Sunday at the Smithsonian and the D.C. Temple

Today was a Smithsonian day. We had most of the morning and afternoon to spend, but it was still hard to choose, considering you could spend multiple days and still not come close to seeing everything.

We knew for sure we wanted to visit the National Archives. Melissa, Rachel and I had been there before but the rest had not. Dad's engineering firm primarily works on storage and retrieval systems for big companies. Many years ago he helped design the system that stores, retrieves and keeps secure, the Declaration of Independence. So we specifically wanted to see that document and have Daddy tell us all about how the whole thing works. It was fascinating. And should I admit how giddy I got when I saw Alexander Hamilton's signature on the Constitution? The "Hamilton" soundtrack was playing on repeat through my head this whole trip.

(We weren't allowed to take pictures inside so a shoe shot on the floor mat was gonna have to do...)

The Pride Parade was taking place along the street parallel the National Mall and Smithsonian buildings, which made for big crowds of very colorfully dressed people. In order to get to the National Archives, we ended up walking in the parade for a block or so as we made our way across the street. It was fascinating to see it all, and such fun to be a part of it in a small way...even if it was just to get from point A to B.

It was HOT. And very humid. We stopped for a frozen lemonade and to rest our weary soles a bit.

And then after some discussion, decided on the National History Museum and the American History Museum. (Foregoing the Air and Space and American Art Museums. Mom still regrets missing the Art Museum. Clearly we'll have to go back someday.)

The rocks and gemstones in the National History Museum were incredible. I wished Lilian could've been there to see it with me. And of course a favorite in the American History Museum was the First Ladies Inaugural Ball gowns and White House china patterns. But also the original American flag that Francis Scott Key wrote the National Anthem about in the War of 1812. When I was here on a previous trip, they were restoring the flag and you could see workers on a scaffolding of sorts above the flag, lying on their bellies as they leaned down with their tools to carefully clean and repair it. Now it is finished and on display under special lights, with a video that shows that restoration. I'm glad I was able to see the work in person all those years ago.

After meeting back up with the rest of the group, we made our way back to the hotel to change into our concert blacks, and then traveled to the Washington DC Temple. Wow. I'd heard that it is quite the sight as you come around a specific spot on the Beltway, but again, wow. The way it suddenly seems to just appear all majestic like...beautiful. We had the opportunity to sing a fireside at the Temple Visitor's Center as our final performance of the trip. What a neat experience that was.

Up next: The choir tour ends but the family continues on to Richmond, VA and day trips to Monticello and Mount Vernon