Washington, DC — Saturday, June 5

We spent the day on Saturday in two of our favorite Smithsonian Museums.  The Museum of Natural History, below.  The Hope Diamond was out of it's setting for a special display. 

No trip to the Museum of Natural History would be complete for a boy without visiting the Mummy!

Then on to the Museum of American History to see the costume of one of AJ's favorite Star Wars characters. 

My favorite exhibits were the First Ladies and the Abraham Lincoln exhibit.  Below is Mary Todd Lincoln's beautiful silver tea service.  Did you know the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, KY is open to visitors for touring?

Here I am in the lobby of the Phoenix Park Hotel. where we stayed.  After a day at the museums, we went to Charlie Palmer's Steak for a fabulous dinner.  We walked back to our hotel and packed in preparation of departing Sunday morning. 

 GJ was back in D.C. this week for more meetings then to Atlanta for a meeting.  It did not work out for AJ and I to go this time so we stayed home to catch up on laundry, chores at home and a little fun before our next adventure. 

I am so lucky AJ and GJ enjoy afternoon tea on our travels!

Washington, DC — Friday, June 4

Early Friday morning we sailed on the Spirit of Mt.Vernon from Washington, D. C. 16 miles south to Mt. Vernon, the beautiful estate of George Washington.  We thoroughly enjoyed this all-day outing.

(photos above)

I spied several tea pots and tea sets in various rooms at Mt. Vernon. Did you know George and Martha Washington were avid tea drinkers?

After dinner at Fogo De Chao, a fun Brazilian Steakhouse, we walked to the White House. 

"Temporary" extra barricades were set up around the back side of the WH while we were there  to prevent people from getting as close as usual.  We watched as children and dogs (including a black dog) came out and played on the lawn as adults were strolled nearby.  I zoomed and snapped photos, but decided not to post them here.   During the 15 to 20 minutes of the playtime, extra guards and sharp shooters were out  and about on the roof and the lawn.  Makes you wonder who was out strolling and playing on the lawn, doesn't it?  After they went back into the WH, we walked arount to the front entrance before returning to our hotel for the evening.   

If you missed my post yesterday of the Mayflower Hotel Afternoon Tea, be sure to take a look at it.  It was a delightful afternoon tea.  The men in the family really enjoyed it!