One of our first stops on the afternoon we arrived was the National Archives. It was surprisingly moving to stand just inches away from an original copy of the Bill of Rights. We were surrounded by Republicans and Christians. One man said to his son, "See, it says right here 'the right to bear arms', but they won't let me bring a gun in here!"
The National Archives again... art shot!
The side of the Hall of Justice. Everywhere we went there were beautiful, old, buildings. I've never been interested in antiquities. As my sister Jane likes to point out, as a teenager I wouldn't go to an antiques shop with her because it was "just a bunch of dead peoples' stuff". But these building were made far more interesting to me by the fact that people still work there. They're still alive.
Proof that we were actually there! Eric is cute. There was so much to see there that it was impossible to take many pictures, so we didnt'!
Not a great picture, but we were surprised to find Ozomatli in the Smithsonian Museum of American History. Excellent!
Do I look unhappy? I discovered BIAS at the Smithsonian. The First Ladies exhibit was interesting, but Hilary Clinton was barely mentioned. She wasn't included in "First Ladies and Social Causes". Laura Bush & her brave stand against illiteracy were there.. but no Hilary? Give me a break. What's worse: there was a section on "First Ladies as Political Partners", and she wasn't there either! Phooey.
Eric poses with Archie Bunker's chair.
This one's for Luana! The state seal, outside the Hawaiian Senator's office.
Diane Feinstein was very polished, but had some good things to say about both stem cell and breast cancer research. She took a few jabs at the Bush administration, as well. A highschool student in attendance asked her if she would support the creation of a Department of Peace. She actually answered his question seriously, and spoke at length about how the State Department is supposed to be the Department of Peace.
Two views of the Capitol Dome.
Jesus with His boombox outside the Capitol Building.
For my father, Nolan, who was on the U.S.S. Chester in World War II. The World War II Memorial was quite lovely -- and made more moving because we had just left the National Holocaust Museum. Texas used to be a liberal state, y'know.
I wanted to take a picture of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial, but I didn't know where to start. The 50,000 names were overwhelming, and I didn't know any of those folks who died. Just as I was thinking that, the name "Hobbs" caught my eye, right in front of me. So here's Glen T. Hobbs, dead at age 22.
Eric reflected in the memorial.
Part of the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial.
The same picture that everyone else takes -- The Washington Monument as seen from the Lincoln Memorial. It was a wonderful vacation.
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