We headed downtown yesterday to check out the National Archives. While the line was filled with 4 million 4th-8th graders, the wait was worth it. We got to see the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The exhibit was crowded and noisy, we look forward to coming back during the fall or winter to spend more time looking around. 

All jazzed up on American History, we decided to stop by the Capitol and see if we could get a walk-up ticket for a tour. Fortunately we snagged a couple of tickets without having to wait long. The tour took us into the Rotunda and the old House of Representatives chamber.

(This is (a) the ceiling in the Capitol Rotunda or (b) our apartment -- you vote)

We learned a few fun facts and enjoyed the two areas of the Capitol we were privy to, however overall we were disappointed. We figured we would be able to see some functioning part of the building. After the tour we wandered over to the Library of Congress. To our pleasant surprise, the Library of Congress was awesome. It was such an impressive building, filled with beautiful artwork, mosaics, and intricate carvings. We highly recommend visiting the L.O.C., if you are in town

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(Library of Congress)

We watched the movie "Blue Valentine" last night. It had some Oscar nominations so we figured we would give it a try. It wasn't bad but it wasn't good either, not much happened. The actors were good, but overall, we recommend giving it a pass.

It is Sunday so of course "it's meet the press". After watching Newt throw his hat in the Presidential race, we headed to Eastern Market for some produce and treats. It was a beautiful morning/afternoon, with the sun making it a little on the warm side. We grabbed a shrimp po'boy from a vendor and then picked out some good produce for the week. Now this is Ben's domain, he is in charge of all food related decisions. While Ben picks out the produce, Kelly focuses on trying as many free samples as possible. Before leaving we stopped by the bakery for our treat of the day. Kelly had a cannoli that was out of this world. It was one of those treats that you grieve once it is gone.

 



(Eastern Market)



(Ben's wedding band search is over)

(puffer fish)

Thats is it for Sunday. After the market, we watched a little NBA playoff action and called it a weekend. Ben starts his new J-O-B tomorrow,bringing to a close our "vacation".

We saw some interesting/beautiful yards in the neighborhood, thought we would share...

(Wildlife - DC style)

(Kelly looking for bees)

(Random bear in our neighbor's yard -- we really think this speaks for itself)