Air, Space, and the stairs that lead there

Saturday I stopped by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with a friend. I had been before, but it was at least 12 years ago. So even though there probably hadn't been many changes I didn't remember much from my last visit and was able to enjoy the rockets and airplanes like it was my first time. 

rockets!

space capsule

We also walked by the the Exorcist Steps, which looked lovely and unassuming in the sunshine.

A Morning at the Museum

A few weeks ago my cousins invited me to check out the National Museum of Natural History. I hadn't been there very recently as I fear the children. Luckily I had two kids to protect me and we saw some Dinosaurs, Diamonds, and a newer display about the Chilean minors. After the museum we went to the Sculpture Garden for lunch and a photo shoot. A fun morning.

cousins 

sibling love

How to celebrate Presidents' Day weekend: Day 2

I started day 2 how I like to start all Sunday mornings with CBS Sunday Morning. Today's show was full of presidential stories so perfect for the weekend. 

After a slow start I made it to the Newseum a little after one. I was hoping bad weather might keep people at home however the bad weather never came and the museum was CROWDED. Lots of groups of children, which I found odd for a Sunday, but apparently not. Also there were a lot of videos playing with everyone circled around them. Most people apparently didn't have the energy to read the displays.

I'd heard the museum was amazing. Yes my opinion was clouded by the crowds of preteen girls, but I just thought it was decent. There was a special exhibit on the Presidential Campaign and the president, which was fun and some photos taken by the official photographer of the President.

Non-president related exhibits I enjoyed were the sports photographs, News History, and Tim Russert's office.

Berlin wall and watch tower

View of the Capitol from the Newseum (Canadian embassy on the left)

I took a quick self portrait completely blocking the Capitol

9/11 Newspaper headlines

On my walk home I noticed all the cranes at "the pit" (my name for the construction site on 9th street) all flying American Flags.

Happy Presidents' day!

Thanksgiving around town

After stuffing ourselves full with turkey (and gravy, potatoes, beans, pie, squash, chex mix, etc) we did a little walking and hanging out around town.

On Friday we skipped the mega stores with mega sales and headed to Georgetown for some browsing.

My sister Beth and my Mom on the Potomac

On Saturday I hosted the family (16 people!) for brunch at my apartment. As I was staying at my Uncle & Aunt's house it was a bit rushed preparing, but all went pretty smooth. I was too busy to remember to take photographic proof that a few people can fit in my apartment.

We then headed down to the White House and split up. My group headed to the Postal Museum, one of the lesser known Smithsonian Museums.

Tada! It's located across from Union Station

My Aunt Sue wanted to visit the museum ever since she saw a postage stamp about Owney the postal dog.

My cousin Matthew and Aunt Sue with Owney

Lucky for us they stuffed and preserved Owney.

Overall the Postal Museum was well done. They had the history of mail service, protection of the mail, transportation of mail, stamp history and unique stamps. The best part was it wasn't crowded!

We also stopped by the Capitol Building to say hello.

Muppets & Julia Child

On Sunday I also stopped by the American History museum to check out the Julia Child kitchen. I've been to the museum several times but I don't think I've ever seen the display, probably because its tucked in a corner of the basement surrounded by a bunch of kid science stuff.

But first I ran into these guys:

It's not easy being green

Next I thought I'd check out my best friends the first ladies, but... 

First ladies on the move

So on to Julia Child it was. I must admit other than a few PBS episodes in my childhood I didn't know much about Julia Child till I read the book Julie/Julia. Not only did half the book take place in my old Long Island City neighborhood, but it was also pretty enjoyable. The movie provided a bit more of a look into Julia's life and I was intrigued. Not so much about her cooking, but her working for the CIA and living all over and her can do attitude.

I absorbed the exhibit reading every sign (just like my dad taught me). 

She was one crazy (in a good way) lady.

She wasn't a Martha when it came to decorating

But very well organized (and I just spied the Skippy Peanut Butter I guess we have a few things in common)