Day 5--Hot but Satisfying

Day 5 of our trip = 2nd day in D.C. + lots of walking in the hot, hot sun! But it was really a great day!

Luckily, not such an early start today with no driving involved. We couldn't get on the metro until 9:30 a.m. {They restrict it for the day pass people to let commuters have the run of things early in the morning.} so we took things easy, had a quick breakfast, and then headed out for our second day in D.C. We knew we were in for a hot one when the sun was beating down on us as we walked to the metro station from our parking stall clear at the end of the parking lot. But what else did we expect for D.C. in August. Bring it on!

As planned, we started out in the Museum of American History and it was certainly a good call to save that for this morning. We were there long enough to spend a couple hours looking at exhibits

eat lunch in the cafe

and hit a few more exhibits before heading out to the monuments.

We made our way to the Washington Monument

and prepared ourselves for a long walk.

We saw the WWII Monument and the kids were able to dip their feet for a minute or two.

Then down the {sort of} shady walk to the Lincoln Monument. Olivia was really excited to see this one at the beginning of the day, as it reminded her of her favorite line from Night at the Museum Two--"Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah, I never lie" spoken by the Lincoln monument. But by the time we made it there, she wasn't interested in ANYTHING except getting out of the heat. I don't think she even saw the monument. Hopefully she will appreciate it in pictures.

Then back past the Vietnam Memorial

and over to see the White House

before making our way back to the American History cafe for the motivating ice cream.

The kids decided that walking all the way to the Capitol for a picture was just too much to ask, so we opted for a picture in the middle of the mall with the Capitol in the background. Good enough after a long day.

Then on to the subway for one last trip home. Not QUITE so crowded as last night, but still standing room only. This time I snapped a couple shots--one waiting for the train and one before departing.

Then home for dinner, a quick swim, and off to bed. Another full day today. So glad we gave D.C. two days. Now hitting the road again tomorrow for the next leg of the trip.

TRIP TIP # 8 Take really good walking shoes on vacation. There's lots and lots of walking!

TRIP TIP #9 Put your patience on! It's always needed on vacation. The kids have been pretty good on this trip; but there has been our fair share of convincing them they can make it {on long walks, among other things} as well as gentle "reminders" to leave each other alone or have a good attitude. Isn't family life great!