Day 6 - Wrap up

We headed to the International Spy museum where everyone assumed a secret identity. We observed facts from 3 large exhibits regarding the history of espionage. The museum tour closed with a visit to the special gift store were students were able to pick from all sorts of gadgets, books, clothes, and disguises.

We were whisked off to the Lincoln memorial and then to the Old Post Office for lunch.

Each of the students was given the opportunity to pick their afternoon activity. The group split up into mini groups, some headed back to the Natural History museum, others to National Gallery of Art, the Native American museum, the Air and Space museum, or the Hirshhorn museum.


Those who went to the Hirshhorn were treated by a surprise special group guest. It turns out that one of the student's grandma is a docent at the Hirshhorn.

Once the two hour choice time was up, we all boarded the bus once again, headed to Pentagon City where we quickly got off the bus and bought lunch for everyone to eat on the flight home.


We made our way through security and were off for the gate. While we were boarding one of the students was met with the surprise that her mom is one of the flight attendants for our trip home.


Much to the surprise of everyone we ran into a special person on the flight back, Senator Patty Murray. Who knew all it took was to leave DC to see one of our representatives?

We landed about half hour early and yet nearly all the parents were there already waiting to greet us! It has been a fantastic trip, but I know we all feel great to have the warm welcome home.

Thanks again Rosemary and Marcia for organizing this very well thought through trip. And thank you, thank you, thank you, for spending your time and energy to make it a great learning experience that we will never forget!

Day 6 - Starting our last day!

Everyone did an awesome job packing and getting themselves together for the day. All our bags are on the bus and we are headed back downtown. This morning is once again sunny and warm. We are all excited for our next adventure: The International Spy Museum!!!!

Day 5 - Wrap up

Driving about town on the bus, we passed Embassy Row, and the kids shouted out the names of all the embassies as we passed them. Dominic was disappointed that we didn't pass the Greek Embassy, and then sheepishly confessed that he doesn't like baklava. Correlation proves causation!

We had planned to go to the Lincoln Monument at the end of the day, but once again the siren call of free play time in the glorious outdoors held sway, and everyone agreed it could wait until tomorrow. Rec time at the 4H Center: yes!

After dinner the kids undertook the Herculean task of packing their suitcases, which for some required finding them under five layers of petrified laundry.

Lights were out at 9:20 and we're pretty sure they went to sleep quickly. It's been a jam-packed week and the fifth graders have been really cooperative and engaged; parents waiting at the airport tomorrow are going to greet some very very tired chickens.

Blog Update!

FYI... Many of the ealier days have been updated with more pictures as we have collected them. One not to miss is the Wreath Laying ceremony video just posted tonight.

Day 5 - C&O Canal

We were off for the C&O canal. From the posh tour bus we watched the sights of Georgetown go by and were thrust into the 1800's as we boarded the covered donkey drawn barge. We set off to sail through the locks and learned in depth about the financial perils of the C&O canal endeavor.

Day 5 - Hanna Montana Purell

After viewing the sculpture garden to the West of the West Wing and taking our guided tour we needed a few minutes to relax. Double click the picture to check out the Hanna Montana Purell Belt Clip!!! Stylin'!

Day 5 - The National Museum of Art

We were then off for the National Museaum of Art where we were guided on a tour focusing on mythology. It was fun to see how many of the gods and stories we remembered from our recent studies.


A moment resting by the main fountain in the sculpture garden.


And, of course, there was no way that we would miss "Daniel and the lions den"