Last Full Day in DC

The ZOO. That is truly all that needs to be said. That was the first stop today, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The Pandas are true hams, they knew that there pictures were being taken and played up to the camera. They climbed trees, rolled on their backs and had a great time. Then it was on to the Cheetah exhibit where we learned that female cheetahs do not play well with other females. Fortunately the girls in this 6th grade class are not like that. They generally get along well with each other.

On the way to the Zoo we drove down Embassy Row, so that the students could find their countries. After the Zoo we had a picnic lunch in the bus on the way to the Museum of American History. There we found something for everyone to enjoy. There was pop culture in the form of Dale Earnhardt's helmet, and C3PO from Star Wars. There was Roberto Clemente's uniform from the Pittsburgh Pirates, and First Lady Dresses.

We were ahead of schedule after we finished there so we voted and went to the Museum of Natural History. The girls were just enthralled with the "Hope Diamond", and all the other jewels on display. The boys loved the dinosaur exhibit, as well as the Mummy.

After that we went to Johnny Rockets to eat. The kids got a lesson in how to tip a waitress, and grasped the concept really well.

Then it was off to see "The Einstein Statue". The kids climbed all over him, like he was a monkey. We all hope that Mr. Einstein didn't mind, we realize he is famous and intelligent, but he also makes a really good climbing structure.

The final ride around the city was both exciting and sad all at the same time. We were all sad to leave, but also the tug of home is pulling.

All the chaperones agree that these kids have been fantastic. They are all respectful, and very polite. At no point in time have we been embarrassed by the way this class acts. Going into breakfast yesterday the man who runs our motel told us that we were the quietest group of school children that he has ever hosted. Granted it is a small class, but they are also well behaved, respectful, know how to act in public. This trip has been a joy for all that are on it.

I hope that this blog has allowed all of the families at home to keep up with what we are doing, and enjoy the trip from afar. We thank you for allowing us to spend this week in Washington, DC with your children. They learned a lot, and we learned a lot from them