Wednesday, May 11

This morning began with a trip to breakfast in Crystal City, VA before heading over to the Air Force memorial overlooking the Pentagon and Washington DC.  While there, the students were given the opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by our military and then chose to serve them through letters we wrote to them.  Then it was off to the Supreme Court where we were able to see where our laws are interpreted.  Next was a trip over to the Library of Congress Jefferson Building to see a few books, including Jefferson’s personal library and some very old bibles. 

After a short walk to the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, we enjoyed lunch and had time to explore the exhibits before taking in an IMAX film on the Hubble Telescope.  Our journey to the American History Museum took us through the Sculpture Garden, which we were able to explore and admire.  The remainder of the afternoon was spent in the American History Museum where we explored many of the elements that have contributed to our nation.

We were able to visit Pentagon City mall for differ and a bit of shopping before heading back to the Lincoln Monument, the Einstein statue, then arriving at the Kennedy Center just in time to enjoy watching the sunset over the Potomac River from the rooftop terrace.  Our trip back into Alexandria was full of reflection and fun, leading to a wonderful bible study with Pastor Larry.

Air Force Memorial

Paige leading Morning Devotions

Air Force Memorial

Serving others, writing letters of thanks to military

Today we went to the Air Force Memorial.  It consisted of three huge curved beams going out from each other.  It was a truly beautiful sight.  There was also a memorial for all fo the fallen soldiers.  People had put their own pictures to remember their loved ones.  Walking through the memorial made me feel proud but the memorial of the fallen solders saddened and angered me.  Overall, I enjoyed this memorial.

--Derek

Supreme Court

Supreme Court Building

The minute I walked into the Supreme court I was blown away by the beautiful architecture.  It had a simple elegance that can’t be duplicated.  I couldn’t believe that 80 out of 10,000 cases were accepted each year.  It was something I will never forget.

--Lilah

Library of Congress

Photo Opt. in the Library of Congress

At the Library of Congress we say many statues.  They all had different meanings and jobs.  It had a huge painting of twelve countries like a clock.  America was at 11 o’clock with the achievements of science.  Judea was up there with the achievement of religion.  The whole painting was above the library which is one of the biggest.  Also during exams it is packed with people studying, but it wasn’t today while we were visiting.

--Sam

Air and Space Museum

Still having fun!

The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum was a blast.  I can’t even explain how extravagant it all was.  I learned so much and didn’t even know was possible.  I couldn’t walk away without being intrigued by something amazing.

--Lilah

Smithsonian Museum of American History

Museum is now closed, we got kicked out, time to go to dinner

Today we went to the beautiful and huge American History Museum.  There was so many different exhibits!  My personal favorite was the one with all the dresses of the new First Ladies ant their husband’s inaugural ball.  I enjoyed the exhibit called “treasures of Popular Culture.”  It included a hat of Michael Jackson, the Burt and Ernie puppets, cat women’s costume, Simba’s Mask from the Lion King, Nastia Liukin’s leotard from  when she won the gold metal, and Dorthy’s famous ruby red sparkling slippers from the Wizard of Oz.  The museum also included Julia Child’s kitchen set from her TV show.  There is so much history and I’m glad we have such a wonderful place to store it all!

--Maddy

Lincoln Memorial

Today we saw the Lincoln Memorial!  It was absolutely stunning!  Wendel, our bus driver, about how the 58 steps leading up to his 56 years of his life and the extra two steps represent the 2 terms as president.  We also learned that martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a Dream speech” there.  The two speeches on the walls were his Inauguration Speech and the other was the Gettysburg Address.  We learned that half of his face was partially frowning to represent his dissatisfaction.  Also his hands show how to sign his name in Sign Language.  Overall this was an awesome memorial that we learned a lot of new stuff about.

--Alyssa