Ben began our day by doing a picture of a rocket for us - and then informed us it would be a Russian rocket by putting CCCP on it, and adding a red flag. The things he is taking in astound us.
We headed out to see Ford's Theatre and the National Spy Museum today, but surprisingly we didn't leave Ford's until 4pm! It was a great museum - cared for and operated by National Parks - so naturally the kids completed their ranger badge booklets there.
I went thinking, "Really, it was the theatre where Lincoln was assassinated ... we go in, we see his balcony seat, we go out." However, there were lots of displays of stories leading up to assassination, artefacts and evidence, as well as a tour through Petersen house across the street where he was taken and died 9 hours later. The interpretive centre located across the street explored Lincoln's legacy and the concept of freedom and was really well done.
We headed off for a church service at the Church of the Holy City, only to find they were in recess until September 9th. So, we found ourselves at an Ethiopian restaurant for dinner - it was fabulous and we were so warmly welcomed by the owner who hugged each of the kids and personally came over to share with us how to eat an Ethiopian meal (and to let us know that the lamb came from Australia!) We had to fight the kids for the food as they tucked into dahl, collard greens, cabbage and carrot, lamb and chicken. A wonderful day!
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| Ford's Theatre - still an operating theatre today |
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| The Presidential balcony where Lincoln enjoyed his last show |
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| inside the theatre - ornate ceiling |
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| kids waiting for dad to finish baiting the volunteer docent about American history - something that is quickly becoming a sport for Ken! (K: I mean _really_ ... claiming that Britain and "Queen Elizabeth" wanted the Union to lose the Civil War "because they hated democracy"! Can you blame me?) |
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| A tower of books all with the subject of Lincoln |
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| being sworn in as Rangers |
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| A most excellent Ethiopian meal! |
