Best. Day. Ever.

I didn't get a picture taken (battery was dead) but Saturday was one of the best family days we've ever had. We drove up to DC to go to the temple (which didn't happen because we were up all night with a crying baby/toddler), go to the National Mall, and spend an evening with my grandma.

I love living 2.5 hours from DC. I love that my sister Sarah lives in DC (as of now, soon she'll be in Palestine). I love that our taxes pay for museums and parks and monuments.

This is what we did on Saturday:

1. Toured the sculpture garden on the National Mall. 4 years ago, almost to the day, Ken and I had a picnic lunch in this sculpture garden. Fun fact about Ken: he loves Rodin, and sculptures, and art. And there are some amazing Rodin pieces by Rodin in the sculpture garden, among many other amazing sculptures.

2. Visited the Air and Space Museum. We love learning about the history of flight and space. The boys and I had a fantastic discussion about war and why we go to war, and fighting in war and I think they grasped a little bit of the sacrifice of people, and the struggle of our country and world during WWI and WWII. Ken's grandpa Otho flew a B-17 bomber in WWII and we've always had a reverence for air flight during that time period.

3. After a quick lunch, the kids and Ken threw a frisbee up and down the National Mall. The weather was perfect, and I couldn't help feeling a swell of love for my family and country as I watched my family toss a frisbee back and forth with the Capitol and the Washington Monument in the background. I think that is the type of activity L'Enfant envisioned when he designed this area.

4. Took the kids to the National Art Gallery. To see more Rodin. After first we thought we'd leave the kids outside with me while Ken went to see the Rodin, but I want my kids to experience and appreciate art. They were reverent and respectful in the gallery, which - by the way - is a stunningly beautiful building. I didn't expect to see the art touch my children so much. I caught Otho's head cocked sideways as he inspected a painting or a sculpture. His eye would catch something in the next room, and he had to go look. I could feel Otho connect to the art on a deeper level, and I cannot wait for him to go back again and again. I hope he, and all of my kids, grow up with an appreciation for art. Fun Fact: Riley would go up to the statue's feet and say, "Tickle, tickle, tickle" as she tried to tickle each statue. Oh my, that was the funniest thing I've ever seen in a museum.

5. We spent some time at the Natural History Museum. Otho lead the way to show Ken the mummy exhibit, because mummies and Egypt are his favorite. Ellie loved to see the jewelry (especially the Hope Diamond). Riley roared at all of the stuffed animals. And Abe wrapped his brain around the ideas of evolution and evolving. That museum screams "Johnson Family" because we are natural history buffs!

6. Foot sore and oh so tired (I carried a sleeping Riley in my arms all day, even as she slept for two hours. I don't like strollers, so I carry), we hiked on over to the Washington Monument. We didn't go up, but from the Washington Monument you can see the Capitol Building, the White House, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. Abe was especially excited to see the Lincoln Memorial, even if only from afar. We talked about how people will go to the Lincoln Memorial to protest injustices in our country, to show Congress that we need a change, and how with our government change can, and does happen. And that's what makes America great. Abraham Lincoln stood for that, and we, as Americans, should always stand up for the right thing. I hope they remember that lesson. I hope they live that lesson.

7. After a long day, we were able to celebrate my Grandma Whittle's birthday. As wonderful as living near all these museums are, it is even more wonderful to live near family. We love getting to know Grandma Whittle better (Ellie calls her "my new Grandma") and seeing her all the time. We just wish it were more often.

Sorry there aren't any pictures, but I had to write the events of this day down. Not just to make all ya'll jealous (although I so know I am) but to help me remember the importance of days like today. Spending time with family. Learning about our amazing country, and feeling a surge of patriotism in my heart. Appreciating the arts and sciences. This is part of the foundation for which our joy springs forth.

...and I promise I will post pictures soon. Of Bethany Beach, Wisconsin, the county fair, Monticello, and much, much more. School starts in two days, and although I am sad and miss my boys already, I will hopefully have more time to blog and write and be me.