Category: Journal (Page 1 of 912)

We started the day yesterday at the White House, then headed to Ford’s Theater. I learned something new: There were comedians in the 1800’s, and Abraham Lincoln had a favorite one:

What do you suppose comedy was like back then? If I remember, I’ll search for that on the internet.

Our next stop was Arlington Cemetery, which included going to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Our stop at the National Gallery was cool. I don’t remember if I’ve been there before. They have the originals of things I’ve seen a hundred times:

There was also a painting by Da Vinci. Cool!

Next, we went to the Air and Space museum. They had another original – a model of the Enterprise used in the filming of Star Trek:

In the evening, we went to more monuments. First was the Vietnam Memorial. The kids had written thank you notes to specific soldiers. They found their names on the wall and left the notes for them. It was cool.

We also visited the Lincoln Memorial.

And the World War II Memorial.

Our guide told us the story of the “Kilroy was here” graffiti. I had seen it as a kid, but never knew it was from World War II. He showed us a hidden spot on the memorial where they put it:

By the time we were done, it was late, and we were tired, but it was a great day!

We started the day yesterday by driving to Thomas Jefferson’s house. I can’t remember the last time I was there, but it was a long time ago.

He was always experimenting with things. I liked his built-in bed nook. It was between two rooms. He could roll left into his office, or roll right into his bedroom.

His actual lute was on display. I could have reached out and touched it.

There was some sheet music laid out on the keyboard. I took a picture of it so I could look at it more closely later and see if I know it.

He was tall! Here’s a life-size statue:

Next, we went to George Washington’s house.

It was a little disappointing, because it was being renovated, but we did get to see the original floor beams. Not many people can say that!

The back yard was inaccessible to us because it was being prepped for a party. Interesting. I wonder how much it costs to rent George Washington’s yard.

Next, we went into DC to see some monuments. The Jefferson Memorial was first.

I was fascinated by how many hair accessories there were in the floor.

We also went to FDR and MLKjr, which are along the Tidal Basin. It was a little harder to stay together in the dark, but it made for some nice pictures.

It was a late-to-bed night last night. Hopefully we all can keep up today!

our morning started off early. After a few snags, we were on the plane to DC. It was Alaska Airlines. They serve Biscoff cookies…. Mmm…

When we arrived at Dulles airport, we joined up with the school we’re traveling with. Then we got on a bus to the Pentagon.

We saw the 9/11 memorial. It was beautiful, but sad.

It was already getting late by then, so we went to dinner. At Golden Corral. I know, right? I haven’t been to a Golden Corral in forever! Here was my first plate:

Here was my second plate:

My third thing was dessert. It was a caramel sundae. I didn’t get a picture of it.

After that, it was off to the hotel, and almost straight to bed. We have an early morning today, and we’ll be crazy busy.

I’m leaving today for the eighth grade trip to DC and New York. I’m so excited! But preparing for it was difficult. Yesterday I stayed late after school to finish my lesson plans for this coming week. Whew!

One of the plans involves the DVD player, so I had to take a picture to show my co-workers the switch that changed the projector from computer to DVD.

Hopefully the sub plans will go well. There won’t be much I can do about it once I’m thousands of miles away…

I’m a little nervous about flying today. I didn’t buy these tickets, so I don’t know where my seat is. Hopefully I won’t have any panicky feelings…

Shortly after the youth group auction I attended a month ago, the youth minister stopped by my classroom and said I was the second bidder on a handmade wooden cross. She asked if I would be willing to pay the winning bid amount for a second cross that the woodworker would make for me. Of course I said yes.

And then I promptly forgot about it.

Yesterday, one of the kids came to my room with the completed cross. It’s beautiful!

I should find out what different kinds of wood it’s made from. The center cross is purple. So cool! I will hang it in my classroom.