Last Saturday, we headed into DC for some more sightseeing, but things were different than we had planned. Hazel was still recovering from the stomach bug that hit her Friday evening, so Jason stayed at the hotel with her, and kept Lyle there as well. Of course I hated that Jason & Hazel missed out, I was excited about a whole day not having to tote that heavy boy around on my back! And we were able to do several things we would not have been able to do with him, so it was very nice.
First stop was the East building of the National Gallery of Art. We had stopped in the main building for a few minutes on Thursday, but Lyle was NOT interested and was very unhappy. This time we got to take in a little bit more of the art before Stella decided she did not like all the security guards freaking out every time we turned around. She also thought it was preposterous that there were so many things which looked like something you could sit on, but were in fact art and therefore could not even be touched. We did get to see Jackson Pollack's "Lavendar Mist", which is cool because Daisy recently learned about his work at the teen library program she attends. We also got to see some of Alexander Calder's amazing mobiles, but no photos were allowed in that room. The older girls and I could have sent hours in this one museum, but we were thankful for what we did get to see.
Next we headed for the capitol, which turned out to be a really awesome visit and we all learned a lot. We never would have been able to stay as long as we did if Lyle had been along, but Stella really enjoyed herself and we got to read and look around and watch the films about the Senate and House of Representatives. The visitor's center was very nice- engaging and informative. And outside the building was such a great backdrop for photos! I think the kids felt like they were in a movie shoot or something. :)
Stella even took a picture with me in it- she loves shooting with my big camera!
Lastly, we headed for the National Portrait Gallery, where we were looking forward very much to seeing Shepard Fairey's portrait of Obama. It was really cool to see it up close and get to look at all the detail that is lost in the reproductions.
We headed back to the van then, very VERY tired and ready to get back and relax. Daisy and Bea suffered from the over-tired giggles that evening and were laying under the sofa bed while I was in and out of the room doing laundry- our visit was almost up and I needed to start packing again!
that's really cool that daisy got to take a friend - ya'll are nice parents!!!
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