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"

Day 5 - The National Cathedral

Who knew a cathedral could be so cool? We learned about gargoyles and grotesques, how they were made and why they are on gothic cathedrals. A number of artists carved each one individually (one even taking on the form of Darth Vader!).
In one stain glass window there is actually a real rock from the moon.
We also learned that this is where Helen Keller was burried along with her teacher and a friend.

Day 5 - A Great Start

We had the luxury this morning of getting to sleep in an extra hour! We were met once again with delightful weather starting with sunny low 60s. We are preparing to leave the 4H for the day...

Day 4 - Wrap up

After eating lunch in the cafeteria of the Library of Congress (rubbing shoulders with the literati!) we had the opportunity to walk to the Capitol Building with former Congressman Larry LaRocco, from Idaho. He answered the childrens' questions, and although he planned to give a short talk about the workings of our government, our time ran short and we had to begin the Capitol Building tour.

We saw the original room where Congress met in the early days, amidst statues of historical figures from states (Washington state's statue was of a guy we strongly believe to be original host of the reality TV show "Man Versus Wild" -- coonskin hat and a gun -- while many of the other states got guys wearing 3 piece suits, carrying books). We also got a demonstration of the 'whisper spot' which your kids can tell you about.

From there, we went to the gallery of the Senate floor, where we got to watch a scintillating 15 minutes of pretty much not much of anything going on. There were no senators on the floor, and a few aides and record keepers were shuffling papers and idly chatting with each other. This was all presided over by Senator Al Franken, of Minnesota, the former comedy writer and Saturday Night Live actor. He had us in stitches doing an impression of a bored senator reading the newspaper. Many of the kids wanted to know what the point of the Senate was, after that. We had some 'splaining to do.

We took a group picture in front of the Capitol Building, and came back to the 4H Center for some outside recreation time, dinner, and more recreation time. The kids, who had been dead tired up til that point, came alive and it was a pleasure to watch them play so joyously in the fresh air.

The kids have made their final selections for the free choice museum time on Thursday afternoon, which we will not be able to tell you about (flying out right afterwards), so be sure to ask about that when you see them.

Day 4 - Tour of the Capitol

This is the bronze statue of Marcus Whitman of Washington State. The statue resides in the National Statuary Hall where each state is represented.

Day 4 - Resting for a few minutes

Day 4 - The Congressional Library

We learned today that the Congressional Library is a library that you can't check books out of. The building is expansive and adorned with statues, paintings, and mosiacs througout. In fact it was one of the first buildings in Washington to have electricity built in. Be sure to ask how each room repeats themes in its details and decoration.
The library houses a magnificent collection representing the knowledge of the world including the original Thomas Jefferson book collection that he sold to the US government.

Day 4 - Roosevelt Memorial (2)

The following video is posted on youtube (it is only available through this link, and is not searchable)
Hello Mom!

Day 4 - Roosevelt Memorial

Rosemary and Marcia taking advantage of one the the very many teaching moments this trip has offered everyone. The kids are absorbing a tremendous amount every day and are nearly constantly forming associations with concepts, historical figures, and ideals that we all hope will last them a lifetime.

Thanks Marcia and Rosemary!!!


Take note of the broken "I hate war"


Integrating into the food line.



We ventured through the four "rooms" of the memorial. It is an beautiful park setting and introduces the visitor to the four served terms of the President. The quotes in all four rooms were inspiring and as relevent today as they were then. Beyond Roosevelt's work to help ensure jobs through the Public Works Acts, he hoped to bring about a transformation in how the world interacted and worked to bring about the United Nations.

Day 4 - Another Gorgeous Day!!

Up again today at 6:30 for a 7AM breakfast. Seems that a good night sleep was had and the group was ready to roll. This morning we are off to the Roosevelt memorial. The sky is blue and the temperature about 60 degrees.

Day 3 - wrap up

After Arlington we all headed off for lunch at the pentagon city food court. And then off we were to the American History museum. Everyone seemed to enjoy seeing the "Star Spangled Banner" which was flown over Ft. McHenry (the flag that inspired Francis Scott Key).

The day wrapped up with the kids having free time on both sides of dinner to play on the grounds and then ended with movie night.



