Day 4:

We decided to go back to the Museum of American History to see if we could catch some of the exhibits we missed on Saturday due to the crowds. We got to see the Star Spangled Banner and the First Ladies exhibit. I was disappointed by the First ladies. They had about 6 dresses in plain display cases crammed in one tiny room. I remember them having something from just about all the First Ladies; set up in displays that recreated historic White House interiors. What happened? And why would they give such a crappy presentation for something that is one of the Smithsonian’s most popular exhibits?

Note: If you are planning on visiting DC, try and avoid eating at the Smithsonian Museum cafes. While they are very convenient, they are rather pricey and overrun with screaming children. My eardrums are still ringing from lunch today.

Next, we walked over to the National Archives to see the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. There was a line, but it was moving fairly quickly… that is, until we got about 20 feet from the door. It stopped. We stood there, in the cold, in the shade for almost an hour. No one ever came out to tell us why they weren’t letting anyone in. (We found out later that it was due to fire codes; too many people in the building. They couldn’t let any more in until some left.) Why we didn’t give up and leave, I don’t know; but we didn’t. Finally, we were let in; only to get in another line to see the famous documents! Fortunately, this line was only about 15 minutes; and was INSIDE.

After we had our fill of old parchment, we headed across the street to the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden. There is a café there, and we needed some fortification. It’s a very pretty little park, and it has a very European feeling to it. There were people ice skating in the fountain in the center. After a light refreshment, we headed into the museum itself, only to find it was closing in 40 minutes! Bill rushed off to see the Impressionists, and I took a quick walk through of that, and some of the other galleries. We met back at the lobby just as the closing bell rang. We could have spent an entire day there!

We’re back in the room now, and about to head out for dinner.

One of my fondest memories of my single visit to D.C. was hitting the National Archives late at night, just before closing. My two friends and I had the place all to ourselves, we got to ogle the documents for as long as we pleased, and got a private talk of the history from the staff.

It was so frelling cool.

Day 4.5:

Took the Metro to Union Station (it was worth a 2nd visit). Ate dinner at the America Restaurant there. Good food. Then we walked around some more. We really love the big, hunky warriors guarding over the station. We want some for our house.

I just realized that I haven't mentioned the hotel elevators. They announce each stop, and the direction of travel, in a sultry female voice. We've dubbed them the "Fellativators" because they are constantly announcing that they are "going down". (Yes, we are 12.)

Wait, how did I miss this thread?
I love D.C.!
Tell the Library of Congress I said hi!
Make sure to go to the Senate public seating area and reenact scenes from Mr. Smith Goes to Washington! Yell out, "Let him speak!" at random times while the Senators are working! Tell Feinstein and Boxer to get to work, lazy bums!
And remember, if you shake hands with Dan Inouye, he only has one arm. Don't embarrass yourself!

I don't wear long pants until the temp is below 40 degrees.

I've been to a game at Lambeau Field wearing shorts and body paint - and lived.

Not everybody from SoCal is a temperature wuss.

The food court at the Native American Museum is pretty good. There's a salad there made with cranberries, wild rice and sunflower seeds that's really, really good.

We're home! Got back to the house about midnight. Thank goodness I'm off work today!

Good. Then you can work on posting pictures!

Good for you! It's 38 degrees and raining here today. Well done.