Washington DC

Silas got a ride on the Metro, very fun thing for a four year old!

A look at the Smithsonian Station.

Once up from the metro, the first thing we see is the Smithsonian Castle.

Then we walked to the Capitol. Alejandra poses for me.

Alejandra and Laura together with Miranda and Silas in the background.

A shot of our Capitol. We later learned that on top of the dome is Freedom, that is the name of the statue.

Next was the Natural History Museum.

Alejandra poses in the Dinosaur area.

We learned this was a Chinese Pangolin.

Even though this is callef the Inquisition necklace, it has nothing to do with the Spanish Inquisition.

In the minerals area, we found the largest crystal ball, so the girls got on the opposite side from me, and this was the result.

Still in the mineral section.

Now Alejandra can honestly say that she has touched Mars.

One exhibit was dedicated to the best of Nature photography. I think Alex liked this one best--Jess Findlay's winning submission, a red fox caught in a snowstorm.

Titanoboa: a snake 48 feet long, weighing in at 2,500 pounds. Uncovered from a treasure trove of fossils in a Colombian coal mine, this serpent is revealing a lost world of giant creatures.

An odd place for an exit sign. While looking for the actual exit, Laura seems to have a cartoon balloon over her head.

Amidst bones in the mammal display.

Laura makes a new friend in the insect section.

Silas touches it.

The obligatory pose.

Alejandra in front of the White House

Silas learned the the Washington Monument is closed due to a crack from the Earthquake.

Then the helicopters came with the Presidential Seal on it.

It landed on the White House front lawn.

Alejandra at the WWII Memorial

Two lovely girls in front of the Lincoln Memorial.