Day 7 in D.C.: National Museum of American History

National Museum of American History

I had heard on (national) news that the Reflecting Pool contraction was complete and it was refilled, so since we had some time, we decided to go there first on Day 7, a Friday. We walked over to the Lincoln Memorial and saw that it was only partially filled. It's a very big pool, so it definitely hadn't been filled in 24 hours.\

Partially filled, not yet green with algae :-)

We walked to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, which was a little over a mile from the Lincoln Memorial, but it was on wide sidewalks with shade. It had definitely warmed up from the previous weekend though so we were glad for the A/C in the museum! Like all of the museums we visited this trip, it was free to get in, and this one, we didn't need a time-stamped entry. We just walked through security and we were in! Felicity was most looking forward to this museum.

Entrance to the Star Spangled Banner

Our first stop was to see the Star-Spangled Banner, the actual flag flown during the battle that inspire Francis Scott Key to write the poem that would become our national anthem.

Maya Angelou's typewriter

We loved the exhibit with the First Ladies' outfits--this was Felicity's highlight of the trip. 

Hillary Clinton's inauguration dress

Michelle Obama's outfit

There was a big pop culture exhibit, which was very fun.

R2-D2

Outfit from the Hamilton musical

Prince

Dorothy's slippers from the Wizard of Oz movie

Elmo! Oscar the Grouch!

Selena

Kristi Yamaguchi's ice skates

The kids enjoyed a Virtual Reality trip under the sea!

Lego Statue of Liberty

We ate lunch in the cafeteria--I had a maple bourbon chicken thigh, and it was REALLY good! After lunch, we looked around at the gift shop and decided to head  back to go swimming. We definitely didn't see everything at the American History Museum, but the kids were fading--we got to see MANY sites and museums on this trip, and we were tired. I think if/when we come back, we will go to this museum first, while we're fresh!

The kids and Zach and I had a blast swimming with our friends! It had finally warmed up to go to the pool!

Brady ready to swim!

For our last evening in Washington D.C., we decided to go to Old Alexandria to eat seafood with the Pattersons. We ended up at Fish Market Restaurant and sat on the patio. The food, drinks and atmosphere were delightful. Old Alexandria is such a cute area!

Kentucky mule

Trying calamari. He ate half an order of crab legs!

I love good oysters

First time to try oysters. She didn't like it, but I am proud of her for trying.

I can't even express how delicious this seafood pasta dish was. Fun fact: Seafood pasta is my favorite food in the entire world.

Felicity and Wilder shared snow crab. Yes, I know, it's alaskan and not local, but look at them eating stuff off the menu!

Our crew. Josh worked nights the last few days so he didn't come with us, but we had a great time!

Exploring the boardwalk

Such a cute area

Patriotic building

This was our last full day in Washington D.C. Next up, Day 8: Headed home.