in this peaceful setting was a spiritual moment for me. The words resonated through my spirit and I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for this country and for the people that have fought for this country.

Mock ups of the Lincoln Memorial and our current residence.

One of Lyle's favorite paintings we saw. He is standing in the doorway between Thomas Cole's "The Voyage of Life: Youth" and "The Voyage of Life: Manhood".

Thanks for the trip D.C. We don't know when, but we'll be back someday! Next up? Philly? Boston? Niagara Falls? Who knows. But hopefully we'll hit one of those for the 4th. (right Lyle?)