The Fourth of July and Smithsonian in D.C. (Traveling North)

The Fourth of July and Smithsonian in D.C.  

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Traveling North Photo Series

Ever since we started planning this vacation, we've talked about wanting to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C. so we could see the fireworks launched from the Lincoln Memorial on the mall area.  We decided to visit some of the Smithsonian museums while we were there.  Ambitious plans, to be sure, especially for one mom and six kids.  Fortunately, my dad decided to join us, and we took the Metro Rail down to avoid parking issues.

Where are we going? North on 7th.  Then we'll figure it out.

We could see the U.S. Capitol building in the distance.

Our first stop, a peek at the modern art in the Hirshhorn museum.  We only went on one floor, I think, before moving on.

Next up, the Museum of Natural History.  

Tempers were flaring from the heat and other stuff, so only three of the kids went up to the second floor with me.

 

Hope diamond worth $250 million

In the early evening, we started walking toward the Lincoln Memorial.  We never made it that far.  Let's just say that the Park Police are really good at finding people, and the missing persons trailer is air conditioned and stocked with cold Gatorade.  Enough said.

The base of the flag pole

 

Lincoln Memorial in the distance

I didn't get any pictures of the fireworks since our camera and iPod batteries wore out.  My dad got video, but I don't have time to edit and upload it right now!  However, I have to say that the D.C. fireworks, though lasting only 20 minutes or so, were the most spectacular I have ever seen.  The color and texture saturated the sky.

Around 9:30 PM, we started walking back to the Metro station. It took forever since we were so tired. I hadn't realized while sitting on the grass that my lower legs were getting a huge horrible allergic bright red rash.  I discovered it at midnight after we got home and ended up in urgent care the next day.    Thankfully, it seems to be fading with treatment.

We had a lot of frustrating moments that day, but looking back, it was worth it -- a day celebrating freedom and family.

Virginia Knowles

www.VirginiaKnowles.blogspot.com