September 5 or Kayaking on the Potomac

Something that is unique about a big city is that it never gets dark. When I turn the lights off at night, orange city light still streams in from my windows. In the morning, the light streams in and hits my face at about 8:30 (we have west-facing windows). So even if I wanted to sleep in, the city forbids it. The city demands my full attention and the sun slaps me across the face if I try to sleep through my obligation to explore it.

The good news is, despite all of the forces of the universe being against us, we did actually get to sleep in today until about 8:30.

About an hour later we walked down to the Watergate, turned right at Rock Creek Park and went kayaking on the Potomac! (Thanks for the tip Andrea!)

It was so fun! It wasn’t too hot, it wasn’t too crowded, the water wasn’t too cold, and we weren’t too stupid to figure out the kayak! It was great to see all of the rowers and the rest of the tourists out there. It was only $5 a person and we had a great time.

Afterward, a bunch of people went to the flea market, but I stayed home. I relaxed, ate a nice lunch and took a shower to wash off the splashes of Potomac before they burned away my skin (the Potomac is pretty polluted).

When I was nice and ready, I walked down to the Metro and went to the Smithsonian museum of American History.

I really like the Smithsonians. Now that I’m older, I can really appreciate the quality exhibits. And I have been very impressed.

Today I went to an exhibit about the office of President of the United States (or POTUS). It was fascinating. I read everything I was interested in and enjoyed every second. One of my favorite exhibits so far.

Stephanie met up with me in the museum because her husband had to come to the city to work overtime for a trial next week. We also went to an exhibit about all of the wars the U.S. has fought in (not as cool as the presidents), and a small exhibit about Abraham Lincoln. That one was interesting. I bet my brother would have really liked it.

We wandered the mall for a little while, went inside the Smithsonian castle (much prettier on the outside), and then went to the museum of natural history.

Now, I was prepared to be unimpressed with the museum of natural history. Usually it’s a bunch of stuffed animals and wax figures hunched over building fires.

What a silly thing to think. I should have known better.

It was great! There was a cool exhibit on forensic anthropology, or basically solving mysteries based on skeletons. They excavated one of the first colonial towns (started in the early 1600s) and had many of the skeletons there to look at and “interpret.” It was so cool!

I thought that I would just walk through the museum and be satisfied. But I only saw one exhibit, and I have got to go back. The Smithsonian is great because there is so much to do. There are interactive exhibits, movie clips, songs from the time period, touch screens, and other activities to keep all ages happy and interested.

The best thing about my Smithsonian experience is that I’m in no hurry. I don’t have to see all of the museums in one day, I can take weeks. And I have. I do each museum in stages and I love it. I spend quality time with one exhibit and then I leave and do something else.

After the Smithsonian, Steph and Jake went home and I went to meet some friends from the Barlow at ESPN zone to watch the BYU/Oklahoma game.

The customer service was fantastic and they didn’t kick us out even when more and more people came who just wanted to watch without buying anything. None of us expected to win so we were all thrilled when we did. What an upset! Granted, their star quarterback got injured early on and that definitely helped our chances, but it was still a big deal. When we got possession in the last minute all twenty of us stood up and sung the BYU fight song. We all knew it and we were all clapping. We got some weird looks, but some people told us that they admired our enthusiasm. The funny thing is, none of us were drunk, although I think most of the people thought we were.

A BYU dad and his son came and found us after we finished the song. The little kid looked like he was on cloud nine. Heck, we were on cloud nine. We practically floated home.

Since tomorrow is Fast Sunday, I bet two guys in our group that the game will be mentioned over the pulpit at least once. I bet it will be mentioned in your wards, too… it was nothing short of a miracle…

Near Key bridge. Georgetown university peeking over the trees.

Attempted self-portrait. I didn't realize the camera was zoomed in so much, but it turned out to be cool anyway (look at the reflection in my sunglasses)

Real self-portrait, kayaking on the Potomac.

The tree-lined banks are BEAUTIFUL. The trees simply don't grow like that in Utah.

Abby and Rachel with Virginia (I think... it actually might be Maryland. I'm not sure...) in the background.

Addressing the American people at the Smithsonian. I was giving FDR's "nothing to fear but fear itself" speech

Wow. That's all I can say.

Caution. Pfft. We don't need no stinkin caution.

The Smithsonian actually has two buckled steel columns from the World Trade Center. I couldn't believe it.

My hand next to a molding of Abraham Lincoln's. We are pretty close!

This picture is for my brother. Lincoln looked like he aged a lot when he got into office.

The famous Smithsonian castle. Nothing much inside but the 3-judge American Idol desk and a pile of rubble that was used in the Night at the Museum movie.

Creepy.

The beautiful old post office building at sunset.

Watching the game at ESPN zone.

Hard to see, but the BYU fan section was packed! Standing room only. I'm surprised they treated us so well, I'm sure some people thought we were annoying.

I think this was right when OK missed the 50-yard field goal.