First Day in DC

Our first day in DC we started off in the Fine Arts Museum and then we went over to Natural History and ended the day in the Holocaust Museum.

It was a full one, to be sure!

Sissi loves Degas and in particular, this statue. She knew that this was one of his "rough drafts" as we've seen the final version in Paris, in the Musee d'Orsay. 

Lots and lots of Italian and church art in the Art Museum.

Sitting and enjoying all the art around us.

The one and only DaVinci portrait in America...Sissi was ecstatic as he is her favorite.

This is the back of the piece of art.

The front!

Lounging and enjoying what we're seeing.

Napoleon, by David, a favorite of Indy's.

We all enjoy the Cole series. I actually took pictures of all four of the pieces, but just posted two of them here.

They each picked their favorite one to stand next to for the pictures.

While in the museum, Sissi found an artist working. They had a great chat about things she can do to be more serious about her art work!

We all enjoy the Impressionists. This is one of Krypto's favorites.

One of my personal favorites, I used to have a poster copy that decorated our homes for years.

Heading over to Natural History...we spent some time in the Ocean section and got to see a Giant Squid, Krypto's favorite.

I really enjoyed the photography section. I would love to learn to take pictures like these some day!

Another one of my favorite photos, but honestly, I could have photographed all the photos.

Krypto really enjoyed this collage of some of the animal photograph winners.

Next up was the gem exhibit. The kids really enjoyed seeing the Hope Diamond.

Krypto's favorites were the blue-green stones. The Beryl here was one he really enjoyed.

Looking around at more gems.

Our day ended with a 2pm tour at the Holocaust Museum. We were there until after 4:30, but I didn't take any photos, it just seemed too serious and somber and wasn't a time that I felt comfortable photographing. If you get the chance, you should check it out. All of our children went with us, and were fine, though shocked at the atrocities that occurred. We had discussed this time period with them in school before, and they said they thought they knew what happened, but in truth, they had not realized how truly tragic it was. There are a few areas that show details of some of the barbaric acts of the Nazis, and those exhibits are put behind half walls, with warning signs, so that younger children cannot see them. I pray we never forget!

Monticello, Michie Tavern, and Highland

As we started our trip up to DC, we swung through Charlottesville on Saturday to see the home of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe, and Michie Tavern.

It was a very rainy day, but there were many things to see inside. The museum, before going into the house was excellent.

My girl and I, on the bus going up to the main house.

See all that rain?

While we were waiting for our tour time, we spent time in the underground kitchen and storage areas.

Family picture, by the fishing and storage pond at the back of the house.

On the way back to the main museum building, the tour bus made a stop at Jefferson's grave site.

The crest on the gate door to the family grave site.

The kids with a statue of Thomas Jefferson.

When we went into the gift shop, we saw that David McCullough was on site to do a book signing for his newest book.

Here he is, signing peoples' books.

And, I love to get Christmas tree ornaments from places that we visit. This one is particularly lovely!

When we finished at Monticello, we went over to Michie Tavern to have lunch and take a tour.

Look at all this food...chicken, shredded pork, green beans, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, beans, cornbread, buttermilk biscuits...yum!

After lunch we walked around the kids got to learn about some of the old games.

The Michie family crest.

Looking down on us from the social gathering room

The room for the tavern owner.

I really love old pottery and china patterns.

Looking at one of the original Life game boards and trying to read and understand the game rules.

Jefferson's dad made the original map of Virginia.

Family picture in the tavern kitchen.

Walking outside the buildings.

Sissi was working through a treasure hunt to earn a prize, so we got to visit all the buildings on site.

Years ago, we had talked about doing re-enacting, and here we got to pick out some awesome dresses.

This was my favorite one.

Following our time at Michie Tavern, we went over to Highland, the home of James Monroe. This is the guest house.

This is the house that was rebuilt after the original home burned down in a fire. You can see the outline of Monroe's home in the white stones.

One of the statues of Monroe on site.

And, a bust of Monroe at Highland.

Some of the plants here for sale were classic and I would love to have some historic plants in my garden some day. It was a great day!

Easter 2017

We were so thankful to be able to share Easter Sunday with our home church in  Winston Salem. He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

The children did some singing and we got to take some family photos following the morning service.

Look at all these cuties singing and praising!

My girl, looking so grown up on this lovely North Carolina Easter morning.

My youngest boy, Gwangi.

Our family. I love to take new family photos on Easter Sunday.

My oldest, Krypto.

And, because she was just too cute, another shot of Sissi.

Praying you all had a lovely and blessed Easter 2017!