The Chaperones get the "evening off".

Day 3 - Wreath laying ceremony

We quietly watched the changing of the guard. Observing the pacing, pauses, commands, and military inspection. Everything clean, in its place, and at the prescribed pace. 21 paces and 21 seconds.

The wreath laying was a moving ceremony that all the kids treated with the utmost of reverence. We were proud of the entire group, but especially those who represented the Bush School by placing the wreath. All our hearts deepened at the sound of taps.

The following video of the ceremony is posted on youtube (it is only available through this link, and is not searchable on youtube)

Day 3 - Arlington

Amazing what 72.4 degrees feels like and how we are all so used to our weather in Seattle. A gorgeous day with bright sunny skies. Picture perfect.

All the kids hiked the hill at Arlington with incredible stamina. We were able to see the eternal flame with John F and Jacqueline Kennedy. And of course his brothers Teddy and Bobby.

We learned about the traditions of Arlington, its heritage to both the Washington and Lee families, its history, and a few interestnig facts about famous people who have been interned here.

We also learned about the drummer boys of the civil war. One to note was John Clem from private in the Union Army to Major General (2 Star General). Ask your fifth grader how old was he when he joined the army?

Day 3 - A start at the Washington Monument

All lined up and ready to go....


A thumbs up when ready to board the elevator to te top!




We were all looking to get to the top to see "forever". Amazing the shaddows that are cast.












Why not enjoy the view while we wait? We get to check out the mall and the view of the Capitol.

Day 3 - off to a great start

We couldn't ask for better weather! All are on the coach heading for the Washington monument. We should be able to see for miles from the tallest structure in D.C.

Day 2 - Comes to a close

The evening started with dinner and a show at Medieval Times. There were horses, princesses, princes, and knights bearing swords and more, all in fine form. But naught a picture to share.

We wrapped up the day with some evening outside playtime on the grounds. Everyone excited to just run around.

The day is wrapped up and every one wishes again a happy mother's day to their mom!

Good night...

Day 2 - From the Museum of Natural History

Who knew that a species of fish commonly thought to be extinct for over 65 million years could be caught by a fisherman in 1938, a Coelacanth! Well now we do.




Can you beleive the size of this meteor found outside Tuscon, Arizona? If this is what is left, it must have been huge!


Evolution?



The smiles say it all!

Day 2 - Off for dinner and more (yet another mis-post)

We've had a full day so far! Just wrapped up viewing the constitution, declaration of independence and the magna carta.

The kids have been awesome! Everyone was so engaged in the natural history museum, all finding topics to describe in their journals.

We were then off to the Newseum for lunch at wolfgang puck's and a self guided tour. Much intrigue around the library of old newspapers.

Day 2 - A start to the day

First off.... Happy Mother's Day from us all!

We are soon to board the bus to head to the Museum of Natural History. Stay tuned.

Day 1 - Sat night

11:53 pm Saturday East coast time

After checking into our comfortable rooms, we ate dinner at the 4H center. The kids were thrilled with the always on soft serve ice cream machine and the adults perplexed by the appearance of cold chicken nuggets in the salad bar.

After dinner, our coach driver, Robert drove us into town and we visited the Jefferson memorial and the WW2 memorial. The kids oohed and aahed audible when we passed the grand vistas and seemed genuinely excited and bubbly to be here. They took approximately 4,000,000 photos so you will undoubtedly be treated to a marathon slide show when your child gets back. "This is the 3/4th profile of Jefferson's left cufflink".....

Day 1 - Jeffersom Memorial & World War 2 Memorial

530 PM Got to the 4H center - what a wonderful place - kids all settled into their rooms - we had a nice dinner - food is good - had recreation room activity. We then got on the bus at 730 pm, went to Jefferson Memorial, walked around, and then to the World War 2 Memorial. The weather was wonderful about 65 degrees, kids took a lot of photographs. Everybody is having a great time.

Pictures

35000 feet enroute to DC

We are up, up and away...Kids situated, watching digiplayers, chaperones having a vodka (just kidding...), all passengers remarking how well behaved our kids are....

New Content - Video

Four Days to Go

We hope that the weather will be warm( not too hot) and dry all week. This is the second test note.