Tags
baby wearing, kids, road trip, tourist, travel, Washington DC
WOW. Our sweet boys continue to blow me away. I am amazed by their knowledge. I am amazed by their interest. And I am amazed by their endurance (Those first few stats up there…that would be the miles we have covered in two days and the steps I have taken….I can’t imagine how many they have taken!) These kids rock. At one point today, TT Magee said, “I really like this vacation, but I could use a bench.” So we rested. Another time, we bribed B-Chilly with ice cream if he would agree to not walk ALL the way to the Jefferson Memorial (we waved to President Jefferson…from across the way instead…it’s a REALLY long walk.) The boys had an amazing day learning about our country’s history (and going on their first Metro ride…oh, how I LOVE the Metro and being in a pedestrian city!)
After the metro ride, we exited the station to see the Washigton Monument. The boys were awestruck (good thing I didn’t get tickets to go up inside…TT Magee wanted NO part in going in it). Lunch by the monument with the White House in the back ground…
We talked about the civil war, and how the war changed the face of the United States, and that even with all of those changes we are still facing national struggles on a daily basis that have to do with Race, Gender, and a slew of other differences. Brac told asked me earlier, “What makes people see people in such a bad way, Mommy?” I told him that sometimes people just don’t like to accept others for their differences. He said, “well, I like people. And I don’t care if we are different.” I hope he will always accept the differences he sees in other people. But more than that, I hope that he will continue to ask questions and have the hard conversations. (At this point I have a very close relationship with ‘Siri’ because he has mastered the art of asking really hard questions.)
Thanks to the National Junior Ranger program, we talked about the role of women in wars, we talked about why people go to war, and we talked about how many people sacrifice their own lives to help us have the freedom that we have. We also talked about the civilians who lose their lives and the way that war impacts so many people.
We visited an old family friend at the Vietnam War Memorial and talked about how BopBop’s (grandpa Buffa) life was forever changed because of his time serving with Wilson F. Halley, who lost his life while they were serving. The boys said their Thank Yous and paid their respects. We have now visited this place twice…and I can honestly say that Chris feels the connection between his dad and Mr Halley. It’s so special to be able to say “hello” when we are here.
One of the things we have loved about having our boys at a Montesori school is the focus on the world around them. Starting with the global world and going inward to the personal world. It’s the opposite of they way most children learn. Our boys could name the continents and many countries long before they could say their address. With that learning, comes a strong interest in landmarks, and features of different places. We knew before starting our adventures that the boys had some places that they really wanted to see in person. The Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, and the War memorials were on the list. They both love learning about presidents…and dreaming that some day, they might become one. One of the questions on the Junior Ranger paper was something about “what is the presidents job?”, both boys said something to to the effect of…to make the country a better place. Because In their eyes…it is just that simple…
Our last stop today was the Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Although not a long tour…it was fascinating to see all of the money! (Not to mention it was a GREAT respite from 8 hours in 100 degree temperatures…here’s to Air Conditioned museums and a capital tour tomorrow!)
Overall…this day was amazing…ending it with a pretty big storm that hit just before we got to our campsite…feeling blessed with a dry tent…sweet boys…and a wonderful hubby at the end of this day.