Day 2--The Monuments

Today, Tuesday March 31st, was supposed to be the warmest day of the week so we decided to spend the day outside seeing the monuments and memorials. It did turn out to be even warmer than we expected. So sunny, in fact, that we all ended up with a sunburn by the day's end.

We started out the day at Ford's Theatre where Abraham Lincoln was shot while sitting in the box watching a show. Then we went across the street to see where he died the next day. The outside of the theatre is original, but the inside has been redone, although restored to the period furnishings.

Eric and the kids next to the Lincoln bust inside Ford's Theater

The outside of Ford's Theater

This was the box where Lincoln was seated when he was shot. John Wilkes Boothe, his assassin, jumped down from the box, said a line, and ran across the stage out the back door. Most people thought the line was a part of the play because Boothe was a well-known actor in the area. It wasn't until Mary screamed that people realized there was a problem.

Jarem sitting on the steps (oops) across the street from Ford's Theater while we waited in line to get into the home where Lincoln died. They took him to a home across the street to be nursed through the night and he died the following morning.

We then walked by the White House to get pictures. You can't get tours anymore unless you know someone, so we just got pictures from the outside. Tessa had really wanted to see it.

Here's a shot with my camera inside the bars.

Next, we headed to the paddle boats. We had promised the kids that they could ride the paddle boats today since it was to be the warmest day of the week. There were 4 and 2-person paddle boats, so we split up and Jesikah and I took the 2-person while Eric and the other 3 kids took the 4-person boat. As it turned out, the boats were the same size, but we weren't allowed to exchange passengers. The paddle boat area is in a portion of the Potomac River that is sectioned off. It is right next to the Jefferson monument and the area is completely surrounded with blooming cherry trees. It was very enjoyable.

A picture of the capitol on the way to the paddle boats

Another picture of the cherry blossoms

Alex with Jarem on his back...Jarem had a bit of a hard time with all the walking, so Eric carried him on his shoulders quite often. Here Alex is taking a turn.

A picture of the Thomas Jefferson monument from the paddle boats

Jesikah and I paddling away with our legs already burning...:) I love that Eric got the monument in the background of the picture.

Eric and the rest of the gang in their boat. Jarem was determined to have his turn pedaling, so here he is pedaling with a little help from Alex.

The Washington monument from the boats...see all the cherry trees

There were a lot of policeman on horses in Washington DC. Here, Tessa just had to pet the horse who's name was "Carrot".

After a lunch break, we headed on to the 3 1/2 mile loop around the monuments. This is the Jefferson monument. Do you recognize any of those people on the steps?

How about now?

Jesikah and Alex both took the time to read Jefferson's quotes on the walls. They were all very inspirational.

A closer look at Jefferson and the ceiling

Taking a break at the Franklin Roosevelt monument...the kids enjoyed touching the water and resting for a minute.

Jesikah relaxing by the water

On to the Lincoln Monument

Heading up the steps to the monument at the center bottom you will see Eric with the kids.

Lincoln sitting inside the monument

Jarem on one of the pillars inside...probably shouldn't have been there, but since he had already climbed up I figured I might as well get a picture before taking him down.

Everyone looking at the Washington monument and reflecting pond

Jarem's fair complexion had had enough sun for the day, so when we walked through the sunny parts, I would put his jacket hood over his face while holding his had and guiding him. He liked it and thought it was an adventure.

Well, the kids were great all day even though we walked A LOT, so we rewarded them with ice cream before heading back to the hotel. Jarem was THRILLED about his SpongeBob popsicle. This is probably one of my favorite pictures of the trip.

Everyone enjoyed a nice ice cream break before heading back. Today, the kids favorite thing was the paddle boats, although the White House was a close second for Tessa.