Washington DC field trip, part 2

 This was a flying trip (we had about a day and a half) but since everything we wanted to see is so close together, we were able to see an amazing amount in that short time.

 We ALL loved the conservatory at the Botanical Gardens. They had a display of all the major buildings, constructed out of all natural material like bark and pine cones. Amazing!

 We hadn't planned to visit the Museum of Natural History, but I'm glad we did. Evolutionary content abounds, but the Hall of Mammals and the Ocean Hall were spectacular.

 Z Man and Easter Island friend.

 The Library of Congress was stunning. Easily the most elaborate building we saw. Tile mosaics everywhere, murals, stained glass. Stunning.

 On display is one of only three perfect Gutenberg Bibles in the world. Their other bibles, most hand-lettered and painted, can be explored using the interactive display.

 Moses oversees the research room along with Shakespeare, Plato, Heroditus and others.

Look, this is where Riley and Ben sat in National Treasure!

With just a couple hours left until we had to leave, we decided to split up. Mark and the boys went to the Air and Space museum, which they all LOVED, and I went to the National Gallery. All I could do was thank God for allowing me to be there. I saw Rembrandts, Vermeers, Monets, Van Goghs, and the only Leonardo DaVinci painting in the western hemisphere - oh, it was glorious. Overwhelming. In a good way. We can't wait to go back!