Thursday, May 12

Thursday began with breakfast at our hotel before heading to Mount Vernon to see the home of George Washington.  We toured the mansion, the grounds and explored the museum dedicated to our first president.  After lunch we made our way back to DC to visit the World War II memorial and see the live butterfly experience at the Museum of Natural history.  Next, we snuck our way over to the International Spy Museum where the students became experts at espionage.  We concluded our day with the Evensong service at the National Cathedral.  Back at the hotel, we enjoyed pizza and cake (in honor of Maddy’s birthday) before swimming and devotions.  Another amazing day!

Mount Vernon

Today we went to the beautiful Mount Vernon!  This is where George Washington’s beautiful mansion lay.  Where better to have the home of such a wonderful man that is overlooking the Potomac River.  We also visited George’s grave.  It was so cool how it was just right there and not heavily guarded.  It was so amazing and one of my favorite places yet!

--Maddy

World War II Memorial

At the World War II memorial  which was beautiful and full of many fountains and pillars for states and territories.  The art and architecture was exquisite but we still had a sense of sadness yet also peace.  It was beautiful and extremely meaningful.

--Michelle

Spy Museum

Today we went to the International Spy Museum.  It tells all about the secret history of our history.  The museum contains interactive stations and include real espionage artifacts like camcorders in a button or voice recorder as thin as a human hair.  There was also information about ninja spies and real spies impacting wars.  We were assigned to a “cover” to be for the museum without being suspicious.  Altogether it was very fun and informative and we all got cool spy gear.  We loved it.

--Paige

Evensong at National Cathedral

The White House

The White House was built in the year 1792.  It has housed every president since it was built.  But our current White house is not the same one that housed the first four presidents.  During the war of 1812, the White House and all of Washington DC burnt down.  For the British had set our capital city on fire  The new (current) White House as built in the year 1817.  Today they hold meetings about subjects such as money currency, war decisions, and peace treaties.  The White house even has it’s own theater. 

--Charles