DC: And going...

Saturday and Sunday were daddy days so we did a little bit more intensive sightseeing. Craig and I have both spent quite a bit of time in DC (Craig even lived here three summers ago) but neither one of us had ever done Mt. Vernon so that was how we spent our Saturday.

The day started out a bit rough. We got a bit lost and Lucy started screaming to get out of the car. Then every decision for the next 30 minutes become a battle of wills. Right here she stopped her tantrum to look at the camera. Eventually we distracted her with rocks and were able to continue.

We walked through Washington's garden to kill a few minutes before our tour time.

Lucy enjoyed sitting in the shade and laying rocks (and later leaves) onto the bricks, nice and orderly. It must have been cathartic because her attitude improved quite a bit after that. Which was good because it was time for our tour.

Here is the outside of the house. The inside tour was pretty neat but no pics allowed. Fun thing to note: the colors inside were green, blue and yellow and in very similar shades to our house. Great minds think decorate alike you know!

And here is the family picture that a nice stranger took for us. I only wish she had stepped back a bit so you could actually see the house. But beggars can't be choosers so I'll take it. 

Next up we explored the grounds, saw his chair cart, dung pile, stables with a horse and donkey

then fought a thousand or so middle schoolers for a chance to see Washington's grave. Actually we fought the group leaders. There was a fairly long line and one group came up at a 90 degree angle to it, stood there and the leader said out loud "Okay guys, gather in, as soon as this group finishes up we will push our way in." Excuse me? Do you not see the long line of people standing right here? It is bad enough when 2-3 people try to cut a line, but 30+, you think that's okay? I don't like rude people, especially those in control of massive amounts of 8th graders. But we did eventually get up there.

We then headed to the museum and educational center. This was really neat for the two of the three of us, I spent most of the time trying to slow Lucy down and speed Craig up - without too much nagging of either of them. But the one room Lucy really liked was the kids room and it really was well done. This neat display made animals sounds and a quote from Washington about how he loved his house. 

And Lucy loved this Mt. Vernon doll house. There was a display version in the visitors center which completely disappointed her with it's "No touch" rule so she was thrilled to see another one that she could play with.  

Then we all had a little tea party.

 And took a presidential oath  it's never to early to practice right?

We had gotten an early start so by noon we were all needing a break. We relaxed that afternoon with a nap, some swimming and playing at the hotel. A nice little break so that we were ready for the Newseum on Sunday. This isn't really a kid museum, not that it is not friendly towards kid or full of delicate breakables or anything, its just kinda boring for anyone under 13 or so.  But Craig has been wanting to see if for a while and between the two of us, we managed. 

 Lucy spent a lot of time exploring random things around the floor while Craig read everything and I glanced at all the pictures :-)

 She was really excited about the "painted rocks" - also known as the Berlin wall,

 especially when she was allowed to touch.

 My favorite exhibit was about the FBI which started out with a posing opportunity.

 Of course, daddy had to show some things to his girl, like historical news documents.

In the end, I think Craig was a little underwhelmed by the Newseum whereas I didn't expect to really enjoy it but did. That was the end of our weekend, but Lucy and I still had a whole week of exploring left!